Watch this on YouTube » If your missionary budget isn't cutting it, or you're wondering how to create more financial margin without abandoning your ministry, this conversation is for you. Mike and Mary tackle one of the most under-discussed realities in missions: what it actually means to be bi-vocational in today's world. Spoiler: it doesn't mean splitting your day between ministry and working retail. 00:15 The Many Hats of a Missionary 01:01 Permission to Be Bivocational 02:19 Prioritizing and Time Management 03:09 Time Auditing for Productivity 05:26 Repurposing Work for Revenue 06:49 Balancing Family and Work 10:15 Exploring Additional Revenue Streams 16:00 Encouragement and Final Thoughts Connect with us: Newsletter: fullyfundedacademy.com/newsletter Book: fullyfundedbook.com Instagram: instagram.com/fullyfundedacademy
Watch this on YouTube » As we head into November and December, your donors are deciding where to give. They're looking for ministries with clear vision and faithful stewardship. Today we discuss a common mistake missionaries make that costs them thousands in support: focusing on money rather than vision. Tune in on how to make the shift and maximize your year-end support. For the financial report letter template mentioned, go to http://fullyfundedbook.com. 00:00 Introduction: The Costly Mistake Missionaries Make 00:42 Focusing on Vision Over Money 01:50 Breaking Down Ministry Expenses 05:06 The Importance of Transparency with Donors 06:03 Casting Vision for Future Support 09:40 Practical Tips for Effective Fundraising 13:44 Conclusion: Taking Action and Staying Engaged Connect with us: Newsletter: fullyfundedacademy.com/newsletter Book: fullyfundedbook.com Instagram: instagram.com/fullyfundedacademy
Watch this on YouTube » In this episode, we dive into the critical role of personal connections in ministry fundraising and missions support. This episode is packed with actionable advice designed to help you cultivate deeper connections and foster a supportive community around your mission. Whether you're a seasoned fundraiser or just starting out, these insights will empower you to make a meaningful impact in your fundraising efforts. Here are the subject lines in the screenshot Mike mentions: Fun. "I can't get any water!!!" "Take me running with you," said this thingamajig... A letter from a donor I'd like you to see Join (#) of your peers that joined our 5K Please open me: our 5K is THIS Saturday! Cancel anytime (without pretending you've moved) Hi (FNAME) Golfer in the family? We've got something special for you Dear Moms How to build a legacy you can be proud of At last, the secret of greater fulfillment REVEALED! Summer Vacation Plans Enclosed. Connect with us: Newsletter: fullyfundedacademy.com/newsletter Book: fullyfundedbook.com Instagram: instagram.com/fullyfundedacademy
Watch on YouTube » Your relationship with money might be more dysfunctional than you realize—and it can show up in every fundraising conversation you have. Today we unpack why so many ministry leaders wear financial scarcity like a badge of honor while billion-dollar nonprofits operate with completely different money mindsets. What You'll Discover: The personification exercise that exposes your hidden money narratives—why treating money like electricity or water instead of a toxic relationship changes everything about how it flows into your mission How the "poverty badge of honor" in ministry culture is costing you time, energy, and kingdom impact while wealthy nonprofits operate under completely different abundance principles The grocery store moment that programmed your fundraising anxiety—identifying where your current money beliefs actually came from and why they're probably not even yours Why imposter syndrome hits hardest around people with more money—and the spiritual abundance perspective that levels the playing field between you and that Mercedes-driving donor The billion-dollar nonprofit compensation truth that challenges everything you've been told about "ethical" ministry salaries and what it means for valuing your own work Connect with us: Newsletter: fullyfundedacademy.com/newsletter Book: fullyfundedbook.com Instagram: instagram.com/fullyfundedacademy
