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A Spirituality of Fundraising: The Henri Nouwen Spirituality Series
A succinct and powerful witness that fundraising is a form of ministry and can be a deeply spiritual experience.
"As a ministry, fundraising is as spiritual as giving a sermon, entering a time of prayer, visiting the sick, or feeding the hungry." - H.J.M. Nouwen
"As a ministry, fundraising is as spiritual as giving a sermon, entering a time of prayer, visiting the sick, or feeding the hungry." - H.J.M. Nouwen
66 pages, Paperback
First published January 31, 2011
About the author
Henri J.M. Nouwen
337 books1,886 followersHenri Jozef Machiel Nouwen (Nouen), (1932–1996) was a Dutch-born Catholic priest and writer who authored 40 books on the spiritual life.
Nouwen's books are widely read today by Protestants and Catholics alike. The Wounded Healer, In the Name of Jesus, Clowning in Rome, The Life of the Beloved, and The Way of the Heart are just a few of the more widely recognized titles. After nearly two decades of teaching at the Menninger Foundation Clinic in Topeka, Kansas, and at the University of Notre Dame, Yale University and Harvard University, he went to share his life with mentally handicapped people at the L'Arche community of Daybreak in Toronto, Canada. After a long period of declining energy, which he chronicled in his final book, Sabbatical Journey, he died in September 1996 from a sudden heart attack.
His spirituality was influenced by many, notably by his friendship with Jean Vanier. At the invitation of Vanier he visited L'Arche in France, the first of over 130 communities around the world where people with developmental disabilities live and share life together with those who care for them. In 1986 Nouwen accepted the position of pastor for a L'Arche community called "Daybreak" in Canada, near Toronto. Nouwen wrote about his relationship with Adam, a core member at L'Arche Daybreak with profound developmental disabilities, in a book titled Adam: God's Beloved. Father Nouwen was a good friend of the late Joseph Cardinal Bernardin.
The results of a Christian Century magazine survey conducted in 2003 indicate that Nouwen's work was a first choice of authors for Catholic and mainline Protestant clergy.
One of his most famous works is Inner Voice of Love, his diary from December 1987 to June 1988 during one of his most serious bouts with clinical depression.
There is a Father Henri J. M. Nouwen Catholic Elementary School in Richmond Hill, Ontario.
Nouwen's books are widely read today by Protestants and Catholics alike. The Wounded Healer, In the Name of Jesus, Clowning in Rome, The Life of the Beloved, and The Way of the Heart are just a few of the more widely recognized titles. After nearly two decades of teaching at the Menninger Foundation Clinic in Topeka, Kansas, and at the University of Notre Dame, Yale University and Harvard University, he went to share his life with mentally handicapped people at the L'Arche community of Daybreak in Toronto, Canada. After a long period of declining energy, which he chronicled in his final book, Sabbatical Journey, he died in September 1996 from a sudden heart attack.
His spirituality was influenced by many, notably by his friendship with Jean Vanier. At the invitation of Vanier he visited L'Arche in France, the first of over 130 communities around the world where people with developmental disabilities live and share life together with those who care for them. In 1986 Nouwen accepted the position of pastor for a L'Arche community called "Daybreak" in Canada, near Toronto. Nouwen wrote about his relationship with Adam, a core member at L'Arche Daybreak with profound developmental disabilities, in a book titled Adam: God's Beloved. Father Nouwen was a good friend of the late Joseph Cardinal Bernardin.
The results of a Christian Century magazine survey conducted in 2003 indicate that Nouwen's work was a first choice of authors for Catholic and mainline Protestant clergy.
One of his most famous works is Inner Voice of Love, his diary from December 1987 to June 1988 during one of his most serious bouts with clinical depression.
There is a Father Henri J. M. Nouwen Catholic Elementary School in Richmond Hill, Ontario.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews
February 6, 2019
Great short read- 40 pages. Packed with wisdom and truth re fund raising. The book is available for free on Nouwen's website or as a pdf many places on the web.
