Series: Henri Nouwen Spirituality
Paperback: 64 pages
Publisher: Upper Room Books (January 19, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0835810445
ISBN-13: 978-0835810449
Product Dimensions: 0.2 x 4.8 x 8.2 inches
Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (100 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #25,477 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #7 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Churches & Church Leadership > Church Administration #9 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Christian Living > Stewardship #5789 in Books > Religion & Spirituality
Noted for his writing on spirituality, Henri Nouwen might not be an author one would think to turn to for advice on fundraising, but his perspective is one much needed. Nouwen talks movingly about how raising money can and should convert both the giver and the receiver and lead to more meaningful relationships with God and one another. His approach to what could be seen as a purely secular endeavor is sorely needed in churches and other non-profit organizations.
Though this classic on fundraising has been around a while, I just discovered it. I have long enjoyed Henri Nouwen's devotional writings, this one stands out as a gem. One big take away from this transcript: Fundraising at it's best is a chance for fresh conversion to God's ways... it is a walk of humility on the side of the "Asker" AND in the "Giver". Both are accountable about their stewardship to God who owns all things and allows us to manage them. Inspiring!
This classic booklet, A Spirituality of Fundraising, is just 64 pages and is an excellent companion piece to John Frank's 55-page booklet, Stewardship As A Lifestyle: Seeking to live as a Steward and Disciple.Pastors and ministry leaders can share these two booklets with their board members, staff and key volunteers--with confidence--because they are both short enough that people will actually read them!Henri Nouwen gave a talk on the spirituality of fundraising that became a published booklet after his death. He writes, "Fundraising is as spiritual as giving a sermon, entering a time of prayer, visiting the sick, or feeding the hungry." Then he adds, "Fundraising is always a call to conversion."Few understood people of wealth like Nouwen did. "Sometimes our concern for the poor," he writes, "may carry with it a prejudice against the rich." His chapter, "People Who Are Rich," is worth the price of this powerful little booklet.
I have founded nonprofits and consulted with nonprofits. I really believe that one of the greatest limiting factors for nonprofits is an inappropriate reticence to raise funds. Execs too often feel like a burden or a nag. This quick read will help you reformat your hard drive, so to speak. Nouwen gives a much better understanding of what our attitude should be in pursuing funding to fulfill our vision. I will recommend or simply give this book to everyone I find who struggles with fundraising.
Having discovered this little volume by accident, I was immediately drawn to it given the author, Henri Nouwen. Being familiar with Nouwen's work, I had high expectations. Upon reading, I wasn't disappointed. Henri has, once again, gone to the heart of his subject matter with penetrating insights while dispelling often-held myths about fundraising, especially in the religious context.Although Henri's perspective is primarily for Christian fundraisers, his insights apply to all successful fundraising. He focuses on the solicitor's attitudes toward money and the solicitor's ability to engage the prospective donor in an expansive, worthwhile cause. These are the primary principles on which Henri builds his case.Thoughtful, insightful, packed with content, this is another outstanding work by perhaps the best known author and teacher of pastoral studies.
As usual, Nouwen uses his gifts of taking an everyday activity (in this case fundraising) and unveiling the spiritual foundation supporting it. I am new to fundraising and now find myself in charge of raising a lot of money. This book is filled with easy to understand and apply nuggets of wisdom that will make my job much easier! In short the book suggests fundraising is not asking someone to give; its sharing with others a great opportunity to invest and in so doing reap the benefits that accompany a wonderful investment. There's a reason Jesus said its better to give than receive. This book explains why and I highly recommend it.
Simply excellent! Having read lots of Fr Nouwen's books, I can say that this book is one of the most helpful for me both personally and professionally.
Nouwen does an excellent job examining the condition of the heart when it comes to fundraising. A must read for anyone who asks for charitable gifts.
A Spirituality of Fundraising (Henri Nouwen Spirituality) Advent and Christmas Wisdom from Henri J.M. Nouwen: Daily Scripture and Prayers together with Nouwen's Own Words Lent and Easter Wisdom from Henri J. M. Nouwen: Daily Scripture and Prayers Together with Nouwen's Own Words (Lent & Easter Wisdom) 100+ Canadian Celebrity Mail Addreses: For Autograph Collecting, Fan Mail, Charity Fundraising, Event Management, Agents, Journalists, Paparazzi, and more! Asking about Asking: Mastering the Art of Conversational Fundraising 101+ Great Ideas for Libraries and Friends: Marketing, Fundraising, Friends Development, and More Hindu Spirituality: Vedas Through Vedanta (World Spirituality) Rabbinic Stories (Classics of Western Spirituality) (Classics of Western Spirituality (Paperback)) Celtic Spirituality: A Beginners Guide To Celtic Spirituality Formative Spirituality V04: Scientific Formation (Formative Spirituality Vol 4) Georges Bizet: Carmen: Libreto por Henri Meilhac y Ludovic Halevy (Opera en Espanol) (Spanish Edition) Henri Cartier-Bresson. the Early Work Henri Cartier-Bresson The Henri Bergson Megapack: 5 Classic Non-Fiction Works in English Translation Bloodless (Henri Dunn Book 2) The Immortality Cure: An Urban Fantasy Novel (Henri Dunn Book 1) From Wild Man to Wise Man: Reflections on Male Spirituality Behold the Man: A Catholic Vision of Male Spirituality Addiction and Grace: Love and Spirituality in the Healing of Addictions Spirituality in the Flesh: Bodily Sources of Religious Experiences