Watch on YouTube here » Today we get brutally honest about spiritual doubts during challenging seasons—the kind missionaries and ministry leaders are supposed to have figured out but rarely admit they're wrestling with. This isn't about having all the answers—it's about what happens when you're the one telling others to trust God while you're staring at the ceiling wondering if He hears you. What you'll discover: Why acceptance is the only stage that actually moves you forward—and how all the other stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression) keep us stuck in their emotions instead of helping them process and lead The 1 AM practice that helps Mike fall asleep—speaking to himself using the words God would say, not as self-aggrandizement but as the voice of a father talking to his 46-year-old son who's still wrestling Mary's nine-month transition nightmare—not knowing where they'd live within 48 hours of moving to Mexico, feeling spiritually done, and finally landing on "I'm not in control anymore" (plus what happened next) The "I am" statements that brought Mary to tears—going through scripture to collect identity markers, and why "worthy" hit differently than all the others when you've been trying to prove yourself through ministry performance The question that discharges unhelpful emotions—how asking "is this thought actually helpful right now?" helps you discern whether you need cosmic intervention, community connection, or just a nap and a walk Connect with us: Newsletter: fullyfundedacademy.com/newsletter Book: fullyfundedbook.com Instagram: instagram.com/fullyfundedacademy
Watch this on YouTube here » Join us as walk through our book Fully Funded chapter by chapter, sharing the stories and strategies behind each section. From the prayer card that fell out of Mary's dad's Bible to the framework that's helped thousands of missionaries raise support, we break down what's actually inside the book and why we structured it the way they did. What you'll discover: Why "enlist your team" is the one chapter that's gotten 100% of those who implement it to full funding—and why this common nonprofit practice remains completely foreign to most ministry leaders The real reason Mike included every template, script, and framework in the book instead of holding anything back What the "know, like, trust, try, give, repeat, refer" progression reveals about why your wealthiest connections haven't given—and which step you're probably skipping The 7-step thank you plan that keeps donors engaged for life—because the number one reason supporters stop giving has nothing to do with mission effectiveness Connect with us: Newsletter: fullyfundedacademy.com/newsletter Book: fullyfundedbook.com Instagram: instagram.com/fullyfundedacademy
We're back with exciting news about the future of the Fully Funded Podcast - we're coming back! For the past year, we've been heads-down working on our book Fully Funded and also building our YouTube channel. We've heard from so many of our readers and viewers that they'd like the audio format of the podcast, so we're coming back! As always, we're ready to return to sharing proven strategies, actionable insights, and encouraging testimonies with Christian missionaries raising support in today's modern world. A few helpful links in the meantime: Newsletter: fullyfundedacademy.com/newsletter Book: fullyfundedbook.com Instagram: instagram.com/fullyfundedacademy We'll see you on Tuesday, October 7th for our return!
Today we're talking all about how to bring the entrepreneurial spirit to missions with our special guest, Ryan Steuer. Ryan is the founder of Magnify Missions, an organization focused on combating the problem of ministry and business burnout. As a former pastor and entrepreneur, Ryan knows the challenges and limitations to creating long-term sustainability in both ministry and business. In this episode, we explore: The relationship between ministry and entrepreneurship. How to determine if volunteering, working bi-vocational, or working full-time in ministry or business is right for you. How to look at your ministry more like a business. Self-care for your ministry and family. How to create a long-term vision for your ministry. To connect with Ryan, visit https://www.magnifymissions.com/. For more information about Fully Funded Academy, go to fullyfundedacademy.com. Download our free support raising roadmap here. To submit a question to the podcast, go to fullyfundedacademy.com/podcast.
Today we're taking a question from a listener who wants to know how to ask for funds from a business. Partnerships between charities and businesses can be immensely powerful. The collaboration between these two groups can result in significant positive impact for the community and the world. One of the key avenues for this collaboration is through corporate donations. In this episode, we'll explore: 5 effective strategies for your ministry and organization to connect with businesses to secure corporate donations How to foster mutually beneficial relationships with businesses that drive meaningful change How to customize a win-win partnership with a business as a missionary or ministry We're excited to offer three free training sessions in June 2023 on "How to Maximize Your Year-End Fundraising". Go here to register. If you enjoy the show, please share it with a friend, and consider a special gift to fullyfundedacademy.com/give. For more information about Fully Funded Academy, go to fullyfundedacademy.com. Download our free support raising roadmap here. To submit a question to the podcast, go to fullyfundedacademy.com/podcast.
