Here for the first time is a truly spiritual way of looking atfundraising as an opportunity to nurture current and prospectivedonors and facilitate their growth in faith. Growing Givers' Heartsexplores how development staff, executives, and board members fromacross the theological spectrum can make faith-buildingopportunities for donors their first priority; act on theirconfidence in God's abundance; draw from their theologicaltradition in their approach to fundraising; involve a vitalcross-section of staff in planning; and cultivate spirituallymature leadership. With this innovative approach, Growing Givers' Hearts empowersreaders to work in spiritually grounded, deeply creative, andprofessionally satisfying ways. Fundraisers in any Christianorganization will find extraordinary insights in this importantguide.

"Give over $100 today and get this personalized state-of-the-art fountain pen free!" "Become a gold sponsor and your name wll be featured on our exclusive Wall of Fame!" "Send in your donation by December 31st and enjoy the benefits of giving on your next tax return!" Who hasn't heard fundraising gimmicks like these? Or, who hasn't used these gimmicks on others? As Wes Willmer writes, generosity is the natural outcome of God's transforming work in individuals when they are conformed to the image of Christ. Fundraising and giving are not simply drops in the bucket. Capital campaigns and raising funds go deeper than the money. They are spiritual activities in becoming more like Christ. A Revolution in Generosity is a work by some of the best scholars and practitioners on the subject of funding Christian organizations. As Willmer writes, "The foundation for realizing a revolution in generosity is understanding the biblical view of possessions, generosity, and asking for resources." With over twenty expert contributors, this book is a must-read for organizations striving to rid themselves of secular, asking practices and gain an eternal approach.

This book by pastor and certified fund raising executive (CFRE) Michael R. Ward provides church leaders a resource to lead their congregations to a new culture of generosity and abundance that raises more money as well as more disciples. Written specifically with pastors, congregation councils, finance committees, and stewardship teams in mind, this book encourages and guides a process of study, reflection, and action that is clear and practical. Ward taps into years of experience fundraising in the nonprofit sector to address the ongoing challenges of financing ministry. His goal is to empower congregations and other nonprofit organizations to expect and plan for generosity. The book moves from grounding stewardship ministry biblically and theologically to setting up the basic building blocks for strong stewardship, including board development, stewardship planning, and strategic planning. From there, it addresses practical tactics, such as case development, communication, donor mentality, roadblocks, volunteers, and steps to a gift. Real-life stories and examples of growing stewardship programs and capital campaigns are provided along with practical hands-on tools to help groups plan, develop, and implement stewardship plans.

A handbook of guiding principles for those involved at any level in Christian leadership, from churches and educational institutions to missionary organizations and other parachurch ministries.

In this book, Craig Blomberg addresses the tough questions about the place and purpose of wealth and material possessions in a Christian’s life. He points to the goodness of wealth, as God originally designed it, but also surveys the Bible’s many warnings against making an idol out of money. So are material possessions a blessing for which we should long? And what are the dangers that the use or abuse of material possessions can produce? Blomberg expounds upon how the sharing of goods and possessions is the key safeguard against both greed and covetousness. He expands on the concept of giving generously, even sacrificially, to those who are needier, demonstrating how Christians can participate in God’s original good design for abundance and demonstrate the world-altering gospel of Christ. Is there any one key to keeping possessions in their proper, God-intended perspective? Are there limits on how rich we should become or on how poor we should allow others to get? What does a truly Christian economic system look like? How does the Bible’s teaching on wealth fit into the gospel?