Getting Sent: A Relational Approach to Support Raising [Paperback]

Pete Sommer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 3, 1999

Most of us would rather have a root canal than ask for money. Raising support is one of the most difficult challenges facing Christians in ministry. Fears of rejection, concerns about biblical validity, feelings of not being deserving, anxiety about limited resources can all block us from obtaining the means to fulfill our calling. This book both affirms that God uses the Christian community to send us into ministry and demystifies the process. This down-to-earth handbook

• offers a clear, biblical perspective
• gives step-by-step instructions on how to assemble the tools unique to each person's support-raising task
• helps you know what range of gift to ask of a potential donor
• outlines the how-tos of holding a home promotional event
• tells the four predictors of church support
• is aware of the diverse ethnic contexts of today's new mission candidates
• includes a chapter by a woman for women on their unique challenges in support raising
• shows how to build a base in a strong church when you don't have one
• explains exactly why people do and don't give

The relational strategy in this book has proven valuable for those who serve Christ on campus, in the city or in other special ministries at home or abroad. It is not necessarily the quickest approach to raising money, but it is the most lasting and fulfilling for those who give and receive.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Getting Sent is a clearly written, practical guide to raising financial support for ministry. It demystifies the deputation process, debunks myths about why people give and presents a step-by-step plan for building and maintaining a long-term support team. The book includes nine Bible studies that focus on the scriptural principles undergirding Sommer's approach.

While Getting Sent is obviously a valuable resource for anyone preparing for missions, it is also worthwhile reading for veteran missionaries who need to sharpen their donor communication skills. Pastors, too, will gain insight from the book, allowing them to be more helpful to would-be missionaries in their congregations. -- World Christian, March 2000

Raising support--asking for money--is the missionary's bread and butter. For most, it's also one of the most difficult aspects of missions work, standing between calling and sending. Sommer, campus ministries associate director for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, eases the burden--and the knee-knocking--for long- and short-term missionaries, support personnel, and prospects. The book is culturally aware and loaded with practical advice, real-life examples, and bits of wit and wisdom.

Sommer offers a detailed, step-by-step approach, adjusting for varying situations. Dispelling myths and fears, he outlines the scriptural basis for raising support. It's all here: ethics, people's motivations for giving, do's and don'ts, team building, how to maintain support, even usable forms. Recommend this valuable resource to all missions-minded Christians. -- CBA Marketplace, October 1999

About the Author

Sommer is director of teaching and adult discipleship at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church (California). Formerly he was associate director of campus ministries for development with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, and he has traveled throughout the United States conducting support-raising seminars and training for Christian workers in many organizations. Sommer also served as board chair of Bayshore Christian Ministries and the Foundation for Advanced Christian Training (FACT).

Product Details

• Paperback: 202 pages
• Publisher: IVP Books (September 3, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830822186
• ISBN-13: 978-0830822188
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #509,022 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Thorough & Practical Manual, August 16, 2005

By 

Senmu "Christian Sinophile" (Taiwan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Getting Sent: A Relational Approach to Support Raising (Paperback)

Sommer's book is an essential manual for missionary support raising. He covers all the bases well when it comes to methodology. He doesn't get 5 stars from me because his theoretical basis is not covered here. If you want to know which method to use, i.e. prayer only, prayer and reporting, or prayer and asking people for funds, Sommers does not make the case for his method.

However, Sommers gives a detailed look at how to sensitively ask friends, and churches for funds (with real-life dialogues for examples). There is a flexibility to Sommer's approach as he nuances his advice differently for women, African, & Asian-Americans who face a different context than do white males.

Some key ideas I took away from this book is to focus on building a case statement that encapsulates your ministry. Then try to share this is in a thorough way as much as possible face to face. 2nd, to come to people as a resource and catalyst to invigorate their own walk with the Lord by their partnership with you in missions. Sommer's excels at giving step by step instructions to organize with specific examples and charts to clarify his ideas. Overall, this book is more than worth its purchase price

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A unique book on personal support raising, March 7, 2004

By 

Steve Shadrach (fayetteville, arkansas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Getting Sent: A Relational Approach to Support Raising (Paperback)

Pete Sommer has written an excellent book, especially if you are a single female, minority or international who might have some unique challenges and issues you face. The biblical basis, stories, and examples are very helpful. Thanks Pete for this great book.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great resource, October 31, 2011

By 

Vance W. Wood (Rio Rico) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Getting Sent: A Relational Approach to Support Raising (Paperback)

This is an excellent resource for those in the beginning stages of support raising. I especially appreciate the Biblical foundation provided in the book to help you present the opportunity of your ministry.