I want to preface my question with a brief scenario.
A Christian mother is out shopping with her son. As they are walking down the street next to a cluster of restaurants, the hungry child looks up to its mother and confidently reports, "I have decided to never tell anyone when I'm hungry except the Lord, whether I want food for myself or for my friends, my trust is in the living God to provide me with all my food".
This example is important, please keep it in mind as it illustrates the passive aggressive and manipulative manner in which many ministries operate who boast Gods provision. Our reaction to the child is proper, he is manipulating the mother to buy him food.
Here are some points to take into account prior to thinking about this topic.
1. I believe that the Father will supply all of our needs if we are in His will and rightly related to Him via the finished work of Jesus.
2. I believe that no man need know these needs, as the living God can, and does provide them based on the clearly outlined scriptural guidelines.
3. I believe manipulation to be a satanic force exercised by the powers of the air, and solidly part of the world system.
With that said, here goes.
I have seen many organizations send to audiences of millions of believers the announcements that they will never make their financial needs known to anyone but God, whether for personal needs or for ministry needs. Their audiences are made of of God's people, some of which are walking in the Spirit, but many of which are still thrashed by soul and flesh (emotions, reason, and duty). Would this not be the same as a public broadcasting agency saying at the end of a children's show, "This broadcast was made possible by viewers like you". They never directly asked for money, but made it very clear that unless they receive money, they can no longer keep the lights on.
Question: If someone in active ministry tells an audience of millions that they will never make their financial needs known to anyone but God, whether for themselves or for their ministries, is this not indirectly making it known that they need supportive donations?
The issue I take is the inconsistency and manipulative nature of saying their existence proves the faithfulness of God because they never ask for money, and yet constantly make it known they are supported by God's people "being led" to donate? This CAN give a false impression that they are to be listened to with a greater reverence due to this fact.
I would say, never talk about money. Once your ministry has run it's course, or you are in a place where you are no longer at risk of this inconsistency, simply tells the stories of God providing for your needs while ACTUALLY never making it known to anyone but Him, because this is possible and happens everyday.