Support Raising FAQ

How long does it usually take for a missionary candidate to raise all of his or her support?

Because MSP is currently in a pilot stage we are unable to provide actual percentages, but it is anticipated that full support will be raised in 12-18 months. This does not include other ministry preparation steps such as CMI or college.

Why are MSP missionary candidates encouraged to limit outside ministry during the support-raising phase of their ministry preparation?

The goal of MSP is to place missionaries on the field fully supported, fully equipped, and fully trained in as short of a time period as possible.  Ministry that falls outside of this goal may distract or deter a missionary candidate from important ministry preparation. All ministry opportunities will be discussed with the candidate and his Ministry Preparation Coach for how the ministry can benefit the support raising process. For example: a missionary may be granted permission to teach children at a mission conference with the intent to serve with the local church and to gain new contacts for support raising.  

Do current CEF missionaries who join MSP have to stop their field ministry until they reach 100% of their support?

MSP is a real benefit to current CEF missionaries who are struggling with their support level.  A local director who had served with CEF for the past 13 years joined MSP and in six months went from approximately 42% of his support to being fully supported.  Another local missionary in the USA went from approximately 50% of her support to full support in nine months through MSP. 

Current CEF missionaries who join MSP are expected to spend half their time raising their support and half their time continuing their field ministry until they reach full support.  If the situation warrants, such as acute financial need, and the missionary, field leadership, and the missionary's coach agrees, more time can be allotted to support raising during certain periods.

What will happen if a Missionary Candidate cannot raise full support?

CEF believes that if God has called someone to this ministry, He will provide the support that he needs.  We also believe that it is important that each individual faithfully does his or her part in deputation.  A ministry preparation coach will be assigned to each candidate to guide him and help him to do this to the best of his ability.  If the candidate is unable to raise his support, he will be encouraged to view this as a closed door and to look for the door God is opening for him.

What type of mailings does Child Evangelism Fellowship, Inc. send out to the MSP missionary's donors, and with what frequency are they sent?

While the missionary is raising support, Child Evangelism Fellowship Inc. will not send appeal letter mailings to the missionary's donors.  Once the candidate has raised his full support, Child Evangelism Fellowship Inc. will begin sending out appeal letters to the missionary's list of donors from time to time, but they will be wise and strategic in the use of this list and their choice of mailings.  It will also be communicated to individual donors that they may contact CEF World Headquarters and request that they no longer receive these mailings.