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titleSHARING THE NEED

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 is knowing that there are xxx,000 people in <location> who need to hear the good news of Jesus Christ."
  • You can also ask, "Mr. Jones, do you have much background with <location>. Can you imagine what some of the greatest pressures facing <people group> today might be?"
    • Regardless of the answer, acknowledge it positively and lead into the need by saying, " Unfortunately, I would have to say you’re right, along with these other problems..."
  • You may also give other examples: Statistics from the city or local area that help communicate the need for a ministry or church there.

Three questions to consider:

  1. What is the answer to their needs?
  2. How does or will your ministry attempt to meet these needs?
  3. What is your part in meeting these needs?
  • Use this time to develop specific needs in your area that your church/ministry is trying to meet. Ex. "As you read through the list of common problems, I’m sure you’re thinking that these problems exist in every country, and you are absolutely right. <List some of the problems you've seen in your local community> People try so many things to fill the emptiness they feel in their lives."
Tip
titlePro Tip

Communicate possible reasons for problems. However, make sure these are factual and believable.

  • Possibly tell a story here! "As a matter of fact, while I was on a mission trip..."

Two Questions You Must Answer

  1. What does this person need to know or understand? about who I am reaching, the struggles they endure, and the tangible needs that exist? (E.g., statistics, demographic info, etc.)
  2. Why should they care? about the people I'm reaching, the struggles they endure, and the tangible needs that exist? (What do those stats mean for real people living there? E.g., .)"

What do they need to know?

  • Who are you reaching? Provide information about where, how many, perhaps statistics about spiritual realities there.
  • What are the struggles they endure? What are some of the particular ways spiritual brokenness is manifest there?
  • What are their needs? What are the evident spiritual, emotional, and physical needs?

Why should they care?

  • What do those stats mean for the real people living there? E.g., illustrate the results of generational poverty, the plight of the homeless, or the tangible impact of a people who have never had a generation of believers.
  • Tell a story that illustrates these realities. This could be from your experience in that context, a story from a teammate, or from your personal experience stateside ministering to someone experiencing similar realities.


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titleANSWER TO THE NEED

Now that you've reached the Gospel portion of your presentation, you will share with your potential partner how Jesus is the only one who can truly fulfill those needs. This is the crescendo or climax of your entire presentation, so dig in and consider: 

  1. In light of the particular brokenness and need of my context, what about Jesus is good news to them?
  2. What does the gospel offer that other solutions cannot?
  3. How does Jesus Kingdom satisfy the particular longings of your context? (Note: If you're unsure of what their longings are, look underneath the idols you see. E.g., a culture of expressive individualism might reveal a deep longing to be known and welcomed.)
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titleANSWER TO THE NEED

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.

  • "Of course, as you and I know, only a relationship with Jesus Christ can fill the void that is in each person’s life. That’s why I feel very strongly and deeply about reaching out to people in <location> through our church plant, showing them God’s love and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. We desire to help them see and know the hope and joy Christ has to offer through both words and through serving our community."
    • Possible short testimony or story


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    titleWHO IS RELIANT

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

    • "To be a part of this mission involves partnership. Our church/ministry is involved in the <name> church network, whose mission is to <mission>to <mission>. Include how your ministry meets the need in the area where you will be going, and maybe a story of someone whose life was changed by being a part of your community."

    • "Reliant is the sending organization that I will be working for. Reliant partners with missional churches and gospel-centered non-profits by mobilizing support-based missionaries workers for the Great Commission." (You can read this directly from your slide.)

    • YOU MUST SAY THE FOLLOWING: Reliant  "Reliant is a registered 501(c)3 and is a part of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability." 

      • Explain what this means in simple terms. For example, "Basically, all this means is that while we are out planting the churchmaking disciples/reaching _____, Reliant is behind us acting as my employer. They act as my HR department, and they are helping make the things we do at <church> possible." If the person you're sharing with has any further questions about who Reliant is or what we do, you will give them a chance shortly to ask those questions.
      Share a bit about your church planting network. 
      • "Our <organization/church> is… <Share who your church/organization is and what they do> <Include mission/vision, how your church meets the need in your area, and maybe a story of someone whose life was changed by being a part of your community>"is or what we do, you will give them a chance shortly to ask those questions.


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    titleYOUR ROLE(S)

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

    • "I’m often asked what am I going to be doing specifically in <location>." Share about your specific roles with the church/ministry.
      • Ex. "During my time there, I will be working to share with those who don’t know Christ and building Christians up in their walk with the Lord. I will also be studying <language>. Along with that, I will help teach English classes and Bible studies, build discipleship relationships, and be trained in overseas missions."
      •  Communicate general activities and ministry responsibilities. Possibly use a short story to help communicate the impact your role can have.

    ...

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    titleTHE FINANCIAL ASK

    Here it is! The big finish. You've made it this far; you can do this. We recommend reading directly from the "Here's how you can help" page because it gives you a minute to breathe, gather your thoughts, and pray before diving into the ask.

    The Here's How You Can Help page (HHYCH) is the key tool to introduce the financial ask.

    • The page is carefully worded and should be followed nearly exactly — to be read word-for-word at the end of your presentation. If you prepare and practice adequately, you will be able to present Reliant’s financial needs in a natural and conversational manner while sticking closely to the text.
    • The HHYCH page allows donors to see how giving works and is designed to focus on our biggest need: regular, monthly giving.
    • "I'm actually just going to read this directly from the page because Reliant has done a really good job of wording it."
      • Read the entire lefthand left-hand side and continue reading the righthand right-hand side "I am reliant on God to provide ministry team members who will make monthly investments in the mission."
    • Now, you can stop reading and talk directly to the person you're meeting with.
      • "<Insert name> I am trusting in God to provide people who are able to give <insert range ask or specific amounts> per month. Would you join our team at one of these amounts?"

    Be specific

    • We speak about specific dollar amounts or ranges in order to:
      • Share our need as concretely as possible
      • Help the potential partner see “what is normal.

    Stop talking. Breathe. Pray. Pause. This pause will feel like an hour, but it's really only a few seconds. Resist any urge to say something like, "I mean, it's okay if you can't." or "I know that's a lot of money, and you just had a baby/lost your job/got married, etc." Do not give them a reason to say no when you've just spent so much time giving them every reason to say yes.

    ...