It's Not About the Money: In Search of Grounded Fundraising

In this episode of It’s Not About the Money, we’re joined by Bernie Anderson—missions leader, podcast host, business consultant, and certified Growability coach. Bernie helps us reframe our ideas around sales and fundraising, showing how sales, when done with integrity and generosity, can become a transformative experience for both the giver and the receiver.

We talk about why fundraising isn’t a transaction but a transformation, why great fundraisers are great listeners, and how donor alignment is better than manipulation. Bernie shares wisdom on identifying donor personalities, avoiding burnout through authenticity, and how storytelling—done honestly—can drive partnership fruit.

If you've ever felt awkward "making the ask" or have been burned by manipulative sales tactics, this episode will feel like a breath of fresh air. Bernie reminds us that fundraising is discipleship, that rejection isn’t failure, and that there’s no such thing as “sacred vs. secular” when you're doing Kingdom work.

📚 Books + Articles

1. To Sell Is Human by Daniel H. Pink
   – A modern, research-driven take on how everyone is in sales, whether they realize it or not.
2. The Spirituality of Fundraising by Henri Nouwen
   – A short but powerful read framing fundraising as spiritual formation and invitation.

🎧 Podcasts

1. The Psychology of Fundraising: Part 1 and Part 2 (Counselor Panel)
   
   
2. NATM Episode 29.5 with Bernie Anderson
   
   
3. Global Trellis Podcast
   – Co-hosted by Bernie Anderson and Amy Young; supports cross-cultural workers in soul care and sustainability.
4. Growability Podcast
   – Focused on leadership, business development, and nonprofit growth; co-hosted by Bernie.

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“I was probably the wealthiest person in my family when I chose to go into ministry—then I had to go back and ask my family for money.”

“If God did it in my life, He can do it in yours.”

“If you’re not willing to be faithful, I can’t do much with you. But if you are—I got you.”

In this powerful episode, Tony Dentman of Funding Tribe joins hosts Heather and Andy to reframe the soundtrack of “This is impossible.” Tony shares his journey from inner-city St. Louis to full-time ministry, despite having no wealthy or Christian background. He explains how his organization empowers minority leaders to get fully funded and mobilized for mission. The conversation dives deep into character formation, faith-building, and the systemic lie that fundraising success is tied to privilege. A must-listen for anyone who has ever doubted their calling or resources.

🎯 Key Takeaways

• Fundraising = Formation: It’s not just about hitting goals; it’s about who you become in the journey.
• Reframe Obstacles: Swap “This is impossible because…” for “How can I overcome this?,” and watch your confidence skyrocket.
• Built for the Underconnected: Funding Tribe’s system assumes you lack a Rolodex—and that’s exactly why it works.
• Diversity Is Your Strength: Minority and women leaders bring unique insights for reaching every nation.
• Faithfulness Over Finals: Success is measured by commitment to the process; character wins whether or not you hit your funding target.

🔗 Show Notes & Resources: fundingtribe.org

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In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Mandy returns to share her ongoing journey in ministry and fundraising. The conversation explores how ministry fundraising transcends mere numbers—it's about personal formation, genuine partnerships, and living out one’s calling. Dr. Mandy recounts her early introduction to support-based ministry, her refreshing re-engagement with longtime partners (including a memorable 5000-mile road trip), and the lessons learned from her leadership challenges. Interwoven with rich Scripture readings (notably from Second Corinthians and other Biblical passages), the discussion offers spiritual encouragement and practical insights on overcoming doubt, resisting the temptation to “fix” everything, and staying true to God’s word. Listeners are encouraged to lean into community, continuously study Scripture, and trust that every step—even the hard ones—is part of a greater divine plan.

Recommended Resources Mentioned:

• Perspectives courses (visit perspectives.org)
• Books: Mountain Rain by Eileen Fraser Crossman and The Prayer of Faith by James O. Fraser
• Scripture study tools: Logos, NAVS, Precept.org

Other Scripture for Reference:

• Revelation 15:3 
• 1 Chronicles 29:11-13
• 1 Chronicles 16:31 
• Psalm 9:7-10
• Psalm 103:19-22
• Psalm 96
• Psalm 93:1-5
• 1 Timothy 1:17
• 1 Timothy 6:15-16
• Isaiah 44:6-9
• Psalm 145:8-13
• 1 Corinthians 15:20-28
• Zechariah 9:9
• John 18:36-37
• Hebrews 1:3-4
• Hebrews 1:8-12

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"Our support raising isn’t asking for a favor — it’s an invitation to join in Kingdom work."

“Greed isn’t about how much money you have — it’s about what you expect money to give you.”

