A very short but interesting read that challenges the heart of the fundraiser to look at the spiritual basis of financing God's Ministry

Second time through this little gem. Read in preparation for stewardship season at church and it gives me a lot to think about. Great framing language for how we relate to fundraising and caring for our own financial resources.

I loved A Spirituality of Fundraising. I read it for a class in seminary. It helps bring the discussions about stewardship back to things that really matter, like our relationships with other people, and our vision for the communities we are part of.

Feels somewhat like cheating to call this a book since it’s a transcript of a talk Nouwen gave and took me perhaps an hour. Nice reframing of fundraising as invitation to relational participation in our vision for the kingdom of God emerging in this time and place. (It seems like every nonprofit has grasped this concept except the church, sometimes.)

Money is the greatest taboo.

“The reason for the taboo 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.”


My prayer:
“Take away the many fears, suspicions, and doubts by which I prevent you from being my Lord, and give me the courage and freedom to appear naked and vulnerable in the light of your presence, confident in your unfathomable mercy.” -A Cry for Mercy

Short. Heart-felt. Solid.