Have you ever wondered... Why can other people rely on me, but I can't rely on myself? Why does it seem like I resist doing things I want to do? Why can't other people accept that I find comfort and freedom in my routines? Why doesn't everyone do the things they say they are going to do like I do? Why do I struggle to make decisions, often becoming overwhelmed by analysis paralysis? Why can't I make time for myself and the habits I know would make me happier and healthier? Today's episode will give you a better understanding of why you may make the decisions you make. We're diving into The Four Tendencies, a book by New York Times Best Selling author, Grechen Rubin. In this episode you'll hear: What are the four tendencies What tendency do I lean towards How do I use this information to meet my own expectations and the expectations of others. How do I become a better fundraiser once I know my tendency and more! If you're interested in taking Gretchen's quiz to determine your tendency, go here. If you enjoy the show, please share it with a friend, and consider a special gift to fullyfundedacademy.com/give. For more information about Fully Funded Academy, go to fullyfundedacademy.com. Download our free support raising roadmap here. To submit a question to the podcast, go to fullyfundedacademy.com/podcast.
On today's episode, Mary shares how to turn a large gift into a matching gift. Today's episode comes from a listener who shares, "Our ministry was recently given a gift of $20,000 and I wanted to know if putting a matching funds 'ask' out there a good idea when my primary goal right now is personal support, not operational funds?" In this episode you'll also hear: The best way to approach a donor to turn their gift into a matching gift. The 5 Steps to create a matching gift campaign with a large gift already secured. The 6 Steps to create a matching gift campaign without a large gift secured. and more! If you enjoy the show, please share it with a friend, and consider a special gift to fullyfundedacademy.com/give. For more information about Fully Funded Academy, go to fullyfundedacademy.com. Download our free support raising roadmap here. To submit a question to the podcast, go to fullyfundedacademy.com/podcast.
On today's episode, Mary shares how to get back up when you feel knocked down. Today's episode comes from a listener who shares, "I feel overwhelmed by my support raising goal. Just when I feel like I'm getting ahead, I lose a supporter and feel super defeated. What do I do?" In this episode you'll hear: 3 verses to read when you're feeling defeated What key steps can you take to pick yourself up and get back on track How to reframe your situation from a dark spiraling story to a story of hope and possibility and more! If you enjoy the show, please share it with a friend, and consider a special gift to fullyfundedacademy.com/give. For more information about Fully Funded Academy, go to fullyfundedacademy.com. Download our free support raising roadmap here. To submit a question to the podcast, go to fullyfundedacademy.com/podcast.
On today's episode, Mary shares how to overcome the poverty mindset Overcoming a poverty mindset can be a difficult and challenging process, but there are several steps that an individual can take to work towards a more positive and empowered mindset. In this episode you'll hear: What is a poverty mindset What are the 5 most common reasons for a poverty mindset What are the 6 things you can do today to create an abundance mindset The single statement you can say to yourself that could change everything and more! If you enjoy the show, please share it with a friend, and consider a special gift to fullyfundedacademy.com/give. For more information about Fully Funded Academy, go to fullyfundedacademy.com. Download our free support raising roadmap here. To submit a question to the podcast, go to fullyfundedacademy.com/podcast.
On today's episode, Mary shares the three key obstacles to raising funds and how to overcome them. In this episode you'll also hear: How to get more people to know you and your ministry exist How to stand out from your competition What is donor fatigue and how do I ensure my donors don't experience it and more! If you enjoy the show, please share it with a friend, and consider a special gift to fullyfundedacademy.com/give. For more information about Fully Funded Academy, go to fullyfundedacademy.com. Download our free support raising roadmap here. To submit a question to the podcast, go to fullyfundedacademy.com/podcast.
