Page History
On this page, you will find speaking points you'll want to make sure you mention as you're giving your presentation. If you need a refresher on how to cast the vision or deliver a specific point, reach out to your MTD Coach for help!
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Now that you've shared your testimony, you need to transition to the presentation.
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Three questions to consider:
Three questions to consider:
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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.
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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.
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Sure, people know that you're planting a church. But what will you be doing specifically in that process?
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STOP and see if they have questions! Now is a good time to do this so they don't get confused about anything you've said so far and are able to keep focusing on what you are going to say. Sometimes if people are confused or have questions, they are thinking about that instead of focusing on you and what you are saying.
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After you've asked for questions, you will lead into your various asks.
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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.
Be specific
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. |
POSSIBLE RESPONSES TO THE FINANCIAL ASK:
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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.
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A “No” response can mean several things:
This means we must clarify! Primarily, remember to graciously ask clarifying questions to determine what their “No” means. Clarifying
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TRANSITION FROM YOUR TESTIMONY
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 it’s all right with you, I'd love to show you some photos to help communicate more about <church/ministry>, Reliant Mission, and my role with them."
- Once you've opened your presentation, tell them about your "This is Me/Us" page in 30 seconds or less.
SHARING THE NEED
Three questions to consider:
- Who are you reaching?
- What are the struggles they go through?
- 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, "What do you think are some of the pressures facing people in <location> today?"
- 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 plant there.
Three questions to consider:
- What is the answer to their needs?
- How does or will your ministry attempt to meet these needs?
- 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 everywhere, and you are absolutely right. The two problems that seem to be prevalent in <location> are addiction and poverty. It seems that many of these problems stem from the fact that…"
- Communicate possible reasons for problems. However, make sure these are both factual and believable.
- Possibly tell a story here! "Recently, our core team for our church plant has been ministering to Ann..."
ANSWER 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
WHO IS RELIANT
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. Our church plant is involved in the <name> church network, whose mission is to <mission>.
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 for the Great Commission." (You can read this directly from your slide.)
YOU MUST SAY THE FOLLOWING: 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 church, 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>"
YOUR ROLE(S)
Sure, people know that you're planting a church. 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. I will be working at sharing with those who don’t know Christ and building Christians up in their walk with the Lord. I will help teach Bible studies, build discipleship relationships, and be trained in church planting...
- Communicate general activities and ministry responsibilities. Possibly use a short story to help communicate the impact your role can have.
STOP FOR QUESTIONS!
STOP and see if they have questions! Now is a good time to do this so they don't get confused about anything you've said so far and are able to keep focusing on what you are going to say. Sometimes if people are confused or have questions, they are thinking about that instead of focusing on you and what you are saying.
- "I know I’ve been talking for a while now, I was just wondering if you had any questions about what I’ve shared so far?"
- If they have any questions, affirm the question, restate it to make sure you understand the question, and give the best possible answer.
- It's okay if you don't know the answer to a question! Be honest. "You know, that's a great question, and I honestly don't know the answer. Is it okay with you if look into it after this meeting and get back to you later today or tomorrow with an answer?"
- Check Solomon and/or reach out to your MTD Coach to help you find an answer.
TRANSITION TO THE NEED FOR PARTNERSHIP
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>
- Ex. "Just like we were able to see Jill change her life around, we want to be there for the thousands of others like Jill who need to hear the good news of Jesus in <city>"
On the "I am Reliant" page: But <insert name>, we can’t do this alone. Because we are Reliant. We are Reliant on the Lord for everything. And we are Reliant on people like you to team up with us in <city> to make these things possible.
Some ideas for furthering this idea of being reliant:
Romans 10:14 states, ‘How can they call upon Him in whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without a preacher? And how can one preach unless he is sent?’ At <church>, we’re convinced of God’s call and are willing to do our part, but we need others on our ministry team to make this ministry happen.
Let me give you an analogy from Exodus 17. Maybe you remember the story. Moses, Aaron, and Hur were overlooking a battle between the Amalekites and Israel. When Moses had his hands raised, Israel would begin to prevail. But when his arms dropped from being tired, Israel would start to lose. Aaron and Hur, seeing that he was weak, held Moses' arms, and ultimately Israel won.
Who won the war? The soldiers? Moses? Aaron and Hur? It took a team working together to see victory. We see a team as a partnership that can make a difference in <location>.
On the circles page:
Keep each circle's explanation short, no more than one sentence each.
"<Insert name>, let me tell you how you can be part of the team. There are three ways we have often received help in our ministry.
We need true intercessors who will commit to praying regularly for Reliant, <organization/church,> and our ministry in <location>.
Another way you can help is by connecting me to others you know who would love to hear about our ministry.
Lastly, a regular way we’ve been helped is through the generous giving of others. If you don't mind, I'd like to share with you about that now.
THE 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 side and continue reading the righthand 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.
POSSIBLE RESPONSES
They said YES!
- 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."
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