Funding Your Missionary Journey - Part 1

Over the next week, I want to discuss what I consider one of the most difficult parts of mission trip preparation, raising funds for your trip; is it biblical, how do I get over the fear of asking for money, and what should my strategy be for raising funds?

There's a great mission trip coming up and you would love to go!  But, the big question in your mind is, "Where will the money come from?"  First, let me say that I do believe that if God is calling you to go on this trip, then He will provide, but allow me to paraphrase William P. Dillon from his book, People Raising:

“When we step out in faith to raise support for a mission trip, there is more going on here than just acquiring money. We get to see God work in a practical way through stretching the faith of the missionary candidate, keeping God's priority for missions in front of the body of Christ, and stimulating fellowship among believers.”

To begin, let’s look at whether raising financial support is biblical. 

The Scriptures have a great deal to say about finances.  Jesus often spoke about wealth, its use and its abuse.  Did you know there are approximately 700 direct references to finances in the Bible? 

In the Old Testament, there is a pattern for support.  In Numbers 18:21-24, God called the nation of Israel to give a tithe for the support of their "full time" spiritual leaders, and God has never changed that plan.  Then in the New Testament, we see in Luke 8:1-3 the pattern for support illustrated in Jesus' ministry.  He was not embarrassed to receive help from others and allowed them to minister to Him physically and materially.

It was not only Jesus who received this support, but it says, "The twelve were with Him."  The implication was that they were giving themselves fully to the ministry and the people were providing for their needs.  Also, in Matthew 10:5-15 the twelve were sent out by Jesus to preach "the kingdom of Heaven is near."  They were directed to give themselves fully to ministry, not to earn a living, but instead to depend on God's provision through other people.

In Romans 15:4, Paul clearly states, apparently without hesitation, that he expects fellow Christians to help him on his way to Spain.  And again, in Philippians 4:17-19 Paul says, "Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." 

If the Lord has called you to go to the mission field, then it is His plan that you be supported by other Christians.  Also, support raising is itself a ministry.  It is not begging people for money, but a chance for you to share your vision.  People need to be challenged to have a part in the Great Commission through you.  And support raising provides an opportunity for those who support you.   

Clearly Scripture is not silent about finances.  God has supplied His people's needs down through the centuries using others.  And you can be confident that He will supply your every need as well.

Here are some additional verses for your study compiled by the Navigators on Biblical fund raising:
Exodus 25:1-2, 35:4-5
Deuteronomy 14:27, 16:17

1 Samuel 9:7-8

1 Kings 17:1-16

Nehemiah 2:1-8, 13:14

Proverbs 30:7-9

Next time, we will be looking into more specifics of fundraising, so stay tuned.  

 

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to add those to the discussion. I'll try to answer any and all questions as time allows.  God bless you all as you seek His will for your life!


To purchase a copy of William Dillon’s book, People Raising, click HERE

Don't forget to read Part 2 on Funding Your Missionary Journey:

Funding Your Missionary Journey - Part 2