Ep. 49 | 3 Beliefs That Keep You Stuck in Ministry Fundraising
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If your ministry fundraising feels stuck—no matter how long you’ve been serving or how faithfully you’ve shown up—you’re not alone. Many ministry leaders quietly carry the weight of “Why isn’t this working?” even after years of obedience, sacrifice, and prayer.
And often, the issue isn’t effort or faithfulness.
It’s something underneath.
Sometimes, the thing keeping fundraising stuck isn’t strategy at all—but subtle beliefs we repeat to ourselves that quietly shape how we communicate, how we ask, and how confident we feel when inviting others to partner with our ministry.
Here are three common beliefs that keep ministry fundraising stuck—and how to begin getting unstuck.
1. “I Don’t Want to Bother People”
This is one of the most common thoughts ministry leaders have when it comes to fundraising. You’ve already reached out. You don’t want to feel pushy. You don’t want to sound like a salesperson. And deep down, you’re afraid people will think your motivation is just about money.
That fear often comes from past experiences—maybe a job where sales felt gross or transactional, or encounters with people who were pushy and insistent. And because people can sense motivation, you don’t want to be mistaken for that.
But here’s the reframe that changes everything:
Fundraising doesn’t have to be about needing something from someone.
It can be about offering someone an opportunity.
When your motivation shifts from “I need money” to “I want to invite someone into meaningful impact,” the awkwardness starts to fade. You’re no longer asking—you’re sharing.
And giving truly does change the donor. Many people experience deep fulfillment when they’re part of something bigger than themselves—especially when that impact is eternal. You’re not bothering people when you invite them into that. You’re opening a door.
2. “What If They Say No?”
Fear of rejection is powerful. If someone says no, it can feel personal—like you’ve failed, like you’re not doing enough, or like your ministry doesn’t matter.
But here’s something freeing to remember:
When someone says no, they’re not rejecting you.
They’re saying no to the opportunity—or maybe just to the timing.
Fundraising isn’t about you convincing someone to give. It’s about connecting the right people to a real need. You’re not the hero in this story—they are. They’re the ones who get to help solve the problem.
And sometimes, the answer is no because it’s the wrong person or the wrong season. That doesn’t mean you failed. It simply means it wasn’t the right fit.
Taking yourself out of the center of that equation makes fundraising far less heavy—and far more sustainable.
3. “I Don’t Want to Keep Repeating Myself”
Many ministry leaders hesitate to repeat their message because they’re afraid donors will get bored or think nothing is changing. It can feel like you’re saying the same thing over and over—and you worry people will tune out.
But the truth is, people forget far more than we realize.
They’re skimming. They’re distracted. They’re overwhelmed with information.
Repetition isn’t a sign that nothing is happening—it’s how clarity is built.
And if you’re worried donors think there’s no progress, this is where small stories of impact matter.
Impact doesn’t always look dramatic. Sometimes it’s:
Someone showing up when they never did before
A softened heart
A small act of kindness that’s out of character
Those moments matter. They’re evidence that God is working, even behind the scenes. Sharing small stories helps donors stay grounded in what’s really happening—and it reminds you that the work isn’t in vain.
Getting Unstuck Starts with Reframing
To recap:
Stop telling yourself “I don’t want to bother people” → start saying “I want to share this opportunity.”
Stop fearing “what if they say no?” → remember it’s not about you.
Stop worrying about repetition → repeat your message and share small stories of impact.
When these beliefs loosen their grip, fundraising begins to feel lighter, clearer, and more confident.
And clarity—more than anything—makes fundraising easier.
If you’re feeling stuck and need help getting your fundraising message clear and strong once and for all, 1:1 coaching can help you identify exactly what to say, who you’re speaking to, and how to communicate in a way that connects.
You don’t have to figure this out alone.
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