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Now that you've shared your testimony, you need to transition to the presentation.

• This can sound something like, "Thanks for listening to my story. If

Three questions to consider:

1. Who are you reaching?
2. What are the struggles they go through?
3. What are their needs?

• Sharing the need can sound something like, "One motivation for me/us

Now that you've reached the Gospel portion of your presentation, you will tell/remind the person that only Jesus can truly fulfill those needs.

• "

This is the part where you will explain who Reliant is and what they do for you as a church planter. You will also introduce any other ministry organizations you're partnering with.

• "To be a part of this mission involves partnership.

Sure, people know that you're planting a church. But what will you be doing specifically in that process?

• "I’m often asked what

After you've asked for questions, you will lead into your various asks.

• "Thanks so much for your questions/listening to what God is doing. I am so excited to be a part of this ministry... <Cast vision one last time before asking for partnership>

• Say thank you!
• Clarify the Amount, Frequency, and Start Date
  • It is very important that you know exactly how much and how often partners plan to contribute. Miscommunication can easily happen here. Is the gift monthly? Or were they thinking quarterly or annual, or just a special gift? When would they want to start?

• Once you have determined the amount, frequency, and start date, communicate appreciation again.

• Briefly Explain How to Start Giving

  • Once the amount has been clarified, it is important that the new partner know how he or she can give most effectively. This should be very brief; you will address details later.

  • "Let me explain how that works. Most donors set their giving online. Reliant has a secure website that is easy to use and allows you to stop, start or change your giving at any time. Before I leave, I'll share more about how you can get started."

The prospective ministry partner responds, “I’d like to pray about it,” or “I’d like to talk with my spouse about it,” or something similar.

• Say Thank You and Be Happy! Maybes often can lead to “yes” decisions, so be happy.

  • "I certainly appreciate your consideration!"

• Set up a time to get his/her decision.

  • "For considering giving, when does it make sense for me to get back to you? Could I call you back in a few days to see what you have decided? Today is Monday; would it be enough time if I called you, let’s say, Wednesday?"

    • Most people are able to make a decision fairly quickly. Allow them enough time for a decision while staying within a timeframe where they don’t lose the urgency of the ministry's need. Sometimes this is the next day. Often it is 3-4 days.

  • Pro Tip: Suggest a time that you can call back. The prospective ministry partner may suggest another time, but you suggesting one gives you a springboard from which to set a mutually agreeable, specific time.

    • Some people may tell you they will call you. In those instances, here are some example responses that will help you keep the ball in your court:

      • "I certainly appreciate that, but I am usually either on the phone or gone. I think it would be easier for you if I gave you a call."

      • "Thanks, I appreciate that! I do tend to be hard to get a hold of, though. If we don’t connect, I’m happy to try to give you a call as well."

  • Once you have agreed on a time to call, confirm it out loud with them.

    • "I’ll look forward to talking with you around 7:30 or so Wednesday night."

  • Pro Tip: It can be helpful to allow for flexibility instead of a rigidly exact time. Remember, you have lots of calls to make!

• Briefly Explain How to Start Giving

  • Even with a maybe, it is important to briefly explain what giving could look like.

  • "I can certainly understand you wanting time to pray about this decision that is really important. Before I leave, I will go ahead and explain how the process works if you do decide to partner with Reliant. Most people start their giving to Reliant on our website. It’s secure, easy to use, and allows you to start, stop, or change your gift at any time. Should you and your wife decide to give, I can show you how to do that."

A “No” response can mean several things:

• “No, that amount is too high” (ask for a lower amount)
• “No, I can’t give regularly” (ask for a special gift)
• “No, right now is a bad time” (but later might be okay)
• “No, I have some unspoken concerns.”
• “No, period.”

This means we must clarify! Primarily, remember to graciously ask clarifying questions to determine what their “No” means.

