What You Absolutely Must Know

Hey fellow ministry worker,

In our 45+ years combined in student ministry and church leadership, one of the key lessons we have learned about successful fundraising is this- it’s a relational deal, plain and simple. Getting this fundraising project approved by the powers that be at your church will be the hardest part, we promise you.

Play this movie in your head- you’re ready to go get approval. Think about who you will need to get to approve this idea before you can run with it. Is it your senior pastor? Finance committee? Your parent advisory team? The janitor? (Hey, you never know.) Regardless of your church structure, this one truth applies across the board- you have one shot. So, what are your chances of getting this approved through your leadership power structure?

How are your relationships with those people? How easy will it be for them to turn you down, for whatever reason? (Think about your history with these folks, or lack thereof.) Will they hear your responses to their objections as defensive or self-serving? Remember, this is a one and done kind of deal, and we want you to be successful. It could mean literally thousands of dollars for your ministry there over the years.

Here’s a weird relational truth- people will “hear” someone else easier than someone close to them who tells them the same thing (think spouse, children, etc.) That’s where we hope to come in. Let us help you out by presenting the idea for you through our video (one of the tools we provide on our site). Hey, and then when it works, you’ll get the credit. How cool is that?

So, we suggest this plan of action: tell the person or committee that you want to show them a short video to get their feedback. They will ask what it’s about, and just tell them it’s kind of hard to explain because it’s a visual thing about your student ministry, and it won’t take but 10 minutes of their time, tops. Then ask, “When is a good time to meet?” This is huge: The more you say at this point, the less chance you will be successful, because you’ll invite questions. You’ll be trying to answer questions you’re not prepared to answer right then. Our goal in the video is to lead their thinking, not the other way around.

We would love to coach you through the appointment setting, and even be available by conference call when the presentation is made. We’ve handled a ton of questions on this project and will be better equipped to respond. Again, your people will think of us as “experts” even though in reality, we just may have a few more battle scars than you.

Our prayer is simply that you get to use this fundraiser in your church. People love to be on a winning team, and will participate in Team 316. The idea just makes good sense (except in the minds of decision makers, sometimes). The end result is God is glorified, both in those who are served, and in those who serve. Let’s go for it!

Because of Jesus,

Greg and Jason, the Team 316 Guys

Questions about Team 316?

Feel free to call us at 775-316-TEAM (8326) or e-mail us at info@team316.org

Interested in earning some cash as a Team 316 Booster? Click here.