Fundraising as a Spiritual Journey

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 29, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Upper Room recently released a workbook edition of A Spirituality of Fundraising by Henri J. M. Nouwen and Nathan Ball. Nouwen, a best-selling spiritual writer and renowned scholar, innovated the way church and nonprofit leaders view fundraising in his original book, A Spirituality of Fundraising. This book changed tthe way people look at fundraising—from viewing it as a fear- and scarcity-driven task to seeing it as a spiritual journey. Nouwen writes, "Fundraising, first and foremost, is a form of ministry. It is a way of announcing our vision and inviting other people into our mission."

Inspired by Nouwen's vision, The Upper Room sought the expertise of Nouwen's close friend and colleague Nathan Ball, asking 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.

"You may not have imagined that the task of fundraising would take you into a deeper relationship with yourself and God," Ball writes. "You are embarking on a beautiful, Spirit-filled journey. Be grateful that you have Henri as your trustworthy guide. Give thanks for who you are, and embrace this journey in a wholehearted way."

In A Spirituality of Fundraising Workbook Edition, 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 the 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 in 1935 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.

SOURCE The Upper Room