Fundraising vs. Funding Ministry

Fundraising churches identify the problem as not enough money because members are not giving and design a program to solve the problem (an annual fund campaign).  “The guiding theology … is that people do not want to give. . . . . Therefore, we design gimmicks and ploys to get people to give up their money. The image is one of a tight fist, with the church trying to pry the fingers open to get to the money.” - from Donald Joiner, Creating a Climate for Giving

Fundraising Churches Believe:

• Ownership by the individual

• Focus on what the church "needs"

• Money as the key issue

• Meeting the budget is a self evident goal

• Membership vows and obligations are important

• Focus on Shortfall (scarcity mentality)

Funding Ministry Churches Believe:

• God’s ownership of resources - we are in partnership with God

• Members give as part of Christian growth

• Ministry Vision that is Mission Driven

• People-Based Results (transformation stories)

• Spiritual growth and relationships

• Possibilities and Potential

Which kind of church do you belong to, fundraising or funding ministry?