What does it really mean to live with an abundance mindset in a culture of scarcity and self-sufficiency? In this episode of It’s Not About the Money, we’re joined by Dr. Jacob Chacko — a cardiologist, bivocational pastor, and thoughtful teacher — to talk about the spiritual heart of fundraising.

Together we explore:

• The subtle forms greed can take — even in ministry
• Why dependence isn't weakness, but a biblical invitation
• How abundance isn’t about more stuff — it’s about deeper trust
• Practical ways to reframe financial anxiety and scarcity thinking

Whether you're deep into support-raising or simply wrestling with how to steward your money faithfully, this conversation will stir your heart and reorient your perspective.

🎧 Plus: a beautiful blessing from Walter Brueggemann to close out the episode.

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“We live at the mercy of our ideas.” – Dallas Willard

In this foundational episode of our new series on mental soundtracks in fundraising, we’re joined by the wise and winsome Patty S. If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in patterns of doubt, striving, or self-criticism around fundraising, this episode is for you.

We unpack how our internal narratives—the soundtracks we replay in our heads—shape not only our fundraising strategies but also our identity and ministry posture. Drawing on personal experiences and years of walking alongside ministry workers, Patty helps us name unhealthy mindsets and invites us to replace them with truth, grace, and intentionality.

This episode kicks off a multi-part journey toward reframing how we think about fundraising—moving from fear and scarcity to purpose and formation. Whether you’re in a season of support raising or simply feeling stuck, you’ll find insight, encouragement, and plenty of “aha” moments.

Listen to Patty's other episode (Episode 4) here!

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In this episode, we revisit the conversation with Danny & Stephanie Gutierrez to explore their journey from resisting support raising to fully embracing it as a means to bless others. In Episode 44, they share how their mindset shifted from viewing fundraising as an obligation to seeing it as an opportunity for partnership and generosity. Whether you’re in ministry, fundraising, or simply navigating seasons of transition, this conversation is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and practical strategies.

In this RECAP, we explore:

• How Danny & Stephanie moved from "never fundraising" to seeing it as a vital part of their mission.
• The importance of open communication, leveraging strengths, and building a core team—whether you’re married or single.
• Challenges of long-term field service and how to maintain resilience through difficult seasons.
• Creative approaches to engaging supporters beyond financial contributions.
• Universal principles of community, human interaction, and the power of our thoughts in shaping our experiences.

Resources Mentioned:

• All Terrain Marriage Course by Danny & Stephanie Gutierrez (YouTube)
• "Life is in the Transitions" by Bruce Feiler

🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!
 🔗 Link in bio!

#Fundraising #MinistrySupport #MarriageAndMission #Generosity #Community #itsnotaboutthemoneyfundraising

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"We said we'd never fundraise—never. But God had other plans."
 
"The conversations about money were some of the hardest, but they also made us stronger."

In this episode of THANKS FOR DOING THAT, Danny and Stephanie Leigh Gutierrez share their journey of stepping into support-based ministry as a married couple. From wrestling with initial doubts to discovering the blessings that come from relying on others' generosity, their story is filled with faith, resilience, and surprising lessons. They open up about how fundraising transformed their relationship—not just with each other, but with God and their community. If you've ever faced a challenge that seemed impossible, their insights and honesty might be just the encouragement you need.

Danny and Stephanie made a pact when they got married - support based work was not for them. As it turns out, God had other plans and their family served in Peru for a decade before moving back to the States to continue ministry in equipping and encouraging support based workers. You might recognize Stephanie's voice from her well known podcast: Modern Day Missionaries.

Overall, Stephanie and Danny had so many helpful and practical offerings from their own experiences  - speaking to both what works and what doesn't! The conversation covers communication, roles in marriage and fundraising, how to tell a story well, and much more

All Terrain Marriage Video Series

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"Fundraising isn’t just a necessary evil. It’s the point where we’re drawn deeper into the body of Christ and into intentional, transformational conversations."

"The church needs you as much as the people you're ministering to. This isn’t just about funding—it’s about formation, for you and for the church."

In this recap episode, Heather Winchell and Andy Brennan reflect on their conversation with Aaron Gonyou from Unmuzzled Ox. They explore the challenges of ministry fundraising, the role of personal formation, and the importance of preparation and coaching. The discussion highlights the tension between faith and strategy in fundraising, the critical role of church involvement, and why fundraisers should embrace their calling rather than resist it.

Aaron emphasizes the importance of accountability structures, the power of clarity in fundraising pitches, and how ministry fundraising can either be a burden or an opportunity for growth. Heather and Andy also discuss common pitfalls in fundraising training and the importance of seeing fundraising as part of the ministry itself rather than just a means to an end.

The episode closes with an encouraging reminder: "You're doing a great thing. The church needs you. The Gospel moves forward when ministry workers are fully funded."

