How do I Support Raise for Ministry?

Support raising with SIM USA begins with training at our Charlotte campus. This training includes tools, guidance, and activities that help build a support team.  

The focus of training is on engaging supporters in a relational and Christ-centered way. Support raising should reflect an authentic partnership rather than a transactional one. At SIM USA, we want supporters to be genuinely connected to global ministry. The emphasis is not on the size or type of support, but on shared partnership in ministry.  

“We have [workers] come in and get trained in godly ways of raising support,” Training and Development Lead Erin B. said. “It’s not really about money. It’s about people using the resources they have, whether that’s time or finances or a variety of things, to advance the Kingdom in the way God has called them to and put on their heart.” 

“And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’” Romans 10:15 

Supporters come alongside the worker through prayer and through financial giving. Both forms of support are essential parts of long-term cross-cultural ministry. During training, workers identify family, friends, and churches to invite into ministry partnership. As they discern who to connect with for partnership, they reflect on questions like: 

• Who are the potential supporters I want to meet with? 

• Who do I want to receive my ministry newsletters? 

These questions help workers begin forming a thoughtful, intentional list of potential partners. 

Once this list of possible supporters is developed, workers think through next steps. They often organize contacts by location and plan to meet with them in person. For example, if several potential partners live in the same region, a worker may plan a trip there to meet with all of them. 

In these meetings with potential supporters, workers explain their ministry and direction. They personally share their story and present the opportunity to participate through partnership.  

Workers initially invite people into prayer support. Prayer is the essential foundation of ministry. Then, they may also invite them into financial partnership. This could include monthly giving or a one-time launch gift.  

 “I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:18-19 

Over time, these relationships form a growing prayer and financial support team. Each relationship is treated with genuine care and long-term investment. Prayer and financial partners are not viewed as transactional contributors. They are seen as valued relationships and essential partners in ministry. Support raising is rooted in relationships, where communication and mutual care are central. Workers and supporters are deeply invested in one another’s lives, consistently praying for each other. 

“Raising support is a full-time job when you are starting, and then it becomes maintaining the relationships and honoring them well,” Erin said. “You have to show up for them. You have to be willing to pray for them. You have to be invested in their lives. You have to care for them.” 

Throughout their ministry, workers continue to nurture these relationships. They write regular updates, share ministry progress, and stay connected with their partners. They may send small notes or thoughtful gifts to express gratitude and maintain connection. When possible, workers also visit supporters in person. They may even invite supporters to visit them on the field. Ongoing communication and care are what make support raising a sustained relational partnership. 

“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy  because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:3-6 

Global workers can also maintain partnerships by providing creative reminders to pray. These resources help supporters pray intentionally and consistently.  

Workers may encourage supporters to adopt a monthly rhythm of prayer through simple strategies. Supporters could choose a specific day each month to pray consistently. A supporter who selects the fourth would pray for the worker and ministry on the fourth of each month. Another approach is for each supporter to select a day of the week. On their assigned day, they will intentionally pray for the worker. 

Additionally, they can also use creative, unique approaches. One memorable strategy Erin suggested is giving every supporter a toothbrush. Every time the supporter brushes their teeth, they can be reminded to pray for the worker.  

“Be interesting. Be different. Give them something from the country you’re serving in, or pick a day of the week for prayer,” Erin said. “We can’t do this job without their prayers. We can’t do this job without their partnership.” 

At SIM USA, global workers are equipped to build and maintain long-term partnerships. We provide training, resources, and ongoing support through every stage of the journey.  

“All these resources are God’s to begin with. You have no reason to be nervous,” Erin said. “This is about you stepping out in obedience, and if you really believe God has called you to do this thing, He will make a way.” 

If you are exploring cross-cultural ministry, we invite you to connect with a mission coach or attend a Connect event. Learn more today about serving with SIM USA. 

“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8  

Maggie Watts
content creator

I am a Content Creator with SIM USA. It is a joy to use writing and multimedia to glorify God and tell stories about how He is working around the world.