Clarifying

• Ask for a lower monthly range.
  • If they are unable to give the monthly amount you requested, your follow-up should communicate understanding and appreciation: "I can certainly understand. I know that amount can sound high to some donors. Is there another amount that you could feel comfortable with?"

• Ask for an Alternate Frequency

  • If they are unable to commit to something monthly: "I totally understand. Some donors can’t commit on a monthly basis but have been able to consider quarterly or annual gifts. Is that something you might consider?"

• Ask for a Special Gift
  • "I can certainly understand. Not everyone is in a position to give on an ongoing basis. Mr. <name>, as well as the monthly expenses I’ve mentioned, special, one-time gifts will help cover less frequent financial needs of our ministry such as...<list a few special needs>.
• Ask about the future.
  
  • If they are unable to give at all financially, your follow-up should communicate understanding and appreciation and seek to find out if they would be willing to consider giving in the future.
    • "I so much appreciate your consideration. Some people who can’t consider giving do have circumstances change in the future. Could it make sense for me to check back in three or six months or another time?" If the answer is “Yes,” get a general time to get back in touch. Then agree upon an appropriate time to contact him/her. "I appreciate your willingness to consider joining Reliant’s team in the future."
• “No”…period
  

  • Communicate understanding and appreciation. "I can certainly understand. Thank you so much for letting me share about Reliant and this ministry with you. It’s a privilege just to be able to tell our story."

  • Ask if there are unspoken concerns. It may be appropriate to ask about unspoken concerns. Be sensitive and mention this only when appropriate.

    • "I wonder, are there any concerns you’ve had or questions I’ve left unanswered?"

Objectives: Communicate the various ways for partners to begin giving to Reliant

• Show how to use the donor giving website to start, stop, or change their giving
  • Yes, with amount →"Thank you so much for committing to giving $__/month! As I said before, we can get that set up now or, if you're more comfortable, I can quickly walk you through how to set up your giving online, and you can do it on your own later today or tomorrow."
  • Maybe →"I know you said you'd like some time to check your budget/talk to your spouse/pray, but if it's alright with you, I would love to quickly run through how to set up your giving online so if you decide to financially support the ministry, you can get your giving set up."
  • No → "Thank you so much for listening to the vision of what we pray God will do through our ministry in _____. If something should change and you decide to financially support me, you can find my giving page at Reliant.org/_____."
• Implement wrapping-up appointment principals by asking about ministry updates, praying with partners, and tying up any loose ends from their conversation as appropriate to each situation

• Input notes about ministry partners in your donor management system after each appointment to track important details about ministry partners
• Establish patterns and practices for following up with partners after appointments, including sending thank you notes, sending materials as necessary, and communicating appropriately

• Send a Thank You text/email. The same day, send a brief text or e-mail that thanks them again and includes a link to the website for giving

  Expand
  title Yes
  From: Dave C. Subj: Thank You Again Dear Mr. Jones – Thank you again for the meeting today! I’m so encouraged by your generosity in giving towards our ministry in <location> as we reach people with the Gospel. It makes a world of difference. Here’s the place to go: Reliant.org/david.johnson View our profile and choose “Give Now” to get started. In Christ Jesus Dave

  
  

  Expand
  title Maybe
  Thank you again for the meeting today about our ministry in <location> as we reach people with the Gospel. I was encouraged by our conversation, and I appreciate the time you’ll take to consider whether you can be involved. If you do decide to give, here’s the place you will go. Feel free to take a look to learn more about Reliant. Reliant.org/david.johnson We’ll talk again next week. In Christ Jesus, Dave

  
  

  Expand
  title No
  Thank you again for the meeting today! It was kind of you to hear about our ministry in <location> as we reach people with the Gospel. I understand that you won’t be able to give at this time, but I do appreciate the time you spent with us. God bless! In Christ Jesus Dave C. Cool Chicago Church Plant In ministry partnership with Reliant Reliant.org/david.johnson

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