How does commitment to a university become so significant that it prompts giving that can impact generations of students? Are donors motivated by their own experiences, memories of friends and mentors, or aspirations to fund cutting edge research, teaching, and service? At Indiana University, authentic and trusting partnerships pave the way for donors to invest in the causes they believe in, resulting in the creation of knowledge, of opportunity, and of beauty across campus. The Spirit of Generosity: Shaping IU through Philanthropy shares compelling stories of thirteen partnerships that have advanced the common good at Indiana University. These relationships, though unique, are founded on the understanding that gifts reflect the values and dreams of donors. Whether giving endows a chair, funds scholarships, or renovates buildings, it is infused with deep meaning and leaves a lasting impact on the university community. This book honors the generosity of spirit that motivates philanthropy and helps Indiana University fulfill its mission to provide broad access to education, excel in innovative research and teaching, and improve the human condition.

God So Loved, He Gave places the practice of giving within the larger story of God's generosity. Here we discover how our participation in the overflow of divine giving is vitally connected to the Trinitarian nature of God, the unfolding drama of Scripture and ultimately the Gospel itself.

What is a Generous Life? A Generous Life celebrates generosity lived in the name of Christ. From the everyday generosity that helps make someone's bad day livable to the extraordinary generosity that changes lives forever, this little book seeks to enable everyone, from philanthropists to everyday people, to live generously, the way God desires. About the author: Mike Stickler is an author, consultant, philanthropist, pastor and founder of the worldwide organization Generous Life. Generous Life offers Christian ministries - and those who support them - a Christian perspective for living generously, while coaching leaders through some of their most challenging successes. Mike is the author of over forty books and training videos and through these has made a difference through thousands of ministries as they serve the world. With this book, I want to take you on a journey. This journey will change your life, the life of your family, your church, and your community. Spend the next 41 days with me, and others all around the world along with you, as we make a difference in others' lives.

Help implant the heart of giving within a congregation.

How does commitment to a university become so significant that it prompts giving that can impact generations of students? Are donors motivated by their own experiences, memories of friends and mentors, or aspirations to fund cutting edge research, teaching, and service? At Indiana University, authentic and trusting partnerships pave the way for donors to invest in the causes they believe in, resulting in the creation of knowledge, of opportunity, and of beauty across campus. The Spirit of Generosity: Shaping IU through Philanthropy shares compelling stories of thirteen partnerships that have advanced the common good at Indiana University. These relationships, though unique, are founded on the understanding that gifts reflect the values and dreams of donors. Whether giving endows a chair, funds scholarships, or renovates buildings, it is infused with deep meaning and leaves a lasting impact on the university community. This book honors the generosity of spirit that motivates philanthropy and helps Indiana University fulfill its mission to provide broad access to education, excel in innovative research and teaching, and improve the human condition.

A guide to developing and maintaining a spiritual life on the job, drawn from the teachings and practices of Buddhist tradition. Most people associate Buddhism with developing calmness, kindness, and compassion through meditation. Lewis Richmond's Work as a Spiritual Practice shows us another aspect of Buddhism: the active, engaged side that allows us to find creativity, inspiration, and accomplishment in our work lives. With over forty spiritual exercises that can be practiced in the middle of a busy workday, Work as a Spiritual Practice is based on the principle that "regardless of your rank and title at work, you are always the chief executive of your inner life." Drawn from the author's diverse professional experience—as a Buddhist meditation teacher, business executive, musician, and high-tech entrepreneur—Work as a Spiritual Practice addresses a wide variety of on-the-job problems. Here you'll learn how to: • perform spiritual practices while commuting to and from work • meditate while sitting, walking, or standing—a minute at a time • understand ambition, money, and power from a spiritual perspective Work as a Spiritual Practice is an essential guide for anyone who wants to bring his or her spiritual life and work life together.

The general practices related to church funding aren’t producing the same results they have in the past. There is a general acceptance that something has changed but little talk or interest is coming from traditional church leader training sources such as denominational entities and seminaries. Pastors are largely left to their own devices to “figure this out.” They need a lifeline. While some churches are experiencing exponential growth, some churches - despite their best efforts - have been unsuccessful at moving beyond survival mode. Coupled with increased competition from other nonprofits and a decline in the commitment to give to the church first, churches risk losing the funding they need. A growing number of leaders are beginning to discover there is another way and are struggling to understand what makes one church generous and another not. There is a need in the market to offer a simple, working definition of “generosity” and reveal the “secrets” some church leaders seem to have simply stumbled upon which are resulting in unexplainable ministry growth and unprecedented church funding even in the midst of tough economic times. The content of this material was developed and refined by Jim Sheppard and Chris Willard through years of ministry leadership in the local church, consulting with church leaders across a broad spectrum of church settings, and through participation in and leadership of the Generous Church Leadership Community facilitated by Leadership Network. Of particular benefit will be the collection of observations and best practices gleaned during the Generous Church Leadership Community that originated within real-life church leadership situations and scenarios by highlighting specific challenges, methods, and successes.