I Don’t Allow Fear to Control my Fundraising

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Despite many seminars, books and online teaching about fundraising today, what is still the biggest obstacle to raising personal support?

FEAR!

Fear of failure, fear of what people think, fear of losing friends. As I have traveled the world teaching Biblical funding, even veteran gospel-workers admit their #1 obstacle is fear.

Me too! Early in my fundraising I couldn’t pull the trigger to ask for support. I asked for prayer instead—much safer.

My Error: I made excuses for not asking:

• They “look” poor.

• They’ve got kids in college.

• The timing isn’t right.

• They’re giving all they can.

But my excuses were a coverup for fear. I froze emotionally when I thought about picking up the phone to set an appointment. Then, by God’s grace, I “accidentally” found Psalm 56:3-4:

“When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. In God whose word I praise, in God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me?”

This Psalm was written by David when being chased by Philistines—and despite being a man of God he had fears! He said, “Not if I am afraid, but when I am afraid.”

What I do: I specifically identify people name-by-name whom I fear to invite for support. I even write their names in my journal. To quote David, “What can mere men [or women] do to me?” Then with sweaty palms, I phone them for an appointment. And they usually say yes!

It is not wrong to have fears. Fear keeps us from venturing near the edge of a cliff. But why should fear control our fundraising? Or keep us from expanding our mailing lists? Or phoning a potential donor because he frowned at me three years ago?

Prayer: Father in Heaven, please help me admit when I’m afraid. No more excuses! I admit my fears, but help me not to live by fear. Amen.