📌 Key Takeaways:

✅ Preparation is Key – Many organizations don’t fully equip their workers for partnership development, leaving gaps that need to be filled with intentional training and coaching.

✅ Fundraising is a Formational Process – It’s not just about securing financial support; it's about personal growth, dependence on God, and engaging deeply with the church.

✅ Balance Truth with Hope – Some organizations overemphasize the difficulty of fundraising, while others sugarcoat it. The key is "speaking the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15).

✅ Accountability and Ownership Matter – Having clear coaching structures, billable hour tracking, and expectations helps fundraisers stay focused and effective.

✅ Clarity Wins – Just like a startup pitching on Shark Tank, ministry fundraisers need a clear, compelling, and practiced pitch to connect with potential partners.

✅ Fundraising is Ministry – It’s not just a step to get to the field; it’s a vital part of the mission itself. Reframing it this way can turn it from a burden into a joy.

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!

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"God could drop the money in your lap, but instead, He takes you through a process that humbles you, grows your faith, and challenges you to see ministry as a team sport—not an individual one."

"Support raising is counter-cultural, but it’s not counter-biblical. It transcends culture, and though it’s awkward and hard, it’s a biblical practice that God uses to prepare us for ministry."

Heather and Andy are joined by kingdom entrepreneur Aaron Gonyou of Unmuzzled Ox to discuss the critical aspects of preparing ministry workers for their assignments. They delve into the essential aspects of preparing ministry workers for their assignments. Drawing from decades of diverse experiences, Aaron highlights common pitfalls organizations encounter when equipping staff for partnership development. He emphasizes the significance of comprehensive preparation, identifies major mistakes that can hinder fundraising efforts, and discusses the multifaceted benefits of holistic support from local churches. Throughout the conversation, Aaron shares practical advice and personal stories from his extensive background in both business and ministry.

In this episode:

• 00:00 - Why Support Raising Matters
  Aaron explains how God uses the process of support raising to prepare ministry workers for their calling.
• 03:06 - Aaron’s Journey to Unmuzzled Ox
  Aaron shares his background, from Bible college to founding Unmuzzled Ox, and how his experiences shaped his mission.
• 05:25 - The Seven Keys to Successful Preparation
  A breakdown of common pitfalls and essential steps organizations need to prepare ministry workers effectively.
• 08:05 - The Role of Local Church Blessing
  Why the endorsement of a local church is critical for ministry success.
• 13:14 - Misconceptions About Support Raising
  Exploring the balance between making support raising sound too easy or too hard—and finding the “sweet spot.”
• 18:55 - Counter-Cultural but Biblical
  The challenges of support raising in different cultural contexts and its biblical foundation.
• 22:59 - The Formation Process in Support Raising
  How the journey of fundraising shapes ministry workers to become more like Jesus.
• 25:33 - The Importance of Clear Goals and Accountability
  Why having defined roles, goals, and strong HR processes is essential for success.
• 29:29 - Innovative Approaches to Support Raising
  Discussion on innovative HR practices, like paying minimum wage during support raising.
• 45:26 - The Need for Coaching and Community
  Highlighting the importance of having a coach and a core support team to navigate the fundraising journey.
• 51:41 - Encouragement for Ministry Workers
  Aaron provides a heartfelt message to ministry workers about the significance of their work and their role in advancing the Gospel.
• 53:12 - Closing Thoughts
  Final reflections on embracing change and trusting God’s work through imperfect systems.

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“There is no scarcity in heaven. Never has been, never will be. And there should be no scarcity in our thinking as we move through ministry.”

“Don’t let your only point of contact be an appeal for money. Let your points of contact be person-driven, not finance-driven.”

In this episode of It’s Not About the Money, hosts Heather Winchell and Andy Brennan welcome special guest Kenton K. to discuss the key themes of a previous conversation with fundraising expert Mary Valloni. The episode dives into the stark contrast between a scarcity mindset and an abundance mindset in ministry fundraising. Kenton shares from his 25 years of experience living on support, offering valuable insights on stewardship, donor engagement, and building authentic relationships.

The conversation highlights the importance of personal connection with supporters, expressing gratitude, and embracing generosity even while relying on support. Kenton shares inspiring stories of unexpected provision, the impact of small gifts, and how God’s faithfulness is revealed in fundraising. This episode is packed with practical advice and heartwarming examples of how trust, generosity, and intentional relationship-building can transform financial support into a shared mission.

In this episode:

• Shifting from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset and how that changes everything in fundraising.
• How personal relationships—not just financial asks—build lasting donor support.
• Practical ways to express gratitude that make supporters feel valued and connected.
• We unpack the power of generosity, even while living on support, and how it reflects God’s provision.
• Betty Barnett's Friend Raising – A guide to building meaningful support-based fundraising relationships.

 “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.”

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!

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