Ep. 14 | 3 Things That Are Confusing Your Donors (and How to Fix Them)

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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:

1. Write subject lines that get your emails opened

2. Follow a simple story-driven format for every update

3. Engage donors with clear, Christ-centered storytelling

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Have you ever shared about your ministry and noticed your donor’s eyes glaze over? Maybe they give you a polite smile, but deep down you know your words aren’t landing. It’s frustrating, isn’t it?

You know your ministry matters. You’ve seen God move. You know the problem you’re addressing is important. But sometimes the way we communicate keeps donors from truly “getting it.”

If you’ve tried all the platforms and strategies but still feel like your message isn’t connecting, I want to walk you through three things that may be confusing your donors—and how you can fix them.

1. They Don’t Understand the Problem You Solve (or Who You Solve It For)

One of the most common mistakes ministry leaders make is talking in generalities.

If your donor can’t quickly answer:

• What problem does this ministry solve?

• Who exactly do they serve?

…then your message will feel vague, and donors won’t see a need for their support.

It’s not enough to say “we work in the area of trafficking” or “we help families in crisis.” Those are too broad. You need to be specific and clear.

2. They Don’t See Where They Fit Into the Story

Even when donors understand the problem, they may not see their role in solving it. If your communication feels like:

• “This is our ministry, here’s what we do… oh, and will you give?”

…then donors feel like outsiders. They see themselves as funding your work rather than being true partners in God’s mission.

Flip the script:

• “Because of you, women are finding freedom.”

• “Your generosity equips churches to evangelize across Europe.”

Help donors see that they are central characters in the story God is writing.

3. They Don’t Have a Simple Plan to Follow

Let’s say your donor gets it. They understand the problem, and they see their role. But if the next step isn’t simple and clear, they’ll stall out.

Is your website easy to navigate? Is your “give” button visible? Do your emails include a clear call to action?

Make it simple:

• Become a monthly partner at $30/month.

• Give a one-time gift of $100.

The easier it is for donors to say “yes,” the more likely they will.

Bringing It All Together

Clarity changes everything. When donors:

• Understand the problem you solve,

• See themselves as part of the story, and

• Have a simple next step…

…they’ll move from polite smiles to genuine engagement.

👉 Ready to clarify your ministry message? I’d love to walk with you through the process in my 1:1 Brand Messaging Workshop.

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