Type Seven: The Spontaneous Donor

In our Donor personality test, we gave you pastors an easy way to recognize the traits of various personalities, based on the Enneagram Test. The purpose of this is so that you can tweak your giving strategy accordingly.

As not all donors are the same, the methods that you use in your fundraising and when asking for donations should also vary. In this article, we take a closer look at the Type Seven Personalities, also known in churches and nonprofit communities as the Spontaneous Donor.

What Defines a Spontaneous Donor?

Type seven personalities are spontaneous and versatile. They are acquisitive and can be scattered. But with patience and care, this is the donor that you can always count on to remain faithful—provided you are doing your part as a pastor and leader to guide them well.

These are donors who must be nurtured with time. If you want to lead them wisely and grow them slowly but surely in the faith, then you must work on building an authentic relationship and treating them with patience and acceptance.

Because they are naturally enthusiastic and spontaneous, these donors are a joy to have around. See if the following descriptions match the donors in your congregation or potential donors you would like to identify:

• Spontaneous
• Emotional
• Life of the party
• Joyful
• Giving spontaneously
• Moody
• Led by their feelings
• Extroverted
• Optimistic
• Versatile
• Playful
• High-spirited
• Practical

What Else Should Church Leaders and Pastors Know About Type Sevens?

There is a tendency with Type Seven Spontaneous Donors to become over-extended, scattered, and undisciplined. Although they constantly seek new and exciting experiences, outreach programs and nonprofits to support, be aware that they can also be impulsive and distracted easily. One of the reasons for this is that they fear being deprived and in pain.

Big passion projects motivate them, and they love giving their time and attention to projects where they feel a sense of gratification when involved.

To reach out to them, focus on helping them learn to be satisfied and content, to fund fulfillment in spiritual satisfaction. This will help them rein in their need to seek entertainment or good feelings outside the church.

The Spontaneous Donor needs a spiritual leader and church who can teach them to find comfort in simple things, deeper feelings of joy and wonder, rather than short-lived enthusiasm that depends on their daily mood.

Once they learn that you can help them feel welcomed, accepted, and appreciated, they can also be very loyal church members. Look for ways to help them fill the spiritual need for satisfaction, and they will be content.

Their enthusiasm is contagious, as is their giving attitude. Their donor superpower is the ability to influence others and spark great, lasting change.

Best Ways to Motivate the Spontaneous Donor

Be aware that their approach to life is one of curiosity, optimism, and a sense of adventure. They love to anticipate the good feelings that they know will come after engaging in a church service or outreach program. This can sometimes be misunderstood as thinking “on the fly.” Really, they just love the thrill of anticipation.

Here are some ideas for engaging them:

• Organize outreach activities that stimulate their minds.
• Generate positive things for them to do and think about.
• Stimulate their intelligence and encourage positive thinking.
• They love reading—send them e-books or articles that speak to their creative and highly motivated self.
• Show that you appreciate them as an individual and valuable church member.
• If you notice that they have musical talents (which Sevens often do), ask them if they would like to participate in inspirational services where they can share their skills and talents with the congregation.
• Show an interest in their versatility, curiosity, and ability to learn.

Character Example: Robin Williams put a lot of his passion and emotion into his craft. He was known for his amiable personality and his genuine interest in other human beings. We remember him for his huge heart, the times he laughed and shed tears, and his spirit of giving.

Be a Better Leader with DonorWerx Resources

The Spontaneous Donor is a good reminder to church leaders and pastors of the pleasure of existence—the greatest gift of all that we can share. When we find comfort and acceptance in the communities we surround ourselves with, we are fulfilled and happier.

For more resources and digital programs to help you grow your donors, visit our updated DonorWerx site. Through specially designed systems, we help churches teach and mentor their pastors to be more effective on the donor journey.