53. Church Partnerships 2 (mini series)

Episode 53 explores biblical foundations for church partnerships in missionary fundraising. Examining Old and New Testament examples, they highlight how God provides through the collective—Israel and the church—supporting Levites, temple workers, and missionaries like Paul. The episode emphasizes mutual provision, spiritual formation, and the unity of the Body of Christ, encouraging missionaries to embrace church partnerships and churches to support sent workers for God’s glory.

0:05 - 5:00 | Old Testament: Levites and Collective Provision
Heather introduces the episode, focusing on God’s provision through the collective. Corrie explains how the Levites, landless per God’s design, were supported by Israel’s tithes for their service at the Tent of Meeting, thriving and tithing themselves. Andy notes the mutual worship and provision, forming a triangular relationship benefiting both parties.

5:01 - 12:04 | Old Testament: Temple Workers and Modern Parallels
Corrie discusses 2 Kings 12, where King Joash’s temple repair fund supported laborers (carpenters, masons) alongside priests, with funds used honestly. Heather and Andy draw parallels to modern pastors (priests) and missionaries (laborers), emphasizing how financial support frees both to focus on ministry without competing.

12:05 - 31:36 | New Testament: Church Support for Missionaries
Corrie highlights the Philippian church’s repeated support for Paul (Philippians 4:15-20), framing gifts as a “fragrant offering” yielding spiritual fruit. Andy reads the passage, noting mutual provision and glory to God. Other examples include Corinth, Galatia, and Rome supporting Jerusalem’s famine-stricken church, showcasing cross-cultural generosity and Paul’s defense of gospel-driven support (1 Corinthians 9).

31:37 - 46:39 | Formation, Barriers, and Encouragement
Andy and Corrie discuss how partnerships build faith and interdependence, countering control and fostering ownership. Barriers include time-intensive church processes and fears of rejection or heroic expectations. They encourage transparency, referencing Matthew 10:40-42, 3 John 5-8, and Luke 8:1-3, urging missionaries to invite churches into the harvest and churches to support sent workers for God’s glory.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your network. Follow It’s Not About the Money for more insightful discussions on faith-based fundraising and support raising!

Get help today! Visit www.provisiofundraising.com

Follow along @ its.not.about.the.money.pod
. . . . .
THANKS FOR LISTENING!