Fundraising is "not a necessary but unpleasant activity to support spiritual things."
Fundraising is spiritually good for both the ask-er and the giver.
Fundraising is "not a necessary but unpleasant activity to support spiritual things."
Fundraising is spiritually good for both the ask-er and the giver.
Fund-raising is, first and foremost, a form of ministry. It is a way of announcing our vision and inviting other people into our mission.
Fund-raising is precisely the opposite of begging. When we seek to raise funds we are not saying, “Please, could you help us out because lately it’s been hard.” Rather, we are declaring, “We have a vision that is amazing and exciting. We are inviting you to invest yourself through the resources that God has given you—your energy, your prayers, and your money—in this work to which God has called us.”
As a form of ministry, fund-raising is as spiritual as giving a sermon, entering a time of prayer, visiting the sick, or feeding the hungry.
October 18, 2012
This was a sermon Nouwen gave a number of years ago and was edited into a book. It is a thin volume but thick on truth and a different view of fundraising and money. His main point is to encourage Christian leaders to see that our fear of talking about and asking for money stems from our dependance on it rather than God. We are fearful. He also highlights the idea that all mnistry is relational and that fundraising is ministry. Asking for money and giving can draw us into deeper relationships with others, he believes.
February 27, 2024
Full of wisdom and help! A good read if you are ever fundraising! Or just want to learn about the ministry behind fundraising!
August 1, 2020
A great little primer on the perspective of ministry partner development. It is chalk full of great little one liners to keep you motivated.
May 29, 2012
I'm co-chairing an upcoming fundraiser for a cause I believe in. This book reinforced how important it is to believe in your cause, rely on already strong relationships in your life to build other believers, and how to help your friends and family become believers in your cause as well.
Ultimately, fundraising is spiritual journey to be enjoyed and shared with people you care about.
Ultimately, fundraising is spiritual journey to be enjoyed and shared with people you care about.
January 28, 2024
This book is fire. I’m sure I’ll reread it so many times in the next few years. 🤪
May 21, 2020
¡Muy interesante! Recomiendo su lectura a cualquiera que sea cristiano y forme parte de un ministerio, porque Henri Nouwen deja claro que recaudar fondos no es una actividad más, sino que es en sí mismo un ministerio. Lo importante no es el dinero, sino las relaciones que formamos. Cada uno debe aportar aquellas riquezas que Dios le ha dado.
April 4, 2022
Read per Jake Stum’s recommendation. Jake is a gifted fundraiser, and he told me that he’s always felt a mild disgust with that fact, because he used to see his gifting as “good at getting other people’s money.” This book changed his perspective on fundraising. He now sees fundraising as Nouwen presents it: the stewarding of God’s gifts for God’s people, which establishes God’s kingdom.
The book is short and terse, which tends to be where Nouwen is at his best. I really liked his insight that our relationship with money reflects the condition of our heart and lives. If there is anxiety, competition, fear, or greed around money — that tells us more about ourselves than about money. So, we should see fundraising as a twofold process: it helps us establish secure attachments with material resources, and invites God to do a work in that space.
This is a great, beginners book for anyone wanting to facilitate discussions around the Christian’s relationship with money.
The book is short and terse, which tends to be where Nouwen is at his best. I really liked his insight that our relationship with money reflects the condition of our heart and lives. If there is anxiety, competition, fear, or greed around money — that tells us more about ourselves than about money. So, we should see fundraising as a twofold process: it helps us establish secure attachments with material resources, and invites God to do a work in that space.
This is a great, beginners book for anyone wanting to facilitate discussions around the Christian’s relationship with money.
November 12, 2022
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
“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
Read
March 12, 2019This could easily be titled "A Spirituality of Money". Nouwen gets under the surface to issues of motive and unhealthy relationships with success, comfort, and money in this book - definitely a good read for people looking to raise money for a ministry, but probably a good read for Christians who are struggling with concepts of tithing, and how their occupations fit into the work of the Kingdom.
