Support-Raising and Ministry Partnership 101
A lot of people have asked about my upcoming service in Austria wanting to know how they can support me. Many people are surprised to find out that I’m tasked with raising financial support for the entirety of my two-year term. Coming from a non-traditional missions background myself, I understand the multitude of questions folks have so this post is all about what it means to develop ministry partners and how folks can support me during my time in Austria.
1. What is support raising/ministry partner development?
A ministry partner is someone who becomes part of this ministry by giving their time, talent, treasure, or ties to support the work I’m doing in Austria. Most missionaries are funded by support raising AKA ministry partner development (MPD), which is the act of asking individuals, families, and groups like churches to partner alongside them in their gospel work.
Personally, I view partnership as a type of ministry in and of itself. It allows for mutual encouragement, spiritual growth, and participation in sharing the love of Christ. I hope each partner understands the beauty and importance of their role as a ministry supporter. No matter how you are investing in me and this ministry, you are a blessing to me and the people of Austria. I want to also be a blessing to you, allowing your faith to grow and flourish by supporting me and witnessing God move through me in Austria.
2. Why raise support?
Most missionaries in the United States are funded by raising support. But aside from being the typical model, support raising is also a biblical way to fund ministry. Jesus knew we would need instruction on how to support ministry, so in Luke 10:1-7 He clearly tells us to go and ask for our needs to be met by God, through the generosity of people we met along the way. Moreover, even Jesus relied on the generosity of his community. Several women gave out of their own means to provide for his needs while he was traveling and sharing the gospel (Luke 8:1-3). If the whole goal of my faith is to be a little more loving, a little more like Christ every day, shouldn’t I too humble myself and follow his pathway for funding ministry?
3. What does my money go towards?
Your gift goes directly toward supporting me and my ministry. Your gift goes toward funding direct ministry expenses like buying curriculum for a college Bible study or sending students to a conference. It also goes towards my salary which enables me to have a modest apartment and life similar to those who I’ll be ministering in Austria. A small portion of your gift also goes towards organizational supports offered by ReachGlobal, like pastors to missionaries and leadership development resources.
4. Is it tax-deductible?
Yes! All gifts made to my ministry are tax deductible because giving is done through my sending organization’s church, the Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA), which is a recognized 501(c)(3) organization.
5. How do I give?
The two primary methods of giving are online or by check.
TO GIVE ONLINE:
Visit my missionary profile on the EFCA website (https://give.efca.org/missionaries/josie-noland-m-2389) *Please note that direct deposit or check is the preferred method of giving because credit companies charge 2-3% on gifts.
TO GIVE BY MAIL:
Checks can be made out to the "EFCA," and the memo should read "Josie Noland 2389." Mailed to:
EFCA
Attn: Donor Services
901 East 78th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55420-1300
OTHER METHODS:
My organization is also able to process gifts in the form of stock shares, commodities, property, IRA distributions/RMD payouts, matching gifts with employers, trusts, charitable gift annuities, and more. If you have questions, please contact [email protected].
6. What if I can’t give $100/month?
Every gift helps! Please don’t ever feel your gift is too small to make an impact. I have people supporting me with a gift of $5/month, all the way up to $200/month, and everywhere in between. It means the world to me that you believe in this ministry and want to support it financially, no matter the dollar amount. In fact, some of the most encouraging partnerships I have are with individuals who gave out of what little excess they have instead of their surplus. We are all called to deny ourselves and pick up our cross to follow Jesus (Matthew 16:24). For me, that looks like sacrificing two years of my career and young adult life to move far from home and share the love of Jesus. For others, it looks like supporting me financially during a challenging season of life. If you want to offer financial support and $100/month feels insurmountable, what amount feels possible for you?
7. How else can I support you if I can’t give financially?
Ministry is much more than dollars and cents! Three other major ways to offer support are advocacy, encouragement, and prayer. Could you advocate for my needs with your small group, coworkers, church, or crazy Aunt Sally? What about sending me a letter or a song or a thinking-of-you text? And finally, would you join me in praying for this ministry? I send out monthly newsletters via email. It would be so encouraging to have you engage with them.
8. Does my partnership really matter?
YES! The Lord calls us to be in community and encourage each other (Hebrews 10:24-25). I cannot minister effectively if I’m not also being cared for and supported by a team of people who believe in what I’m doing and my ability to do it well. Additionally, (if your experience with partnership is anything like my experience being called into missions) the Lord will use your step of faith to exponentially expand your ability to experience His love and love others well. Ministry partnership is meant to be just as much a gift to you as it is to me and the Austrians I will serve. If you still don’t realize the importance of your support, please read 2 Corinthians 9:6-15.