Ep. 01 | Why Don't Donors Care Like I Do? How to Increase Donor Engagement
Why Aren’t People Joining Your Ministry Mission? The Answer Might Surprise You
Have you ever wondered why your potential donors aren’t as excited about your mission as you are? You’re pouring your heart and soul into your ministry. You know it matters. You’re seeing lives changed. People are coming to Christ. And yet… it feels like no one is listening.
You speak at churches. You post on social media. You send email after email.
Still, the response is underwhelming. And it’s discouraging.
If that sounds familiar, you’re in the right place.
You’re Not Alone—and It’s Not Your Fault
Most ministry leaders I talk to are wearing multiple hats. You’re running your ministry, leading people, fundraising, communicating, managing social accounts—and sometimes working a second job to make it all happen.
You’re stretched thin. You care deeply. And you’re trying everything.
But there’s just so much noise out there. Social trends change constantly. Algorithms make you feel like you’re playing whack-a-mole. You’re just trying to get people to hear what matters most. You’re not crazy for wondering: Why is it so hard to get people to care?
The Real Problem: A Disconnect
On one side, you have your ministry. Your mission. Your calling. It lights you up because you know it’s from God.
On the other side, you have potential donors—people who also want to make a difference, who love Jesus, and who want to be part of something meaningful.
But they’re not connecting.
That’s the real problem: the disconnect.
The bridge that connects your mission to your potential supporters? It’s your messaging.
The words you use.
The way you tell your story.
The clarity of your invitation.
The Moment That Changed Everything for Me
Back in 2016, I was working as the senior video editor at a large church in Springfield, Missouri. I had been learning about story structure in my own time—specifically, how to follow one main character through a clear journey.
Then came a big project: a video for a nonprofit called One Child Matters. I flew to Ethiopia, filmed a beautiful young girl, and used everything I’d been learning about structured storytelling to build her story.
When the pastor’s wife previewed it, I was bracing for criticism. Instead, she whispered, “This is my favorite.”
That weekend, they showed the film at a women’s conference. Tens of thousands of women filled the auditorium.
Before the hosts even got to the mic to ask people to sponsor a child, hundreds of hands went up.
Volunteers rushed through the aisles, handing out packets. In that moment I got chills and tears welled up as I thought, hundreds and hundreds of kids’ lives will be changed forever because of the power of that story!
That year they ran out of sponsorship packets!! That had never happened before.
And that’s when I knew, this is what I wanted to do- to use the power of storytelling to impact lives.
Storytelling Isn’t Just an Art—It’s a Formula
I’m not talking about random stories or vague inspiration. I’m talking about structured storytelling:
A main character
A clear conflict
A transformational journey
A resolution
You can apply a story framework to your entire ministry message—whether you’re speaking from stage, writing emails, crafting social media, or producing video content.
Storytelling is a skill. And like any skill, it can be learned and applied strategically. You can do this too!
You Can Build the Bridge
You don’t need to become a filmmaker. You don’t need to go viral. You just need to build a message that works.
Here’s how:
Use the power of structured storytelling
Make your message clear, compelling, and emotionally engaging
Invite people to step into a story where their support brings transformation—for others and for themselves
A Second Reason This Podcast Exists
This podcast isn’t just about helping you tell better stories for your ministry. It’s also about encouraging you and other believers to tell your personal stories.
Jesus tells us to go and tell what the Lord has done for us—and there’s power in that. When we share how God brought us through something hard—how He challenged us, led us, or even how we failed and what we learned—it builds faith in others.
I’ve seen it. One person shares a testimony. That testimony sparks someone else’s faith. They receive a miracle. They share it. Another person receives theirs. And the ripple effect continues.
That’s the power of story.
Ready to Learn the Framework?
If this resonates with you, stay tuned. In future episodes, I’ll walk you through:
The exact storytelling framework I use for ministries
How to apply it across platforms (email, web, stage, video)
What mistakes to avoid
Real examples of stories that move people to action
And if you’re ready to start now, I’ve created a free resource to help you evaluate your current message:
🎯 Download the Ministry Message Checklist
irisstorytelling.com/checklist
It’ll help you identify what’s working, what’s not, and where your message may be losing people.
Want Personal Help?
If you’re thinking, “Yes, this makes sense—but I need someone to walk me through it,” I’d love to help.
💬 Book a free discovery call at
irisstorytelling.com/getstarted
We’ll talk through your ministry, your donor challenges, and how storytelling can bridge that gap.
Let’s Do This Together
This podcast—and this blog—is here to equip you with the how, not just the why.
You have an important message. Let’s make sure your donors hear it, and join you!
📩 Reach out anytime at lisa@irisstorytelling.com. I’d love to hear your story.
-Lisa