Relationship vs Partnership pdf (click on link)
When talking with Danny Vaughan at Lifechurch.tv we looked at this diagram he put together that he is working through as he considers the difference between a “relationship” with a missionary or mission organization and a “partnership”. I edited the document a bit so that it would be more applicable to us in A.M..
We want to see relationships turn into partnerships when possible. Let’s be praying for more partnerships.
We are a “faith” based mission where each staff member and project is dependant on the suppport and involvement of others for it’s success. Each staff member is responsible for raising their personal and project funds. I see the support raising issue in our mission as a positive one. I have had the pleasure of working with hundreds maybe thousands of people and sharing in the excitement of serving God together. I have learned to love and believe in this process. If you work hard you can develop a team that believes in you and is committed to your success.
Here are a few thoughts regarding why my support team is important…
1. It creates an accountability group for me that provides checks and balances that I need.
2. It assures me that someone is praying for me and the projects and people I am involved in.
3. It gives me the security of knowing that I am not in this alone.
4. It provides the resources I need to do my job.
5. It is a group of people that I can mentor into missions through the various avenues of team participation needed to make something succeed.
6. God calls teams and networks more than he does individuals. God is into “body” ministry or everyone doing the part they are gifted and called to do. No one is to be a Lone Ranger.
It takes a significant team to keep a missionary on the field for a prolonged period of time. Some of the jobs of team members are…
1. Communication: Someone who will be your representative at your church or business, etc..
2. Financial Manager: Someone who will handle paying your bills. Someone you can trust as a second signer on your bank accounts.
3. Personal Issues & Asset Managers: If you have a house, rentals, car or other assests that need to be managed.
4. Prayer Team: People that really know how to pray.
5. Project Managers: People that are interested and motivated in helping you accomplish your projects on the field and can help with promotion, fund raising, gathering and shipping of items.
Here are a few ideas for networking and facilitating a support team.
People need to know what your needs are, who your working for (Alternative Missions) and with (field location), what your area of ministry is and what your projects are. They also need to know specifically what to pray for and how to participate in order to meet the need. Be clear and consistent in your communication. Educating and keeping your support team informed is an ongoing process. You need to say many of the same things over and over and from different perspectives. Your support team is a group of people that you need to invest in, pray for, mentor and keep informed. They are a group of people that you can influence and disciple into the ways and purposes of God. Make sure and give clear instructions on how and where to send support funds.
Here are some ways you can keep your support team informed.
1. VineAge website (they are free)
2. Email Updates: These should be done twice a month. Include stories and notes about life on the field.
3. Night of Missions: When in the states have “Nights of Missions” that are informative. A desert gathering in a home where you invite those you have contact with is a great time to share in a personal way and mobilize team members to important needs.
4. Personal Appointments: Make a list of people to sit down with alone and share your hopes, reports and needs. Ask people to be a member of your “Support Team”. It takes a big team to keep a missionary on the field for a prolonged period.
5. Have them visit you on the field: This is the most effective thing I have seen. When people see what you do and have an opportunity to do it with you they gain insight to the need and they are much more motivated to be a part of helping.
Here are the procedures related to Staff Support:
Make the check out to: Alternative Missions
Mail the check to:
Alternative Missions
P.O. Box 5835
Goodyear, AZ 85338
Note: Do not write what the donation is for on the check lower left corner. Write the purpose of the check on a separate piece of paper or a post-it note and send it with the check.
When we receive the check at the office we mail a receipt to the donor and we mail the donor a return envelope to make giving easy for them in the future.
A 5% administrative fee is taken out of all donations and staff support. The person or project to whom the donation is intended receives 95% of the donation. On the 2nd & 4th Monday we write staff and intern support checks and mail them as per instructions provided by the staff or intern.
At the end of the year a year to date report is sent to donors and a 1099 form is sent to each staff member showing their donations for the entire year. The 1099 is for filing personal income taxes.
