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!
Now that you've shared your testimony, you need to transition to the presentation.
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. 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.
"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>"
Sure, people know that you're planting a church. But what will you be doing specifically in that process?
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.
After you've asked for questions, you will lead into your various asks.
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.
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.
They said YES!
Once you have determined the amount and 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."
They said Maybe
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."
They said No
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
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?"
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?"