The hard work of fundraising

Fundraising is a lot of work. It's hard work, tiresome work and sometimes discouraging work.

But what is the "work" of fundraising? Is it making calls, networking in churches, sending thank yous and asking for special gifts? Yes, but there is a much deeper work of fundraising. John tells us about it here:

Then [the crowds] said to Him, "What must we do, to be doing the works of God?" Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent." (John 6:28-29 ESV)

Jesus isn't talking about fundraising explicitly here, but fundraising is certainly included. He tells us that if we're really working for God, the labor that is required is to believe in Jesus. That's a much more difficult thing to do than sending an appeal letter or asking someone for monthly support!

But what does it mean to believe in Jesus?  

It means transferring trust from ourselves to Christ.

It means boldly sharing our mission with important executives because Christ is more important.

It means expecting God to provide this month even when we don't see how.

It means spending as much time praying as we do marketing.

It means not despairing if a donor stops giving because Christ never does.

It means not needing to revise a newsletter for the sixth time because the gospel is for those who make typos.

It means thinking less of our gifts and more of God's Gift.

It means trusting that God will make the things above true of us when they're currently not.