On today's episode, Mary shares the seven key steps to overcome your fear of failure. In this episode you'll also hear: What is fear? What is healthy and unhealthy fear? How you can take the 7 steps to overcoming your fear of failure and use them to improve your fundraising efforts. and more! If you enjoy the show, please share it with a friend, and consider a special gift to fullyfundedacademy.com/give. For more information about Fully Funded Academy, go to fullyfundedacademy.com. Download our free support raising roadmap here. To submit a question to the podcast, go to fullyfundedacademy.com/podcast.
In this episode, Mary interviews full-time U.S. missionary, Chris Cortte. Chris serves with the Assemblies of God college ministry, Chi Alpha Campus Ministries, and was mentored by a former guest of the Fully Funded Podcast, Roger Lane. On January 5, 2023, Rev. Roger Allen Lane passed away at 73 years old from liver cancer. Roger was a respected pastor, leader, fundraiser, mentor, and coach to countless people throughout his years. He had a passion for fundraising, and his book "Funded" became a staple to guide churches in their fundraising journeys. Roger never met a stranger and he was passionate about seeing people reach their full potential in Christ. In this episode, Mary and Chris talk through the powerful relationship Chris had with his mentor. Chris shares: How his mentorship relationship with Roger has forever impacted how he stewards relationships with current and potential donors How his mentor shaped him into the man he is today as a father, husband, and minister How this single relationship prepared him for his current ministry role To listen to Mary's interview with Roger Lane, go to episode 26. To connect with Chris Cortte, feel free to email him at ccortte@ag.org. If you enjoy the show, please share it with a friend, and consider a special gift to fullyfundedacademy.com/give. For more information about Fully Funded Academy, go to fullyfundedacademy.com. Download our free support raising roadmap here. To submit a question to the podcast, go to fullyfundedacademy.com/podcast.
On today's episode, Mary shares the four verses that make fundraising harder. In this episode you'll also hear: How to use these four verses to build stronger relationships with potential donors How to overcome the challenge of finding donors who don't look like they have money to give How to tell stories from an anonymous donor How to engage high-level donors as volunteers If you enjoy the show, please share it with a friend, and consider a special gift to fullyfundedacademy.com/give. For more information about Fully Funded Academy, go to fullyfundedacademy.com. Download our free support raising roadmap here. To submit a question to the podcast, go to fullyfundedacademy.com/podcast.
On today's episode, Mary shares how to minister to the rich in the world we live in today. In this episode you'll also hear: What the Bible says about the rich The 6 ways to minister to the rich How ministering to the rich compares to ministering to the poor Why we need to care about the rich If you enjoy the show, please share it with a friend, and consider a special gift to fullyfundedacademy.com/give. For more information about Fully Funded Academy, go to fullyfundedacademy.com. Download our free support raising roadmap here. To submit a question to the podcast, go to fullyfundedacademy.com/podcast.
On today's episode, Mary shares the five kinds of donors every ministry needs in 2023. In this episode you'll also hear: What kinds of donors are more consistent with their giving (and which ones aren't!)? What is a supersize donor? 5 reasons why major gifts are important to your ministry How to create a game plan for all 5 kinds of donors so you can connect with each of them, while remaining authentic to who God created you to be If you enjoy the show, please share it with a friend, and consider a special gift to fullyfundedacademy.com/give. For more information about Fully Funded Academy, go to fullyfundedacademy.com. Download our free support raising roadmap here. To submit a question to the podcast, go to fullyfundedacademy.com/podcast.
On today's episode, Mary takes a listener question who asks, "As a ministry worker, should I support myself and be bi-vocational?" In this episode you'll hear: What does it mean to be bi-vocational Is it biblical to be bi-vocational Should ministry workers be poor Why do ministries and religious organizations need to exist What questions should you ask yourself to know what is best for you If you enjoy the show, please share it with a friend, and consider a special gift to fullyfundedacademy.com/give. For more information about Fully Funded Academy, go to fullyfundedacademy.com. Download our free support raising roadmap here. To submit a question to the podcast, go to fullyfundedacademy.com/podcast.