June 6, 2024
“Ministry is, first of all, receiving God’s blessing from those to whom we minister. What is this blessing? It is a glimpse of the face of God.”
This book was short but filled with wisdom- Looks like I’ll need to read again and again! It emphasized that in support raising and ministry, we do not need to beg for money. If the mission we are on is really as profound, true, and worthwhile as we think, why would we ever be shy or need to beg? (And the only reason I gave it 4 stars is so that my 5 star books are reallyyy 5 stars. But it was still so good)
Thanks Luke & Taylor :)
This book was short but filled with wisdom- Looks like I’ll need to read again and again! It emphasized that in support raising and ministry, we do not need to beg for money. If the mission we are on is really as profound, true, and worthwhile as we think, why would we ever be shy or need to beg? (And the only reason I gave it 4 stars is so that my 5 star books are reallyyy 5 stars. But it was still so good)
Thanks Luke & Taylor :)
June 23, 2023
3.5 stars. I love Nouwen’s heart and this book was very good and challenging in many ways. I also just don’t understand what he’s trying to say a lot of times because it’s so very poetic. Probably just me needing to read more poetry
November 23, 2022
A good reminder of why I do fundraising. This book helps me get my heart centered back on God during a season of support raising. It is very easy to see support raising as a step before our ministry. This book challenges you to see support raising as part of your ministry and a way to open the door of people’s hearts to God’s unconditional love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2022
A re-read for a staff retreat. It’s a great, small book, but it was not well-used as a staff retreat focus.
July 17, 2023
This is not a “how to fundraise” book. This is a proper “spirituality of fundraising” book. In classic Nouwen fashion, he brings the reader to their knees and invites the process of fundraising to be one of integrated humility, gratitude, and mutuality. The chapter titled “rich people” was particularly powerful. A must read if fundraising is something that you do.
May 10, 2024
This wonderful little book offered me so much hope and encouragement regarding fundraising and the opportunity to invite others into God’s work and mission. I wish I had read this book four years ago when I began fundraising for a full time ministry position. This book is perfect for those in the work of fundraising- both on the asking and giving sides. I was particularly encouraged by the idea that God’s Spirit moves in order to accomplish His purposes. If we trust He has called us to serve His Kingdom in particular ways, we have freedom to proclaim and invite others into His work. I also love the image of the “creation of a community of love” and want to seek this community where I serve and in the ways I invite others to serve with me.
June 18, 2017
A short little book adapted from a sermon or address that Nouwrn gave. As someone who's been raising money as part of ministry for two years now this was an immensely helpful little read. Nouwen asks his reader to think about their own relationship to money and to other people and to consider how fundraising can actually be a ministry to the people that we're asking because we're inviting them to participate in the work of God's kingdom. It's all very beautiful and encouraging, one of the best things I've ever read on fundraising.
June 2, 2010
Quick and sweet overview of the theology behind fund-raising and stewardship. I especially enjoy Nouwen's analysis of relationality and community as being at the core of our work in fundraising--the goal is not money, but relationship, building community, creating the Kingdom.
March 2, 2015
Quick read to refresh ministry workers about the purpose and ministry of partnership development. Not full of practical how-to's, but contains probing questions that bring the reader back to the ultimate goal of inviting God's people to join in on God's work in the world.
April 4, 2016
Fantastic short read for anyone who fundraises in ministry. Nouwen was a brilliant spiritual writer whose work has consistently moved and challenged me, so I was delighted to see this offering. I am going to encourage everyone in my campus ministry organization to read it.
April 11, 2017
Wonderful little book that every Christian whose job requires raising funds should read. For such a small book there is very profound content. Pastors, church finance teams, & Christian nonprofit directors will especially benefit.
March 1, 2015
Short, simple and deep. Important read for those individuals involved in fundraising for the Kingdom.
May 30, 2016
A good and quite short book to read slowly and reflectively. Worth a look for anyone involved in raising money, and maybe also for those who give it too.
March 20, 2017
Good overview of spiritual reasons to fundraise
September 27, 2022
A fantastic, recentering read as we head back into a season of fundraising. Or better put, people-raising.
