Transformational Strategies for Funding a Movement of Church Multiplication

The Purpose of this Ministry Project
The purpose of this ministry project was to develop and implement a strategic fundraising plan to solve the financial dilemma and crisis facing the Northwest Christian Evangelistic Association. The fundraising plan was designed as a model of ministry, operating through a set of transformational strategies that empowered the NWCEA's board of trustees and staff to cultivate relationships with individuals, to connect with the churches and to create community events.

Research Methods
Six primary research methods were employed to gather information and the statistical data for the project. These methods included surveys, demographic studies, seminars, books and articles, consultations, and organizational analysis. The surveys were issued to the leaders, individuals, and a special interest group. The leaders were the Christian Church pastors in the Portland Metro and directors of sister evangelistic associations. The individuals were attending conferences at Winema Christian Camp, and the special interest group represented donors and guests at the Partnership Summit. The surveys were designed to gather statistical data about the churches, to gain insights on what people thought and understood about the NWCEA, and to ascertain the potential of future partnerships for church planting projects.

Demographic research was conducted at various sites via the Internet to discover cultural information about American giving practices on national and regional levels as well as household income data for the Portland Metro. Attendance at a variety of seminars on fundraising and development, and reading dozens of books and articles provided a valuable comprehension of fundraising, organizational leadership, and
missional theology. Various consultations with experts and experienced individuals in the areas of estate planning and golf tournaments provided helpful insights in preparation for these events. The analysis was focused on the NWCEA as an organization to gain insights about its history, structure, culture, and supporters.

Summary of the Findings

The findings of the ministry project can be briefly summarized as follows. First, the financial dilemma was more complex than was originally perceived, with causes on multiple fronts both inside and outside of the organization. Second, the transformational strategies that formed the fundraising plan were effective in achieving the desired outcomes of the project. Third, the design of fundraising as a model of ministry was
perfectly suited for the purposes of developing relationships, encouraging spiritual maturity in donors, and partnering in ministry with churches to build up the resources of the household of God. Finally, fundraising as a model of ministry is a process that is similar to discipleship, both in the way it calls people to seek first the Kingdom of God and in the way it helps to fulfill the mission of the church.

Demographic research was conducted at various sites via the Internet to discover cultural information about American giving practices on national and regional levels as well as household income data for the Portland Metro. Attendance at a variety of seminars on fundraising and development, and reading dozens of books and articles provided a valuable comprehension of fundraising, organizational leadership, and
missional theology. Various consultations with experts and experienced individuals in the areas of estate planning and golf tournaments provided helpful insights in preparation for these events. The analysis was focused on the NWCEA as an organization to gain
insights about its history, structure, culture, and supporters.