Missions
As a people, we are committed to the missional purpose of the church, and we believe we can win the world to Christ in our lifetime. We haven't checked our brains at the door, but we have rejected cynicism and skepticism. We believe in talking about things that matter to people: their doubts, fears, longings, families, relationships, goals, careers, failures and successes. And we are committed to fleshing out the Gospel and sharing it near and far as long as it takes. We celebrate humanity and worship the God who sent His only Son, Jesus, that the world, through faith in Him, might be saved. Our mission is to share Jesus Christ in our community, in our city, in our state, in our nation, and around the world and as long as we have breath to speak.
If you have any questions about our missions program, or how you can get involved both locally and globally, please contact melody@walkworthymissions.com
Biblical Foundations for Raising Financial Support
The Bible contains numerous examples of both Jesus, His disciples and the Apostles depending on the financial support of others during their ministry. Luke 8:1-3 says, “Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities—Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance.” These women, among others, were paying the expenses for Jesus to travel through the cities “bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God.” Jesus depended on others for support.
In Matthew 10:9-10 Jesus says when sending out the twelve, “Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts, nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs, for a worker is worthy of his food (or support).” He repeats this in Luke 10:7 when he sent out over 70 believers.
Paul paraphrases the same idea in 1 Corinthians 9:14, "In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel." Paul states this again directly in 1 Timothy 5:18, "For the Scripture says, 'Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain,' and 'The worker deserves his wages.'"
In Philippians 4:18, Paul says to the Macedonians about their gifts, “Indeed I have all and abound, I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.”
These examples indicate that seeking the support of other believers is endorsed in the Bible through Jesus' example and instruction, and that supporting the ministry of believers through giving to meet those needs is an acceptable offering to God.
Biblical Attitudes for Fundraising
Here are some attitudes to keep in mind as you seek God for the funds necessary to facilitate your short-term mission trip.
God is the source, not your donors. Any donation is ultimately an offering to the Lord, not to you.
Prayer demonstrates our dependence on God as the source. Just like Nehemiah, we should pray “to the God of heaven” (Nehemiah 2:4) instead of depending on people or our church. God is more interested in our spiritual growth than just meeting a need for funding.
The Bible is the standard for fundraising methods—not ad gimmicks. Just because a method works doesn’t make it right. Be cautious to state your needs, your trust for God's provision and the ministry opportunity clearly and succinctly. Avoid overly-emotional appeals that may distract from the God-centered purpose for the mission.
Biblical fundraising is a spiritual ministry, not a worldly effort to be reluctantly or apologetically endured. We often look at fundraising as secular, having not studied the Bible to find clear examples of supporting one another in ministry. If what we are doing is done in obedience to God, raising funds for it is a spiritual activity.
Receiving support for Kingdom work is biblically sound, but does not entitle you to be pushy or demanding. Don’t expect someone to give just because you have ministered to them in the past. They need to be obedient to God as much as you do.
Expect to raise 100% of the amount you need for the trip. There are enough resources in God’s world to fully supply your need if God has called you to go on a mission trip.
Poor talk dishonors God. Emphasize the greatness of the opportunity, not the greatness of the need. People give because of God’s work in your life and the opportunity, not because they feel sorry for you. Fundraising is not begging!
Focus on the giver, not the money. Paul said in Philippians 4:17, “Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account.” Paul was not preoccupied with the Philippians’ money, but with their spiritual progress. You are looking for partners in God’s ministry in your life.
Take a few moments and ask God to show you if your attitudes are consistent with the Bible before starting the process of raising funds for your mission trip.
