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First, thank the donor for their past giving and maybe share a story of some things which happened over the years while you were in ministry which that their donations helped achieve. 

"You have had a great impact on (ministry name) through your prayers and generosity. Remember Joe?  Now he is ...  In addition, I have been personally touched by the kindness and love expressed through your partnership."  

...

"In addition to praying for me, you also have the opportunity to continue your partnership with Reliant and (Church or ministry name) in  reaching reaching (group of people).  I'd like to recommend that you transfer your Reliant giving to ____missionary name (FDXXXX)___?    Should you choose to continue partnering with Reliant on behalf of _______Missionary name_______ at (Reliant ministry location name), you may do one of three things: contact me, contact him/her directly, or simply go to www.reliant.org, where you may change your financial partnership online.     

"If you want to discontinue your financial partnership at this time, you may contact Reliant by phone (877-614-4600), email (gift.services@reliant.org), or online (www.reliant.org). If you do not contact Reliant and your gift is generated electronically, your LifeLink transactions will automatically stop after (ask the Missionary Resources Department your Program Liaison for the last month LifeLink will transact**). Please feel free to contact Reliant or me with any other questions you have. "

             **For example, if you are employed PT-20, PT-25, PT-30, or FT-40 and you are exiting in May, the last gift date will be June 30.             **If you are employed on an hourly basis, the last gift date might be two months after the exit date.  Please contact Missionary Resources to verify the last gift date with your Program Liaison before sending out your final prayer letter.

Things to Avoid 

We realize that many factors lead to a change in ministry.  It's common for God to use uncomfortable situations to move us on to new opportunities.  In communicating with donors, focus on what is ahead and how it relates to your calling. Don't use exit communication with donors to air confusion, disillusionment, or team conflict.  Concerns you may have need to be directed to those who have the power and responsibility to address those concerns. Negative tones could leave a ministry team member wondering about the value of what they gave previously. That would dishonor their sacrifice. 

Specifically, be cautious and avoid: 

• airing theological differences. 
• opportunities you hoped for but didn't realize. 
• airing disappointment related to your team, leadership, or ministry focus. 

Ways to honestly honor your investment and the supporter's gift:

• "I'm looking for a new kind of challenge."
• "I have found a better fit."  (or "an even better fit.")
• "I'm so glad for the ways I have been able to serve and look forward to directing my energies to______."
• "My commitment to the Great Commission is deeper than it's ever been and I look forward to ___ ." 

...

Ministry Team members should receive word of your change 2-3 weeks before the last day of your employment.  In principle, you are seeking to time your communication in a way that your donors have fair notice, while not informing them so early that they stop their giving before you finish your ministry. 

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