In any business, and, since missions is part of the King’s
business therefore requires the same amount of earnest attention as though it
was for-profit venture, decisive decisions must be made. It does no good to go through the
process of analysis of missionary personnel or projects if you are not going to
act on its findings. The tough
work of actually doing something with the teams findings is one of the great
failings of the church. The
implementation of this lesson is crucial, so read carefully.
Determine who fits within your church’s focus and
purpose. It’s inevitable there
will be some on the support list that is outside the purpose of your missions
outreach. It is important that the
church supports only the people and projects which is clearly an interest. So, unfortunately, this will mean
discontinue the support of some people.
How is this done?
DO NOT DROP ANY
MISSIONARY OR MISSIONS SUPPORT IMMEDIATELY. You made a commitment to these people and projects, even
if was twenty years ago, so honor that commitment until they are home in the
states. I believe it is unethical
to discontinue support to a missionary if they have no means of raising of lost
funds.
Write a letter stating that because of shift in focus and
purpose, your church will no longer be able to continue their support. However, your church will continue
their support until they return home and write them and ask specifically when
they will be home. Many
missionaries do not take a year off these days for furlough, so even if they
are home for a month or the summer, give them at least that amount of time to count
on the support from your church.
If it is a project, rather than an individual (a orphanage in Peru),
give that project a year before discontinuance. There are some projects you may be able to discontinue
immediately, such as the youth camp in New Mexico. Be wise and compassionate in everything you do.
I have had my share of “donor attrition” and I can tell you
that no matter how gracious you are in crafting your letter of discontinuance,
it will be a blow to the missionary.
Raising support is difficult and not fun. It’s hard not to take the dropping of support personally. So, be prepared for all types of
reaction.
Over a period of time funds for the projects and people you
want to support will become available.
Begin to pray about the people and projects your church wants to partner
with. Make good decisions upfront
and you won’t have to write letters of discontinuance in the future
