3rd Annual Spirituality of Fundraising Series
Produced by the Henri Nouwen Society
MARCH 19, 26 & APRIL 2 @ 12PM ET
Unlocking Hearts: Fundraising as Spiritual Calling
What if fundraising is not sales — but sacred accompaniment?
In this three-part series, we explore how Scripture, spiritual practice, and theological grounding transform fundraising from transactional activity into transformational ministry.
Together with your Host, Dr. Wendy VanderWal Martin, Director of Development, Henri Nouwen Society and guest, Jamie Lennon, Vice President of Mission Advancement, Lutheran Social Services, we will:
Reimagine fundraising as heart work
Learn how to dwell in Scripture rather than use it
Explore the inner spiritual life of the fundraiser
Reflect on vulnerability, humility, and belovedness
Discover how donors become participants in God’s mission
Designed for Christian fundraisers, development leaders, pastors, and ministry professionals, this series offers both theological depth and practical frameworks for integrating faith and fundraising in authentic, life-giving ways.
Come prepared to reflect, engage in breakout discussion, and rediscover the sacred nature of your calling.
Session 1: Unlocking Hearts
Fundraising often feels like pressure — targets, KPIs, closing gifts. But what if our true calling is accompaniment? In this session, we explore how to shift from transaction to sacred trust, and how to steward the “hearts” donors place in our care.
Session 2: Dwelling in the Word
How do we integrate Scripture without manipulating it? This session introduces a practical four-question framework for engaging biblical texts in ways that are faithful, thoughtful, and transformational. Learn how to let the Word lead your ministry — not decorate it.
Session 3: Beloved and Sent
Fundraising is vulnerable work. How do we remain spiritually grounded when outcomes fluctuate? In this session, we explore identity, humility, kenosis, and belovedness — and how donors shift from givers to co-laborers in God’s work.