Embracing Fundraising as Ministry

The Upper Room launches workbook to accompany a Henri Nouwen classic.

A practical how-to guide for faith-based fundraising and stewardship

Nashville, TN: On July 1, 2019, The Upper Room released A Spirituality of Fundraising Workbook Edition by Henri J. M. Nouwen and Nathan Ball.

Nouwen, a renowned spiritual writer and scholar, innovated the way church and non-profit leaders view fundraising in his original book, A Spirituality of Fundraising. Reorienting the view of fundraising from a fear- and scarcity-driven task to seeing it as a fruitful spiritual journey, Nouwen says, “Fundraising 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.”

Inspired by Nouwen’s vision, The Upper Room sought the expertise of Nouwen’s close friend and colleague, Nathan Ball, and asked him to write an accompanying workbook to aid fundraisers as they seek practical applications to Nouwen’s culture-shifting vision.

Ball, who met and shared community life with Henri Nouwen for over 10 years in Jean Vanier’s L’Arche communities in France and Canada, has more than 20 years of experience in fundraising-related roles. In this workbook, Ball tackles the trepidations of fundraisers head-on with a 4-week how-to guide that includes questions for reflection and journaling, prompts for listening and meditation, and instructions for using the book in individual or group settings.

Nouwen and Ball invite all fundraisers—from church leaders to nonprofit volunteers—to embrace fundraising as a ministry and calling. Learn more about this formative workbook at UpperRoomBooks.com/FundraisingWorkbook.

About The Upper Room: The Upper Room is a global ministry dedicated to supporting the spiritual formation of Christians seeking to know and experience God more fully. From its beginnings as a daily devotional guide, The Upper Room has grown to include publications, programs, prayer support, and other resources to help believers of all ages and denominations move to a deeper level of faith and service. To learn more, visit UpperRoom.org.

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