The concept of “fundraising as ministry” is more than simply Christianizing secular practices. To me, it has more to do with how we understand the purpose or purposes of this work to which God has called us. If God has indeed called us and given us the gifts and desire to do this work–which I believe he does–then we should at least have a basic understanding of, among other things, how this important work relates to and advances God’s mission in general and the mission of the organization or cause to which God has called us.
My thinking and work in this area has been shaped by numerous individuals that I have learned from in variety of contexts and formats. However, Henri Nouwen in a 52 page booklet entitled,”The Spirituality of Fundraising,” has contributed to and helped me more than any other single source formulate an understanding of and appreciation for fundraising as ministry. The following quote from this booklet is a small sample of of what you will find within its pages:
“Fund-raising is a very rich and beautiful activity. It is a confident, joyful, and hope-filled expression of ministry. In ministering to each other, each from the riches that he or she possesses, we work together for the full coming of God’s Kingdom.”
To read this booklet in its entirety as a pdf document, simply click here.
Fundraising Ministry 