James
I am studying at Oak Hill Theological College for ordained ministry in the Church of England. Being over 32 I am eligible for only two years funding from the church. I felt that there would be long term benefits of studying for a third year at college to equip me, God willing, for a life time of gospel ministry. This meant that I needed to raise funds for this third year
I had worked at a church before coming to college and my wife and I see this as our sending church. I therefore started there and the vicar sugested we preach at a morning service and also be interviewed. This gave the opportunity to put the need before the church family. I had also produced an A5 card with more information.
From the start of our time at college I had produced termly prayer cards for friends and family. I also sent the A5 card to them saying about our need to raise finances for our third year.
I was astonished by God’s provision, through this people. Our individual giving was slightly higher than I had budgeted for. However the gift aid was lower than I had budgeted for. The vast majority of those supporting us are not paying tax. The total we received from two trusts was also higher than budgeted.
Summary:
1. Start the process early. I first contacted the vicar from our sending church in October - we needed funding from the following June.
2. Where possible go first to your sending church.
3. Keep supporters, friends and family well informed with prayer letters.
4. Set out the vision for what you are doing. We found people very willing to support us when they grasped the vision of funding future gospel ministry for 30+ years.
5. Set in place a system to claim gift aid.
6. Keep praying and trust God to provide. It is daunting looking to raise a large sum.