A friend of mine wrote me this yesterday, and I wanted to share it because I have a feeling there are many who feel the same way:

“I had a friend ask a question today that I think I answered okay, but I told her I would ask you to get further insight. What is an average amount people give in monthly support to “workers”? They are supporting one family, she said with a significant amount of money, but would like to support another and are wondering if $50 a month is like an insult. I told her no. I would guess people give all ranges of amounts and workers are thankful for all of it. Anyway, any insight would be great.”

Here was my response:

“$50 is about average. We’ve got people giving the gamut, from $200 a month to $20 a month, but I’d say $50 is what most people give. No amount is ever an insult. We trust that people are praying how God would have them involved in our work, and trust the amount to Him. If God has given them clear direction that they are to be a part, yet can only afford $5 a month, that honestly means more to us than if someone gives us $500 a month out of guilt or obligation. And I’m not just saying that.

“There’s something almost mysterious about the power of giving financially to the Kingdom – God multiplies it to be exactly enough, and He knows exactly the amount we need. That $5 a month from a college student multiplies itself to provide for just what is needed, no more, no less. All we want for people is for them to be obedient. If He has clearly told them He wants them to give, and they don’t, we desire a change of heart, because we want them to fully experience God’s blessing in their life. If He has clearly told them they cannot spend an extra penny outside their home because that is to be their sole focus, then we would never want a check from them, because they are out of God’s will.

“Down to specifics, in some ways we prefer more the idea of 10 people giving $50 a month over one person giving $500 a month, for several reasons. One is that more people are with us in work, and there’s power in numbers – we have more people in prayer, they spread themselves out and can “recruit” more people via word of mouth, and we just feel more a part of the whole Body. Practically, it’s also wise if for some reason, like a job loss, someone has to stop giving. We’re at a loss of $50 instead of $500. That said, we would NEVER stop someone from giving $500, if that’s what God wants!

“I think the concern your friend has is one many people have, but they really have no reason to worry! It could honestly be why support raising is difficult on the worker’s end – people think “what difference will my measly $__ make?”. But it really makes a huge difference. With us, we tell people that with every $50 pledged, that ups our goal one percent. That’s a big difference, to us. And overall, the point is obedience to the Lord, like the widow who gave the penny in Jesus’ parable. He saw her heart.”

posted: 06 July 27
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