A Revolution in Generosity

"Give over $100 today and get this personalized state-of-the-art fountain pen free!" "Become a gold sponsor and your name wll be featured on our exclusive Wall of Fame!" "Send in your donation by December 31st and enjoy the benefits of giving on your next tax return!" Who hasn't heard fundraising gimmicks like these? Or, who hasn't used these gimmicks on others?

As Wes Willmer writes, generosity is the natural outcome of God's transforming work in individuals when they are conformed to the image of Christ. Fundraising and giving are not simply drops in the bucket. Capital campaigns and raising funds go deeper than the money. They are spiritual activities in becoming more like Christ.

A Revolution in Generosity is a work by some of the best scholars and practitioners on the subject of funding Christian organizations. As Willmer writes, "The foundation for realizing a revolution in generosity is understanding the biblical view of possessions, generosity, and asking for resources." With over twenty expert contributors, this book is a must-read for organizations striving to rid themselves of secular, asking practices and gain an eternal approach.





^-Charles W. Colson  /15
Introduction -Wesley K. Willmer  ^/17

Section I: God's Plan For Generosity

1. Creating a ^Revolution in Generosity
     -Wesley K. Willmer  ^/25
2. God & Money: A Biblical Theology of Possessions
     ^-Craig L. Blomberg  /45
3. God & Giving: The Road to Generosity
     ^-Walter B. Russell  /63
4. God & Asking: The Choice between ^Two Roads
     -Richard A. Haynie  /79
5. ^The Transformation of the Godly Steward:
     Promise, Problem, ^and Process  -R. Scott Rodin  /97

Section II: The Church's ^Role in Transforming Stewards

6. The Church's Leadership Role in Bringing ^Stewardship
     Front and Center  -Richard J. ^Towner  /119
7. Organizing and Implementing a Church Stewardship Ministry
     ^-Richard E. Edic  /137
8. Teaching Financial Principles in the ^Church
    -Howard L. Dayton  /161
9. Conducting ^Generosity Initiatives and Capital Campaigns
     in Churches  ^-Brian P. Kluth  /177

Section III. The Asker's Role as a ^Facilitator of Heart Transformation

10. Maximizing Generosity by Aligning ^God's Callings
     -Lauren D. Libby  /197
11. ^Practicing God's Presence: An Essential Tool for Raising Funds
     ^-Mark L. Vincent  /209
12. Discipleship as a Tool To Transform ^Hearts toward Generosity
     -Todd W. Harper  /223
13. ^Organizing Fundraising to Transform Stewards to Be Rich
     ^toward God  -Adam J. Morris  /243
14. A Communications Plan ^for Raising Up Stewards to Be Rich
     Toward God  ^-Gary G. Hoag  /265

Section IV: The Leader's/Advisor's Role ^in Raising Up Stewards

15. When Faith and Goverance Meet: The Board's ^Role in
      Growing Givers' Hearts  -Rebekah ^B. Basinger  /287
16. The CEO's Role in Leading Ministry Committed ^to
     Growing Givers' Hearts  -David R. ^Black  /305
17. The Christian Consultant as a Facilitator of Heart
     ^Transformation  -John R. Frank  /323
18. The Financial Advisor ^as an Agent of Heart Transformation
     -Ronald W. Blue  ^/339

Section V: Pitfalls and Potential of Revolutionary Generosity

19. ^Lessons Learned from the Underbelly: How to Raise Resources
     ^With Integrity  -Paul D. Nelson  /359
20. No Competition in ^the Kingdom
     -Shelley A. Cochrane  /371
21. ^Lessons Learned on the Journey of Generosity
     -Daryl ^J. Heald  /387

Appendix

Understanding and ^Applying Biblical Principles for
Stewardship and Fundraising  -Joyce ^M. Brooks  /401


WESLEY K. WILLMER is the former vice president of university advancement ^and professor at Biola University. He currently serves as senior vice president ^with the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA). He has been author, ^co-author, or editor of twenty-one books, including A Revolution in Generosity: ^Transforming Stewards to Be Rich Toward God, God and Your Stuff: The Vital Link ^Between Your Possessions and Your Soul, and The Prospering Parachurch: Enlarging ^the Boundaries of God's Kingdom. He has also contributed to many professional ^publications.


