Ep. 10 | Feeling Tongue-Tied with Donors? What God Says About Imposter Syndrome
Struggling to Write Ministry Updates that Engage Donors?
You’ve seen God do amazing things- but if your emails are vague or unclear, your supporters won’t feel connected.
This free guide will show you how to:
Write subject lines that get your emails opened
Follow a simple story-driven format for every update
Engage donors with clear, Christ-centered storytelling
Have you ever found yourself stumbling over your words when you talk to donors?
You know the purpose of your ministry. You know how deeply the Lord cares about the people you serve. But somehow, when you try to put that into words, something gets lost. Donors don’t seem to fully grasp the vision, and you walk away feeling frustrated, uncertain, and maybe even a little embarrassed.
If that’s you, you’re not alone. Many ministry leaders face this exact struggle. And more often than not, it stirs up something deeper: imposter syndrome.
The Weight of Feeling Unqualified
Have you ever asked, “Lord, why did You pick me?”
You love the mission. You’re passionate about what God has called you to do. But when it comes to engaging with donors, you may feel like you’re failing—fumbling your words, not knowing how to explain the impact, and questioning your ability to lead.
It’s easy in those moments to feel like you’re not capable enough. Like you’re the wrong person for the job.
But here’s the truth: God has always used people who feel unqualified.
God’s Pattern: Using the Weak and Unlikely
Throughout Scripture, we see this same story on repeat:
Moses told God he wasn’t a good speaker.
Jeremiah thought he was too young.
David was completely overlooked as the youngest, smallest… maybe weakest.
And yet, these are the people God chose. Not because they had polished words or perfect résumés, but because they were willing to say yes.
When Jeremiah protested that he couldn’t speak, God gave him this promise:
“Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, ‘I have put my words in your mouth.’” (Jeremiah 1:9, NIV)
That same God is with you. When you feel tongue-tied in front of donors, He can fill your mouth with the words you need.
Why Communication Still Matters
At the same time, we can’t ignore this reality: without donors, there is no ministry. Without regular, clear communication, donors don’t stay engaged. And when they don’t feel connected, their giving can easily drift away—especially in seasons when they’re tightening their own budgets.
That’s why communication isn’t just another “task.” It’s how you nurture the very relationships that make ministry possible. Donors aren’t just your financial backers; they’re the heroes God is using to carry out His work through you.
When you reframe communication as an invitation—an open door for donors to join in what God is doing—the pressure shifts. It’s no longer about performing or finding perfect words. It’s about storytelling.
Reframing Your Updates as Storytelling
Think of your updates not as reports, but as stories:
Start with the problem your ministry is addressing.
Share the plan or action being taken.
Celebrate the resolution and transformation God is bringing—thanks to the donor’s support.
This simple framework keeps you from rambling, gives clarity to your updates, and ensures that donors see their impact.
A Practical Tool to Help
If you’ve ever stared at a blank screen and thought, “I don’t know what to write,” I’ve created a free Ministry Update Guide to walk you through it step by step.
Inside, you’ll learn:
How to craft subject lines that donors actually open
A simple structure you can use for every update
Practical ways to make donors feel connected, valued, and part of the story
👉 Download your free guide here
This resource is designed to take the stress out of updates and give you a clear, repeatable process.
Want More Than a Free Guide?
The free Ministry Update Guide will help you get unstuck with email communication. But for some ministries, the challenge runs deeper:
You’re not 100% sure who your ideal donor is
You’re struggling to put into words why your ministry matters
You’re unclear how to tell your story in a way that connects
If that’s you, I’d love to personally walk with you through a proven process.
I offer a 4-week Brand Messaging Workshop where together we will:
Identify and clarify your ideal donor so you know exactly who you’re speaking to
Craft a clear brand story framework that positions your donor as the hero
Build messaging that works across your updates, website, social posts, and fundraising appeals
Leave you with a custom guide so you can communicate confidently going forward
This is hands-on, 1:1 coaching — not theory, but practical tools you’ll actually use.
👉 If you’re ready to stop stumbling over your words and start speaking with clarity and confidence, learn more here: irisstorytelling.com/getstarted
Final Encouragement
You don’t need flawless words to connect with donors. You simply need to show up, tell the story, and invite them to see the impact of what God is doing.
The very areas where you feel weak are often the places God wants to demonstrate His strength. And every time you send an update, you’re giving donors a glimpse of His power at work through your ministry.
So the next time you feel tongue-tied, take a deep breath. Remember that God delights in using the unqualified. And trust that your donors aren’t looking for perfection—they’re looking for connection.
Want Personal Help?
If you’d like to go deeper, I offer 1:1 coaching in ministry brand messaging and storytelling. Together we’ll create a clear communication plan so you can engage donors with confidence and clarity.
👉 Learn more at irisstorytelling.com/getstarted
-Lisa
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