Course Syllabus
Instructor: Gregory Movesian, Iliff Vice President for Institutional Advancement
E-mail: gmovesian@iliff.edu
Office Hours: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Course Synopsis
This praxis course will help future congregational and non-profit leaders learn fundraising methodologies grounded in the theology of Christian Stewardship and general principles of Philanthropy. Core themes are rooted in developing a spiritual and philanthropic cultural mindset of abundance that frees the individual and community from "scarcity mindedness," which is the fear of "never having enough." This approach regards fundraising and stewardship as a form of ministry that is deeply rooted in the Gospel and thus an aspect of pastoral care and leadership. Persons from other religious traditions will find a theological basis within their core belief system to undergird their fundraising praxis.
Christian stewardship means far more than simply running a pledge drive. It means becoming clear about our vision and identity, arranging our existing structures to support what we say is most important to us, analyzing our historical membership and giving patterns, and, most importantly, investing time and energy into our human resources—our existing members, potential newcomers, and surrounding community. In other words, it means moving from a finance‐specific definition of stewardship to a much more holistic and intentional plan.
This workshop is designed for current and future leaders who want to develop high‐commitment congregations by making stewardship central to discipleship. Learn the basics of stewardship and best practices in infusing the spirituality of stewardship into the life of the parish. The workshop will cover (a) the biblical understanding of stewardship (b) integration of stewardship into the life and ministry of the parish (c) strategic planning for effective financial commitment campaigns.
Books for the Course
There are no required books for the course but there are recommended readings. You are not required to buy these books.
A Spirituality of Fundraising, Henri J.M. Nouwen, published by Upper Room Books, 2010, ISBN 978-0-8358-1044-9: presents a series of meditations that places fundraising in the context of pastoral ministry and a theology of abundance that counteracts the culturally ingrained fear of scarcity and of “not having enough.”
The Stewardship of Life in the Kingdom of Death, Douglas John Hall, published by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1988, ISBN 0-8028-0354-7: presents a series of meditations on Christian mission rooted in a theology of the goodness of creation and our role in bringing about its healing, and that contrasts life characterized by stewardship with a “culture of death” focused on materialism, and exploitation of people and the environment.
Imaging God, Dominion as Stewardship, Douglas John Hall, published by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1986, ISBN 0-8028-0244-3: presents a “relational” rather than “substantialist” understanding of what it means to be “made in the image of God” and how that corresponds to notions of “dominion” vs “stewardship” of creation.
The Passionate Steward, Recovering Christian Stewardship from Secular Fundraising, Michael O’Hurley-Pitts, published by Saint Brigid Press, 2001, ISBN 0-9731378-0-0: examines fundraising practices by the Church and distinguishes an approach rooted in the theology of Christian Stewardship from certain secular fundraising practices; valuable reading but does not necessarily do justice to latter practices that reflect healthy, relationship practices that align with stewardship theology.
More Give To Live: How Giving Can Change Your Life, Douglas Lawson, published by Alti Publishing, ISBN-13: 978-1883051228: compares sociological findings by Doug Lawson regarding the effects of voluntarism and giving on happiness and fulfillment with basic Christian Stewardship themes.
See Taylor Library's list of online book sellers for purchasing options.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|