support raising Archives - TEAM Christian Missions Blog

How to Wow Your Supporters with Video Updates

Creating powerful missionary update videos is easier than you think. You just need a few simple tools and strategies.

May 27 2021

Missionaries have sent written letters to supporters from day one (think Paul). But today, missionaries have exponentially more outlets and mediums to share their stories, and video should be near the top of that list. As TEAM’s multimedia video producer, I constantly see the power of video help missionaries engage supporters and share God’s incredible work. Using video from the early fundraising process through your time on the mission field will help your supporters, friends and family better visualize what your life and ministry looks like on a day to day basis. And when people can better understand your ministry,…

Missions is no ordinary job — and that’s true even when it comes to the paycheck. So, how do missionaries get paid during their service?

Oct 09 2020

When we picture missionaries, we often think of simple lives, free of material pursuits, focused entirely on God. But even the most frugal, godly missionary has to pay for airfare, language classes and every other normal expense of daily living. So, where does a missionary’s money come from? There are two main ways missionaries get paid: a salary or self-funding. Missions agencies generally choose one for all of their missionaries to use. And while there are pros and cons to both models, the goal is the same: to bring God’s salvation message to the ends of the earth. Missionaries Who…

Money and face mask to illustrate raising missionary support during COVID-19

Raising missionary support is intimidating enough under normal circumstances. What do you need to know about doing during COVID-19? Photo by Bermix Studio.

Jul 08 2020

Support raising is one of the most daunting parts of becoming a missionary — especially during an economic downturn. But according to TEAM stewardship coach Jennifer Nickels, it doesn’t have to be. With the right perspective, she says, raising missionary support can actually be a blessing. We sat down with Nickels to find out how to view support raising as a ministry and do it successfully in the midst of a global crisis. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Raising support is often one of the most intimidating parts of becoming a missionary. Why do you think…

Following God into new situations and cultures will very likely catapult you into a VUCA environment. What does that mean for a missionary's journey? Photo by TEAM

Aug 10 2017

“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” That’s the proverb we quote when it comes to making something good out of a bad situation — something sweet out of something sour. But what about intentionally picking lemons so you can make lemonade? Global corporations do that! The international market environment is described as volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA). In other words, it hands out lemons and demands leaders who can make lemonade. And it turns out that the best way to develop those demanded abilities is to work in a situation that demands those abilities. Some large corporations are…

Missionary, does the thought of public speaking make your palms sweat? To help, here are eight public speaking tips to help you rock your next presentation.

May 15 2017

As a missionary, a big part of your job is building relationships with supporters. Public speaking is a great way to share your story and invite a large number of people into partnership with your ministry at one time. It’s also a great way to make even the most outgoing person break a sweat! Public speaking is one of the biggest fears people face. In fact, 74 percent of people admit to getting nervous before giving a speech. Whether you get a few butterflies or downright freeze in front of people, you’re not alone. But you don’t have to let…

ways for missionaries to connect with supporters

Maintaining relationships across many miles is no easy feat. But with a little creativity, missionaries can continue to connect with the supporters who sent them. Photo by TEAM

Aug 03 2016

No missionary is sent out on their own; behind each one is a selfless group of churches and individuals who have mentored, prayed and given so the missionary could cross cultural barriers to share the gospel. Because of the busy nature of ministry life, it can be hard for missionaries to connect with supporters while they serve on the field. Fortunately, with some creativity and a bit of technology, there are many ways you can stay connected with your supporters, even when you are thousands of miles away. Here are some favorites. 1. Display the Names and Faces of Your…

You don't have to be a graphic designer to design a beautiful missionary newsletter. Apply these 5 tips to create an appealing newsletter your supporters will love to read.

Jul 21 2016

In a previous post, we shared our 10 step process to writing a memorable missionary newsletter. Now, your polished copy deserves a design that’s just as clean and appealing. Thankfully, with email services like Mailchimp or Constant Contact, sending a beautiful missionary newsletter is easier than ever. With those resources in hand, here are my favorite tips for creating a delightful email newsletter. How can they read it, if they can’t read it? As a graphic designer, the biggest problem I’ve noticed with poorly designed email newsletters is that they’re just too much work to read. You might have the…

Staring at a blank screen when you sit down to write your missionary newsletter? Try out these time-tested tips to make updating your supporters a joy.

Jul 19 2016

This is part one of two-part series on missionary newsletters. Read part two, “How to Design a Beautiful Missionary Newsletter,” here. It was the kind of moment every ministry worker on a support trip looks forward to: The woman shared how excited she always got to see my blue newsletter envelope in the mail. Then she took me to the church sanctuary and told her friend, You’ve got to meet Beth. She’s been to Asia and Africa and all over the place! It was great. Except that I’d been to Asia once, my missions organization didn’t send people to Africa…

When Jennifer Hylton asked God for peace about her future, she got far more than she could have imagined. Photos by TEAM.

Jul 07 2016

When TEAM missionary Jennifer Hylton shares how God called her to France, she gets straight to the point, with no effort to impress: “I felt God speak right to my heart: ‘You have a future in missions.’ And I was like, ‘I don’t even know what that means.’” As a first-generation Christian in her 20s, Hylton didn’t know a single missionary, much less how God would call one. She had been praying for peace about her future, thinking she might go to medical school or relocate, but mission work was nowhere on her list. When she sensed God speaking to…

If you're stuck staring at a blank screen, here are some tips and tricks to help you write an effective support letter.

May 23 2016

Writing a support letter can seem like the highest hurdle to overcome in the support-raising journey — until you have the right tools in hand. Here are some great tips and tricks to writing a fantastic letter with all the key components that will make “the ask” for support a success. And once you’ve written your awesome support letter, be sure to download this Google template to keep track of your support team’s contact information and your financial progress. Less is more. Fit all the necessary information on one page, front and back. Period. Being clear and concise is key. Attention will…

Tag - support raising

How to Wow Your Supporters with Video Updates

Ask TEAM: How Do Missionaries Get Paid?

How to Raise Missionary Support During COVID-19

The Business Secret Every Missionary Knows

8 Public Speaking Tips for Missionaries

7 Creative Ways for Missionaries to Connect with Supporters

How to Design a Beautiful Missionary Newsletter in 5 Steps

10 Steps to Writing a Memorable Missionary Newsletter

Finding Out What a Future in Missions Means

How to Write an Awesome Support Letter