I was recently introduced to a short book, perhaps better labeled as an essay or article, by Henri Nouwen about a Christian approach to selling ideas and organizations.
In this book, Nouwen radically asserts that: “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 proclaiming what we believe in such a way that we offer other people an opportunity to participate with us in our vision and mission. Fund-raising is precisely the opposite of begging.” (2)
For the “direct ask” wary Christian salesperson, this is both relieving and challenging. While fundraising does not have to be begging, it does mean that you have a responsibility to represent the mission and Christ well in the way you sell it to others.
For me, one of the most helpful parts of this book was Nouwen’s explanation of how one’s personal relationship with money effects the way you will talk with others about money. Even more so than sex and religion, Nouwen identifies money as the most taboo subject. Yet one must be self-aware enough to understand how one sees money and what changes need to be made in one’s relationship with money:
“The question is not how to get money. Rather, the question is about our relationship with money. We will never be able to ask for money if we do not know how we ourselves relate to money.” (11)
I encourage you to read Spirituality_Of_Fundraising (1) for yourself! It’s a quick read–less than an hour, and one that should inform a Christian’s perspective on raising funds.
testacr22
Great post Chloe. I really like the idea of fundraising as a ministry. Seeing fundraising as a way for people to participate in the work God is already doing rather taking money from them is liberating and exciting. The article sounds fantastic and I hope to read it in the near future. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve always had issues with fundraising but this puts it into a different light. Being able make it something to benefit the greater good is always a plus.
I guess i’v never really thought about the fund-raising aspect of ministry as ministry itself. I think your last point about money being a taboo subject and especially understanding how we are selves relate to money is an imperative aspect of fund raising. I’ve never really thought of it in this way. This provides a really positive perspective to the actual duty of seeking funds in a non-profit/ministry setting.