Promotional Helps...

Roger L. McCown, Senior Pastor of Brentwood Oaks Church of Christ: Austin, Texas

I have to tell you that I’m the man who has carried a gift certificate for a golf lesson (a present from my wife) in my briefcase for the past four years.  My game usually becomes very erratic after about 15 holes under the Texas sun.  So, when I heard about Jim and Ron and their “100-hole golf marathon” I hardly batted an eye.  Clearly, it wasn’t for me. 

When our local pregnancy resource center (LifeCare) retained Kingdom Partners to help host their first fund-raising marathon, I met Jim and Ron.  Okay, they helped me see that while it’s a lot of good golf and great fun, it’s really not about the golf.  It’s more about helping raise the needed resources for LifeCare.  And that is definitely for me.  So, I asked myself, “What can I do?”

As the preaching minister for a congregation of about 900, (and always among them a dozen or so precious preborn babies) I have their attention at least part of the time each Sunday.  I discovered that you don’t have to be very creative to find ways to encourage people to become involved in saving the lives of the not-yet-born.  I also discovered that a lot of members whom I thought might not be too interested in this fund-raising format, were in fact very interested. 

I helped “get the ball rolling” and then watched as it gained momentum.  I used “prime time” to promote the 100-hole marathon concept.  I spoke about our need to support those who were giving their time to play golf all day long.  I used my telephone to encourage our men and women to be creative and to find sponsors any way they could. 

One of our young men operates a landscape / lawn care business.  When he mailed his monthly bills, he let his customers know he was playing in the LifeCare marathon.  While he lost a couple of customers over it, he also lost his fear of standing up for something he believes in but had never really acted on before.  Proverbs 31:8 says, “Open your mouth for the speechless, in the cause of all who are appointed to die.”

He later thanked me for promoting the event and giving him the opportunity to participate.  When one of his elderly customers met him at the door to pay her bill, she handed him a roll of bills and said, “I just found out that my granddaughter had an abortion last month.  I wish I’d known about the ministry of LifeCare 60 days ago.  It’s too late for her baby, but this little bit might just help someone else.”  When he got back to his truck, he unrolled 20 one hundred dollar bills!

On the day of the marathon, I was there to “officially” open the event in prayer prior to breakfast.  I didn’t play in the event but I rode around in a cart taking pictures and encouraging “Team Brentwood.”  We had 10 players from our church represented, and collectively they raised $23,000.  They are already strategizing how they can do better in LifeCare’s second annual 100-hole golf marathon.

As a minister, using my spiritual authority wisely will bless both those who give and those who receive.  I found that the right word, spoken boldly at the right time and in the right place, impacted our congregation for LIFE.

When it comes to training Christ-centered ministries how to have a successful fund-raising campaign……Jim and Ron know the right things to do!

Roger McGown can be contacted by e-mail:  roger.mccown@brentwoodoaks.org

One Marathon Player’s encouraging fund-raising experience:

It’s been my privilege to be a participant for the last three years in the Choices Pregnancy Resource Center’s annual 100-hole golf marathon.  When I was presented with the minimum suggested goal of raising $20 per hole in pledge support, it seemed like a very realistic goal.  My first thought was…..only 20 people at $100 each.

While there are many different ways of gaining pledge support, I decided to make some phone calls.  My approach was simple; first, I explained why I personally have chosen to support this ministry, then I give an explanation detailing exactly what Choices PRC does and its value to the community, and finally, I challenge them to consider making a financial contribution.  I never tell them how much to give.  I only give some examples of what other people have pledged. 

Also, I give them the option to make a monthly contribution of any amount.  For some people, a $300 donation doesn’t fit their current cash flow situation.  However, most of us can afford a commitment of $25 per month for a year (which is the equivalent to a $300 pledge).  I like to think of it as, “Ridiculous Reduction.”  It doesn’t take very long before those pledges add up.

I’ve found that by personally taking the time to speak with each person helps them have a clearer understanding about the ministry of Choices and the role they play helping young women and their babies in our community.

In last year’s event I was able to raise $20,000.  It didn’t take very much of my time and what a blessing.  It is the power of a request.  I find most people are eager and willing to help in such a worthwhile cause…….they just needed to be asked!

Joel Riley can be contacted at Joel@candorconsult.com

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