Episode 54 emphasizes reframing fundraising as an invitation for churches to join God’s mission, rather than a transactional process. The discussion covers best practices for approaching churches, finding advocates, aligning with like-minded congregations, and maintaining a mindset of prayer and humble confidence. Practical strategies include starting with one’s home church, leveraging personal connections, and ensuring theological and missional alignment with potential partners.

[01:00 - 05:00] Approaching Your Home Church & Timing Considerations

The episode begins by discussing how to approach a home church for partnership. Corrie advises identifying the right contact, such as a missions committee or pastor, and avoiding impromptu pitches in casual settings like church hallways. Timing is critical—setting up a formal meeting allows for better engagement. Andy notes that church leaders juggle many responsibilities, so missionaries should not misinterpret a leader’s busyness as disinterest. Corrie adds that churches outside one’s home congregation may take time to commit, preferring to observe a missionary’s work before partnering.

[05:00 - 10:00] Leveraging Personal Connections & Finding Advocates

The conversation shifts to approaching churches beyond one’s home congregation by leveraging personal connections, such as friends, neighbors, or community members involved in other churches. Corrie suggests identifying individuals with a heart for missions who can act as advocates. Andy references Steve Shadrach’s advice to personally ask church leaders for support to build stronger relationships. The group discusses the value of seeking advice from influential church members, which can foster investment and open doors to broader church support.

[10:00 - 16:00] The Role of Advocates and Managing Relationships

This segment emphasizes the importance of advocates within churches. Effective advocates are passionate about the missionary’s ministry, well-connected, and proactive in facilitating events or introductions. Corrie shares her experience of relying on advocates to organize speaking engagements and events, reducing logistical burdens. The group discusses the need for clear communication and a formal “ask” for advocacy, similar to a support request, and suggests maintaining a core team or advocate manager to streamline communication with multiple churches.

[16:00 - 22:00] Approaching Churches Without Connections & Building Long-Term Relationships

The discussion addresses “cold approaches” to churches with no prior connections, which are less effective but sometimes necessary. Corrie recommends identifying smaller churches, which may be more receptive due to fewer missionary requests. She advises attending church events, delivering a brief elevator pitch, and requesting a formal meeting. Andy suggests that some denominations expect missionaries to visit multiple churches, a process called deputation. Corrie shares an example of a church that began supporting her financially after two years of consistent communication, highlighting the value of long-term relationship-building.

[26:00 - 39:00] Ensuring Alignment & Practical Mindsets

The final segment focuses on ensuring theological and missional alignment with churches to avoid mismatched partnerships. Corrie suggests researchi

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