Episode4
Be Encouraged
Encouragement can be the wind to your sails during this potentially difficult season. Here are some healthy ways to seek out relationships that could provide the encouragement you need.
Article4
Seek out people who spur you on
You have likely been very focused on the hard work of setting up appointments, inviting others to partner with you, and finding your most effective routine for tracking all of the moving parts as you raise support. It’s very possible you could use a dose of encouragement right about now!
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” –Proverbs 17:17 [ESV]
Who are your people? Who are others you know who raise and live off of support? Who did you connect with at Bootcamp? These “in the trenches” relationships are uniquely positioned to provide mutual encouragement. This is a great time to reach out, reconnect, and remind one another of the commitments you have both made. It also can be a great opportunity to troubleshoot some roadblocks that may have popped up.
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” –Proverbs 27:17 [ESV]
Meanwhile, don’t forget to reach out for some regular time with your accountability partner. They are a key part of your plan, not simply for holding you to your goals. They can also be your cheering section and prayer partner. Make the most of that special relationship to be encouraged regularly.
Seek out encouragement from others who understand the support raising journey, as this may be some needed fuel to continue to move you toward the goals you have set to be spiritually healthy, vision-driven, and fully funded.
May God bless you in building your team of ministry partners,
The SRS Team
This Week’s Self-Improvement Challenge
Now that we’ve spent time emphasizing the importance of encouragement in your ongoing ministry partner development plan, it’s a great time to examine what, if anything, is dragging you down. Sharing the vision God has given you for ministry is energizing! Are you setting up enough appointments in your week (current and next) to gain momentum from that excitement? If you are having trouble, take a look at your referral strategy. Are you developing the habit of asking for referrals after someone gives you a clear yes or no in response to your partnership ask? Have you developed and practiced that portion of your conversation? As with all of your presentation, your familiarity and timing with your information will yield greater results.
