A Spirituality of Fundraising-Review

[et_pb_section bb_built="1" admin_label="section"][et_pb_row admin_label="row" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" background_size="initial"][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" background_size="initial" _builder_version="3.0.77" background_layout="light" border_style="solid"]I recent read A Spirituality of Fundraising by Henri Nouwen. The book itself is quite short at only 64 pages. I easily finished it in one sitting. But there are some very simple truths here that have fundamentally shifted the way I view my job as pastor and the way that I plan on approaching money in the church. Here are just a few lines from the book that stood our to me and my reflections on them."Fundraising is, first and foremost, a form of ministry. It is a way of announcing our vision inviting other people into our mission (p. 16)." This runs directly counter to what I have most frequently heard from my pastor friends and have believed myself. Most clergy see fundraising as an impediment to "real ministry." Most ministers I know look forward to the yearly stewardship campaign like they look forward to an emergency root canal: it's a necessary evil in order to stop the pain. But if we truly believe in our mission as a church, if we truly believe that Christ through the Church, has the ability to change lives and change the world, why would we not ask people who have financial resources to partner with us in bringing about the kingdom of God on earth?"Indeed, if we raise funds for the creation of a community of love, we are helping God build the kingdom (p. 25)." What is the result of non-fundraising in any non-profit organization? Non-existence! Community is created in the church when everyone uses whatever resources God has given to them to build Christian community. When Paul lists the spiritual gifts in Romans 12, he doesn't include fundraising. But he does include generous giving. The fundraiser is the person who helps individuals with this gift recognize it and live it out. Clergy are all about developing spiritual gifts, except this one. It belies our own discomfort with money and view that money is somehow "unspiritual." According to Nouwen, nothing could be further from the truth."The reason for the taboo [that we frequently don't talk about money in the church] is that money has something to do with that intimate place in our heart where we need security, and we do not want to reveal our need or give away our security to someone who, maybe only accidentally, might betray us (p. 31)." "Our trust, our basic trust, Jesus teaches, has to be in God. As long as our real trust is in money, we cannot be true members of the kingdom (p. 33)." As I write this blog post, we are recovering from one natural disaster after another: wildfires in the American West, earthquakes in Mexico, and hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. Many people are discussing whether or not various charities are doing a good job of using their resources wisely to meet the needs of those affected by these disasters. Ultimately, the question is Can I trust these organizations to do what they claim? If the mission of the church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ, the questions people are asking us as a Church is Can I trust you to accomplish that mission? Are you going to make a positive difference in peoples’ lives and in the world? If potential contributors don't think we will do what we have promised, then they simply give to an organization that will make a difference."So if we ask for money from people who have money, we have to love them deeply. We do not need to worry about the money. Rather, we need to worry about whether, through the invitation we offer them and the relationship we develop with them, they will come closer to God (p. 41)." Simply put: it's not about the money. It's about relationship and discipleship. As clergy leaders, we have the spiritual resources. Potential contributors have the financial resources. When we act in concert, we bring about the kingdom of God.“Spiritual communion also reveals itself in new fruitfulness. Here is the radical nature of fundraising as a ministry becomes clear. In the world, those who raise funds must show potential donors a strategic plan that convinces donors their money will help to increase the productivity and success of the organization (p. 51)." In the end, it's about results. Do we have a plan? Are we executing the plan? Is the plan effective? Are we as clergy leaders being responsible with what people are giving? Do we communicate the positive difference that our church is making in individual lives and in our community? Do we make a difference? After all, that is our "business."Money is a hard subject. This book has reframed my thoughts on the purpose and possibilities of being the "chief fundraiser" in the church. Giving is both a command and a spiritual gift. Giving generously is a sign of obedience and fruitfulness. My job, our job as clergy leaders, is to encourage our followers in obedience in all areas of life and fruitfulness in our areas of giftedness. By God's grace, let's include fundraising, the giving of tithes and offerings, within our scope of ministry.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]