Letter writing notes

• Use correct grammar, but write in an easy-flowing conversational manner.
• Keep typewritten paragraphs to six lines. Shorter paragraphs enhance the readability of the copy.
• If you have a second page, divide the sentence at the end of page one so the reader will have to turn to page two to finish reading the sentence.
• Keep sentence structure simple and uncomplicated. Guard against using incomplete sentences.
• Use correct spelling. When in doubt, look it up!
• Avoid beginning a sentence, especially the first sentence of a paragraph with “a,” “an,” or “the.”
• Begin sentences with “action” words (verb forms such as “-ing” words) or good transitions (such as prepositional phrases) to keep the interest of the reader and to enhance the flow from one thought to another.
• Avoid beginning a paragraph with “I”.
• Vary paragraph beginnings.
• Use a personal form for the ministry letter. This means using a comma after the salutation rather than a colon and not using an inside address (The addressee’s address).
• Always give your letter a specific date.

Ministry team letter to someone you know.

1. Acknowledge the person reading the letter (ask an open-ended question to draw them into the letter).
2. Something personal about you (brief glimpse into your life).
3. Something brief about how God led you to join staff with GCM, who GCM is, your ministry assignment and how your personal tasks/abilities will have an impact (your personal vision).
4. Appreciation for them and their interest in GCM and you (acknowledge special gifts they may have given in the past).
5. Transition into need—“Because of your interest, I wanted to write to see whether you’d like to have a part with GCM.”
6. Specific need—what brought it about—“As you may know, part of my responsibility on staff with GCM is to help develop a financial ministry team for GCM.”
7. How the need will be met—“While I’m here in Anytown, I’m meeting with interested individuals seeking to find those who would like to join with GCM as a part of a financial support team. But there are a few others, like you, I’m unable to visit with personally, so I’m writing to give you an opportunity to be involved.”
8. Challenge—ASK specifically—“Will you prayerfully consider helping GCM at this time with a monthly commitment of $100, $50, or $35?”
9. Indicate that you will be calling for their decision in about two to five days after they have received your information.
10. Express appreciation and close.
11. Include a P.S. “I look forward to talking with you.” The P.S. will probably be the first thing they read. It would be best to hand-write it.

Ministry team letter to someone you have never met.

1. State how you got their name and why you’re writing them.
2. Personal
   1. How I came to know Christ (in a nutshell).
   2. How I became acquainted with your ministry
   3. How God led you to become a missionary with Reliant
3. Ministry
   1. Who is Reliant?
   2. My personal vision and responsibilities.
   3. How my ministry role fits in with the goals of my church and with Reliant
4. The remainder of the letter would be similar to the letter to someone you do know.

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