“How do we move from perceiving fundraising as an unpleasant but unavoidable activity to recognizing fundraising as a life-giving, hope-filled expression of ministry?”
In short: prayer and gratitude.
“The pressure in our culture to secure our own future and to control our lives as much as possible does not find support in the Bible... What is our security base? God or mammon? That is what Jesus would ask.”
“Once we are prayerfully committed to placing
our whole trust in God and have become clear
that we are concerned only for the kingdom; once
we have learned to love the rich for who they are
rather than what they have; and once we believe
that we have something of great value to give
them, then we will have no trouble at all in asking
someone for a large sum of money.”
“Fundraising is first and foremost a form
of ministry.”
“How do we move from perceiving fundraising as an unpleasant but unavoidable activity to recognizing fundraising as a life-giving, hope-filled expression of ministry?”
In short: prayer and gratitude.
“The pressure in our culture to secure our own future and to control our lives as much as possible does not find support in the Bible... What is our security base? God or mammon? That is what Jesus would ask.”
“Once we are prayerfully committed to placing
our whole trust in God and have become clear
that we are concerned only for the kingdom; once
we have learned to love the rich for who they are
rather than what they have; and once we believe
that we have something of great value to give
them, then we will have no trouble at all in asking
someone for a large sum of money.”
“Fundraising is first and foremost a form
of ministry.”
June 18, 2023
*3.5
Borrowed this book from my boss at my internship. It definitely helped me understand the organization and my coworkers better. The book provides a really quick overview of Christian fundraising, and it delivers on everything it promises. It's succinct enough to be a good reference book, and it provides some more ideal language/reasoning for Christian non-profits. Christians asking for money (regardless of non-profit context) opens the door for criticism, and I this book does a great job of explaining a faithful relationship with money.
I particularly enjoyed the reflection on rich and poor. And how interacting with donors is not begging for money.
Borrowed this book from my boss at my internship. It definitely helped me understand the organization and my coworkers better. The book provides a really quick overview of Christian fundraising, and it delivers on everything it promises. It's succinct enough to be a good reference book, and it provides some more ideal language/reasoning for Christian non-profits. Christians asking for money (regardless of non-profit context) opens the door for criticism, and I this book does a great job of explaining a faithful relationship with money.
I particularly enjoyed the reflection on rich and poor. And how interacting with donors is not begging for money.
March 19, 2019
Small yet profound. Inspirational without one exclamation point (See my review of The God Ask). It’s a spiritual and theological encounter with fundraising for ministry. While books like The God Ask have specific suggestions on how to do things, this little book doesn’t go there. It would have been dated anyhow. I’ll likely keep this book near me the next several months. Fundraising truly is ministry and relationship.
August 4, 2020
I finished this book in an hour or less. 64 pages. Great little primer for anyone who raises their funds for ministry! It’s aim is to change your view of support raising from “A necessary but unpleasant activity to support spiritual things” to “Fundraising is first and foremost a ministry” — that we are secure in Christ & free to ask/invite others (both financially & prayerfully) to join us in Kingdom work, and that what should be first true of this relationship is that it’s marked by love & close communion with one another.
April 5, 2019
This gem's been on my shelf for a couple of months. I borrowed it from a friend, and I wanted to get it back to him. Wow! Nouwen's one of my favorite theologians to read. His take on fundraising points to the positive aspects of generosity without making God look like a vending machine. Also, he outlines how fundraising is directly tied to your relationship with and understanding of money.
September 3, 2023
A beautiful book about how to fundraise in a way that befits Jesus followers. Especially useful for all those who have experienced the ugly side of fundraising.
In particular, if you don’t have good experiences of people fundraising and now find yourself responsible to do it, in this book is a helpful model. It’s not weak, but it’s not ugly either.
In particular, if you don’t have good experiences of people fundraising and now find yourself responsible to do it, in this book is a helpful model. It’s not weak, but it’s not ugly either.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews