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“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deaconof the church in Cenchreae. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.” -Romans 16:1-2 NLT

The Apostle Paul was never afraid to ask fellow followers of Jesus to continue the work that we were tasked with. Paul tells the church at Rome in this text to give any assistance to Phoebe because she had demonstrated such generosity through her faith that others had benefited. 

Total charitable giving dropped 10.5 percent in 2022. This has only happened three times in the last 40 years: in 1987 (Black Monday stock market crash) and in 2008 and 2009 (The Great Recession). Analysts believe the steep drop in 2022 was due to stock market volatility and economic uncertainty. 

What does this mean to the church and our other ministries? The good news is that the market trends 2023 are significantly higher than in 2022, which has eased many fears. However, we must not assume that our members will return to their previous giving level. Like Paul, we must not be afraid to ask our members to support the work that we have been called to do.

When you ask this year, try implementing these three suggestions:

• Use storytelling! Feature stories about constituents impacted by your programs, a recent victory, or an upcoming challenge. Since visual content is incredibly compelling, include photos or videos that transport donors to the front lines. Visuals evoke a response through your supporters’ senses and bring your story to life.
• Be direct with your ask! While explaining the problem you solve raises awareness, people won’t get involved if you don’t tell them exactly how. In your appeals, state explicitly how people can get involved. Do you want them to donate? Make sure that you make it easy for them to. Start a fundraising page, and your website should also display a clear donate button.
• Brag on the church’s generosity like Paul! Any amount makes a difference, but don’t underestimate your audience’s giving potential. Let your members know that their generosity doesn’t go unnoticed.

We must not be afraid to ask!

Journeying Together,

John

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