I Invite Anchor Partners

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After a few years in ministry, I was asked to take added responsibilities which included travel. I needed to raise a ton of new support—and soon.

So, I asked the Lord for a few Anchor Partners—those who might give 5-10 times our average gift—$5000-10,000 per year.

$10,000? That’s crazy! Would I lose friends? But with a busy travel year coming up, I didn’t have time to recruit 20-25 smaller partners.

At first, I thought of going to rich people. But I didn’t know Bill Gates! So, I invited a young dentist and his wife who gave $50 monthly and sent an extra gift now and then.

Here’s what I said while sitting with them in their back yard:

“As I’ve said, my responsibilities are increasing—starting in September. We have many faithful monthly giving partners, but to do all that God has called us to do, we need a few giving-partners to anchor our team. May I invite you to be one of them with $5000-10,000 each year?”

I stopped talking. The wife gave a head jerk. “What!” They looked at one another. I felt tense, but I didn’t withdraw my appeal. Then we discussed why Anchor Partners were necessary. I said there was “No obligation, but I want you to know my heart.”

They understood my added responsibilities and the anchor-partner idea. They’d think about it. Soon they gladly said yes!

Year by year a few others also said yes.

What I Learned:

• Anchor partners usually prefer to give annually instead of monthly.

• Anchor partners needn’t be “rich,” just generous. I asked business-owners, doctors, sales people.

• I learned to ask bigger…sooner.

• I ask in-person, sharing my dreams in a non-hurried appointment—not by phone, text or e-mail.

• I do not play favorites—smaller monthly partners provide most of our support.

Prayer: Father in Heaven, you own the cattle on a thousand hills. Please help me to think bigger than I ever have. Who are 5-6 people I can invite as Anchor Partners? Amen