Friend Raising: Building a Missionary Support Team That Lasts

by Betty Barnett

Many Christians considering missionary service are more fearful of support raising than of being martyred on the mission field. Many, after having responded to God's call to missionary service, have struggled unsuccessfully to raise and maintain adequate support. However, thousands of others stand securely in God's provision, proving God over and over and finding Him faithful. "Friend Raising brings together God's plan for missions support with principles proven in the field. The book focuses on the practical pillars of lasting support raising: intimacy in relationships, interdependence, mutual love and sharing, bearing one another's burdens, generosity, communication, and prayer with promises. In a world swamped by fund-raising hype and gimmicks, Betty Barnett presents a refreshing biblical alternative based on relationship.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Christian Non Fiction, Spirituality, Religion, Christianity, Faith

198 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1991

Reviews

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

For what it is, it seemed good. The main takeaway from it was communication and connection to people and relationships. It's a sad reality for us, but it took leaving the country to reconnect with a lot of friends and family.

My recommendation is not necessarily to read this book but to regularly communicate with people you love.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good principles and real-life examples for those learning to partner with others financially by raising support. Though I've heard plenty of sermons on the topics of using money, this book was specific and focused on the missionary in a way that was different. Drawing from her own experiences, the author had some very helpful insights in seeing financial donors as much more than just money-givers, but as friends and partners.
I especially appreciated her focus on the importance of missionaries being generous to others around them.

[Danny Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let's just talk about this title for a minute. Is there any worse thing to title a book? This is the type of book that I would move from my center table when guests came over. Call it "building a missionary support team" or even just "fundraising." But "friendraising" is like the good-hearted but out of touch VBS teacher who says, "let's say Jesus and his disciples were the 'original Old Navy,' I'm sure that the kids will love that."

Anyway, I'm too harsh on Barnett, (or her publicist). But there is a lot of helpful tips in the book. Prioritizing relationships over money, having good communication, and being generous are all things that will serve many missionaries well. The writing is a little too casual, the theology gets a little weird in places, but overall, you can profit.

[Lori Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

My husband and I have been missionaries for over 20 years, living on the financial support of those who believe in us and our ministry. Because they are life givers and not only our financial backers, we want to pour into them and build them up in ministry. They are not donating to a charity, they are teammates in missions. This book is a great tool to maintain that perspective, foster ideas and learn from Barnett's successes and missteps.

[DarthBDarcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having been involved in missions for the past few years, and having lost all support last year to return full-time, I’ve been wanting to read this book to help me in my journey. There are a lot of good points and helpful suggestions, although I do feel some aspects are a bit outdated. I’m thoroughly thankful for this compact and quick read to help me engage with my supporters better.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good principals for ministry and raising support (financial and spiritual). Dated for use of electronic resources but the principals can still be applied. Writing style comes across a bit choppy. Not difficult to read but could have 'flowed' better.

[Brian Upton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book redefines the whole concept of fund-raising. It really puts into perspective your views on money and faith in God's guidance and provision. Highly recommended for those called to faith-based missionary fundraising.

[Matthew Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great reminder that in raising support for yourself as a missionary or your missions work, the important thing is to build friendships rather than focus on the giving. I do think the practical side of it could use an update for the age of social media but the principles are timeless.

[Roden]

Need it

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little out of date, but helpful, Biblical perspective

[Linda May Cohee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really helpful to read & be able to learn more about support-raising and what the heart behind it should look like.

[Alisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chapter 3 on generosity is really good. It talks about how the supporter/missionary relationship is a giving/receiving relationship. Not buying/selling. We don't owe or have to "pay back" anything from each other. Also, it was good to read of how missionaries give back to their supporters and how this also helps spread the gospel. For one instance the missionary was sending resources and kept a tight relationship with his supporters for five years and then the supporters decided that they wanted to be missionaries as well. I thought that was cool. Also, it talks about not only praying for the people on your mission field, but also for those back home. I have been doing this, but it was good to have my thoughts confirmed.

[Michael Peters · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the book at first, the author is pretty inspiring. However, I noticed I don't always theologically agree with the author. Sometimes, Barnett implies God works on a Cause & Effect basis. On at least one occasion, she implies she didn't get some funding until she did something that pleased God.

Barnett's ideas on communicating with donors are good. However, I have not done all the good things Barnett writes about and I still receive funding.

Read the book, but take the parts about "Why God provides" with a grain of salt.

[Светлана · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone starting out as a missionary, this is a great book. She really captures a lot of the elements required to raise a missionary budget, to stay connected, and why it's important. If you are raising a budget, this book will give you the heart of it, but I would also recommend a more "hand-on" book such as Funding Your Ministry by Scott Morton--he can give you more of the "how to" from what I've seen.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very helpful book for anyone living a support-dependent lifestyle. In fact, many of the topics addressed would be helpful for everyone, whether living on support or working a salary-set job. I will say that not everything that she suggests would work well for me personally. But overall it gives a good perspective on support raising - it's not about the money, it's about the relationships; it's about the body of Christ working together. God will provide.

[Stephanie Ziebarth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book for those involved in raising ministry support. Betty Barnett conveys solid principles for "friend raising" with enthusiasm, conviction, scriptural support, and inspiring anecdotes. She also includes a number of practical helps, varying from newsletter-writing suggestions to sample response and record-keeping forms.

[Светлана · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book and similar materials was critical to learning how to raise my support as a missionary. I highly recommend it as a biblical resource for anyone who has to raise funds for missions. This simple and biblical resource will help you to feel grounded and confident about what you are doing.

[Meagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't get much practical knowledge from this book but it did change my heart in how I look at people in the support raising process, especially in the part where she talks about the wrong in looking at people with $$ in your eyes. Jesus made a huge impact on her relationships and you can just feel the love she has for people in her words.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I heard good things about this one, but I have to say I thought it fell short. I expected some really great tips, but I thought the book was more common sense. Be a real friend, even long distance, and the support will follow.

[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to get a better perspective on support raising for mission assignments, I read this in two half evenings, so it is not difficult. I have a new understanding of the process and of good practices in this arena. The emphasis on relationship is encouraging and accurate.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was one more piece in the Sacred Echo we have been hearing concerning gernerousity. To be people who give and receive and not buy and sell.

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Has some good ideas and some ideas that just aren't right for us. Overall, an OK book. I thing it would be worth it for a new missionary or missionary in training to read.

[glenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a great help in raising support partners in working together for God's glory. Learning support raising is expanding my network of friends and doing God's cause together. A great read!

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful reminder regarding "friend-raising" as opposed to support raising.
Generosity, prayer, communication.

[Mary Brace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read it twice and then gave it to a friend who was support raising. Very helpful and inspiring.