Brian Sanders “It’s Fundraising Season”
Dear Christian Radio,
Fundraising season has arrived once again. It’s Sunday afternoon as I type this and PAR’s first fundraiser for the season begins Monday morning…and it’s exciting.
As I type a major memo to the PAR Leaders & teams, I thought I’d share some of those thoughts with you.
You have a story to tell. Lives are changed because of the work you do. God uses the songs you play and the content you create to draw people to Jesus, encourage hurting believers and give hope to those in despair.
Because you do those things, your ministry is worthy of the funds you seek. Ask boldly. Ask confidently. Trust wholly. Tell the stories.
You will get tired but don’t lose hope. If you’re the leader at your organization, be full of hope. Your team is taking their cues from you. If you’re a team member, share the hope. If you hear grumbling, address it. Don’t allow unbelief to be born or grow.
Listen. Listen carefully. It’s during a fundraising season that you’ll often discover future leaders. These are the people who “get it”. They don’t complain about having to wear two or three hats. They stop others from complaining. They’re passionate. That passion makes them willing to go on air, answer phones, greet volunteers, get the meals and even do call outs. Listen and watch during your fundraiser. It’s an excellent time to assess your team.
Don’t try to earn God’s favor. Rest in His grace. In the book of Exodus, Israel has left Egypt and crossed the Red Sea. Consider all the miracles Israel has seen. Now they’re beginning to enter the desert. They need food. The Bible says that Israel “grumbled.”
Even though they moaned and groaned, God sent manna and quail.
In the past few weeks, there’s a good chance you’ve dreaded the fundraiser. Perhaps you even spoke that dread out loud and now you’re nervous that God is ticked.
Don’t stand in the corner afraid to do the work of God. He has a history of using grumblers, failures, liars and doubters. Rest in Jesus, not in your effort.
Finally, work hard. Put in the hours. Make the asks. Encourage your team. Don’t hide behind a door in your office. Be the leader.
You are called to do this work.
Let’s act like the called and not like we punch a clock.
Fundraising isn’t easy.
But then again…easy never changed the world.
#ENCW
Brian is the Executive Vice President of Positive Alternative Radio in Blacksburg.
PAR has five brands which include Spirit FM in Lynchburg, VA; WCQR in Kingsport, TN; Positive Hits, WPER in Richmond/Fredericksburg, VA; Joy FM in Winston Salem, NC; Walk FM in Ashland, KY, Huntington,WV.
