Thriving as A Christian Fundraiser By Nathan Jones

Thriving and Knowing There’s More Than Enough

For many of us, thriving may not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering fundraising as part of our roles. I’ve heard it described by some as the “necessary evil” to get to the real work of ministry. There may be a better posture. I would suggest that before we consider what it means to thrive as a Christian fundraiser, we first examine Scripture to determine what it means to thrive as a human being in general.

The Greatest Commandment

The greatest commandment, drawn from Deut. 6, Matt. 22, and Luke 10, is for us as human beings made in the image of God to love the Lord our God with our heart, soul, mind, and strength. It is when we live into and from our love for God and His love for us that we lean into a life of unity and abiding in Him.

So, the question that follows is: “What does it look like to thrive out of this kind of posture toward God as it relates to my role in fundraising as a Christian?”

I think the question we must ask ourselves when it comes to loving God with our hearts as Christians in fundraising is, “What do I seek?”

My Early Journey

Early in my fundraising career, a friend shared a mantra that helped guide his work in fundraising, and I believe it applies here: “First the giver, then the gift.” Do I seek the gift, or do I seek God’s plan for the giver behind the gift? If this is the case, then it becomes a transactional exchange, rather than a transformational ministry.

We read in Henri Nouwen’s The Spirituality of Fundraising the shift in heart posture to seeing the work of raising resources as a kingdom work in and of itself. If you haven’t had the chance to read this short primer on a spiritual approach to fundraising, I would recommend it to you.

Finally, Paul reinforces this heart posture as he reminds the church in Philippi, “Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.” (Phil. 4:17). When we set our hearts on this course – that of seeking for, not from, the giver – we align our hearts with that of Christ. This perspective unleashes us to thrive in alignment with his design.

Your Soul

To love the Lord with our souls as Christian fundraisers is to model what Moses encourages in Exodus 35 when taking up an offering for the building of the tabernacle in the wilderness: “Everyone who is willing is to bring to the Lord an offering…” (Ex. 35:5) This is also reflected in what Paul instructs the Corinthians: “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give…” (2 Cor. 9:7)

In both cases, the emphasis is on considering what the Spirit of God is doing in the heart of the giver. This orientation is a critical posture in loving God with our souls as Christian fundraisers. That is because it is a declaration at this deep level that it is the Holy Spirit, not me, who is at work to raise resources for kingdom work. My role is to, and diligently, follow his lead and encourage giving partners to do so as well.”

Your Mind

If you continue in the Exodus narrative of the building of the tabernacle, you’ll come to chapter 36, verse 5. There you will see the result of the people’s Godward orientation when considering their sacrificial gifts. “More than enough.”

The skilled workers who had been using the resources provided went to Moses to let him know that more than was needed had been donated. Moses went back to the people and instructed them to stop bringing supplies, for they had already received more than enough to finish the building of the tabernacle. This “more than enough” mindset is critical for the Christian fundraiser to thrive.

Do you believe God’s storehouse contains more than enough to cover the needs of every ministry and organization?

Do a quick search throughout Scripture, and you will see how many times the idea of “more than enough” surfaces in reference to God meeting a need. Having this understanding, intellectually and logically, gives us a firm foundation for entering conversations with providing partners. We can engage in our work as Christian fundraisers with confidence that there is plenty to go around.

Your Strength

I would like us to consider this final expression of love, taking into account how we use our hands as Christian fundraisers. How do you arrange your time? To what tasks do you apply yourself? The tasks we undertake in fundraising have been called “faithful activities.” This denotes faithfulness on our part, which, in time, produces fruit through God’s work. Seed Fundraisers calls this “Daily Practice.” (What are the daily disciplines to which we commit our hands and focus that lead to desired organizational results?)

Scripturally, we can turn to the Parable of the Talents (Matt. 25:14-30) to see what diligent management can accomplish. This parable illustrates thinking of our work as managing the master’s resources for a time to return them with increase. To thrive as a Christian fundraiser, we focus not on the fruit, for which we pray but can’t control. Instead, we focus on the faithful act of our hands as discerned by study and reflection.

Thriving Givers

We must approach our work in a way that causes us to thrive. However, I want to share an additional thought on helping the giving partners with whom we engage to thrive.

When we love the Lord our God as described above, it cascades into our conversations, our writing, and our presence. It is a declaration to those who hear that giving is to be led by the Spirit. It embraces a God of abundance. This suggests that the work of giving is just as important as the work of going. These realities are life-giving to those whom God has called us to engage. As Christian fundraisers, we are at the forefront of this work.

Developing a life of loving God with our heart, soul, mind, and strength is critical to our effectiveness and longevity as followers of Christ. It is imperative for us who choose to walk the path of catalyzing generosity for the nonprofit sector. As we consider this renewed approach to fundraising as Christians, I leave you with this encouragement:

“God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply.”

Hudson Tayor

Nathan Jones currently serves as President of the Youth For Christ Foundation, Partner with Seed Fundraisers, and Associate with The Slingshot Group. His passion is to see biblical truth inform the way we raise resources for kingdom impact. He is a member of the Christian Leadership Alliance Board of Directors.

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