If your center didn’t answer or return every phone call this week, you may have missed out!
You may be thinking, “Of course I would have returned that call, we always call donors.” But what if it was a call from someone looking for help? Even when your intake is closed, answering incoming calls can be a valuable ministry tool, and may even be financially rewarding.
Recently an individual capable of giving a six-figure donation called all the appropriate centers in his state looking for help for his son. No one returned the messages he left, and he ended up calling the National Office looking for help. Unfortunately, the number one complaint we receive at the National Office is that a center isn’t answering their phone or returning voicemails.
Why should we answer/return every phone call?
- Customer Service
- We all like good customer service. Even if you aren’t accepting new students into your program, the way you handle phone calls and inquiries will influence the way people view you after this pandemic. What message are we sending?
- Potential Donations
- You could be turning down a six-figure donation. Many of the people who call on behalf of a loved one are willing and able to make sizable gifts to the ministry. Of course, money is not the end goal, but more money means more mission. Who doesn’t have a vision for expanding programming and helping even more people?
- Ministry Opportunities
- We’re called to be the hands and feet of Christ. Saying “We can’t help you right now” is hard. When someone calls, you may only be able to empathize, listen, and pray with them. Those are all valid forms of ministry! Your engagement with a caller may give them the hope they need to keep going.
Please don’t take this to mean that you should be accepting students during this pandemic, that’s a separate issue that will need prayer, and analysis to make an informed strategic decision.
The work you do is vital, and people’s lives are transformed daily as a result of your dedication to this ministry. Let’s continue to work together to share the healing power of Jesus Christ with the hurting across the globe!
Now, I don’t know about you, but I’ve got to go return some phone calls.
