FAQ's of Fundraising

While I ordinarily stick to prayer requests on the blog, I figured I would take a paragraph or two to answer some commonly asked questions about my fundraising for the Duke City Project. (Besides, until we move to ABQ, the two dominant prayer requests are 1. We would sell our house in South Louisiana, and 2. We would raise enough financial support for the church plant to take off in her first three years. Thanks, as always, for praying!)
So, FAQ's of fund raising...
1) Why are you raising funds?
A. Because we are 'starting from scratch' with this church plant (there is no 'core group' of Christians who have already begun the church and are looking for a pastor), I need to raise funds in order to pay my salary and take care of expenses during the first three years of the church plant's life. We think after three years that the church will become self-sufficient financially.
The good news is that the Southwest Church Planting Network (plantchurch.org) has already committed $125,000 over three years in supporting us. My goal is to match that, with commitments over the next three years.
2) How much have you raised so far?
A. Counting one time gifts and pledges, we have raised $25,000 so far. I am deeply grateful to those who have given or pledged, and am looking forward to seeing many others partner with us financially.
3) What is the most effective way to support The Duke City Project financially, one time gifts or three year pledges?
A. While one time gifts are always helpful and appreciated(!), the best way to support us financially is to pledge a monthly amount over a three year period. There are two reasons for this: 1. A monthly pledge, even a 'small' one (such as $25 or $50 a month), turns into a big donation over a three year period ($25/month x 36 months is $900, $50/month x 36 months is $1800, for example). 2. A monthly pledge is an easy way to 'stay connected' with us over the beginning stages of the ministry. Each time you write that monthly check or see it electronically debited (see next question), that is a reminder that you are our partner in ministry. Perhaps that will prompt you to pray for us more regularly, keep in contact with us by email or website, etc. For Carrie and I, each time we see the receipts of those we support on a monthly basis, it reminds us of those folks and the important work they do for the Kingdom of God.
4) Is there an option to donate electronically to the Duke City Project?
A. Yes! On page three of our brochure is information on how to give...and there is a box you can check that indicates your interest in electronic giving. Fill out the form and mail it to Mission to North America (our clearing house for donations) at the address provided. Or check out MNA's website for contact information: http://www.pca-mna.org/.

As summer approaches, we are anxious to move to Albuquerque and begin the work God has called us to do. Please consider supporting us with your prayers and your finances! And many thanks to the faithful saints who have already given/pledged and to our great army of prayer warriors!