A Revolution in Generosity equips resource-raising leaders ^to help Christians become generous by conforming to the image of Christ. With twenty-two ^expert contributors, this comprehensive book is a must-read for churches and organizations ^striving to rid themselves of secular asking practices and gain an eternal approach. ^


Glean revolutionary wisdom from these gifted contributors:


-Rebekah ^B. Basinger
-David R. Black
-Craig L. Blomberg
-Ronald W. Blue
-Joyce ^M. Brooks
-Shelley A. Cochrane 
-Howard L. Dayton
-Richard E. Edic ^
-John R. Frank
-Todd W. Harper
-Richard A. Haynie
-Daryl ^J. Heald
-Gary G. Hoag
-Brian P. Kluth 
-Lauren D. Libby
-Adam ^J. Morris
-Paul D. Nelson
-R. Scott Rodin
-Walt B. Russell
-Richard ^J. Towner
-Mark L. Vincent
-Wesley K. Willmer




"Give over $100 today and get this personalized state-of-the-art fountain ^pen free!" "Become a gold sponsor and your name wll be featured on our exclusive ^Wall of Fame!" "Send in your donation by December 31st and enjoy the benefits of ^giving on your next tax return!" Who hasn't heard fundraising gimmicks like these? ^Or, who hasn't used these gimmicks on others?

As Wes Willmer writes, generosity ^is the natural outcome of God's transforming work in individuals when they are conformed ^to the image of Christ. Fundraising and giving are not simply drops in the bucket. ^Capital campaigns and raising funds go deeper than the money. They are spiritual ^activities in becoming more like Christ.

A Revolution in Generosity ^is a work by some of the best scholars and practitioners on the subject of funding ^Christian organizations. As Willmer writes, "The foundation for realizing a revolution ^in generosity is understanding the biblical view of possessions, generosity, and ^asking for resources." With over twenty expert contributors, this book is a must-read ^for organizations striving to rid themselves of secular, asking practices and gain ^an eternal approach.







Generosity is the natural outcome of God's transforming work in individuals ^when they are conformed to the image of Christ. Capital campaigns and raising funds ^are spiritual activities in becoming more like Christ. The foundation for realizing ^a revolution in generosity is understanding the biblical view of possessions and ^asking for resources. Wes Willmer gives good direction on how to be faithful over ^little and faithful over much.





 


Our approach to money and possessions isn't just ^important-it's central to our spiritual lives. Our giving is a reflexive response ^to the grace of God in our lives. It comes out of the transforming work of Christ ^in us. I pray that this book will lead you to a greater understanding and appreciation ^of this truth.
-Randy Alcorn, author of Money, Possessions and Eternity ^and The Treasure Principle

As we are seeking to become men and ^women of integrity, we certainly will need to become more God-centered in our approach ^to giving. Wes Willmer has done a marvelous job of providing a rich resource for ^the church in A Revolution in Generosity. This is certainly a great opportunity ^for all of us to learn how to follow a God-centric model of creating a revolution ^in generosity that will transform lives and ministries beyond our wildest dreams.
-Ken ^Behr, President, Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA)

Revolution ^in Generosity intends to show you how to make genuinely biblical choices in ^every area of your life, including giving and asking.  If the ideas in this ^book were followed, there would be a revolution in generousity among Christians.  ^This book will be an important resource for those who seek to advanse the Kingdom.
-Charles ^Colson, Founder, Prison Fellowship

The Christian church today needs a ^revolution in generosity--a revolution that will shape Christians into the image ^of Christ, a revolution that will spread goodwill and the fragment aroma of Christ, ^a revolution that will fuel authentic transformation.  Read the book, join ^the revolution.
-Chuck Bentley, CEO, Crown Financial Ministries

If ^this book had been available fifty years ago and resources had been handled with ^the depth of theological insight that Revolution in Generosity offers, ^Christian ministry effectiveness today would be radicallyimproved.  Now that ^the book has arrived, I highly recommend it and suggest that ministries not delay ^another day in implementing these essential principles to further the Great Commission.
-Clyde ^Cook, President Emeritus, Biola University

Revolution in Generosity rightly ^contrasts God-oriented stewardship with human-oriented philanthropy.  ^It underscores the urgency for each of us to be rich toward God.  It also ^includes numerous practical suggestions and referrals.  If you're in a ^position of responsibility in fundraising, whether in a local church or in a parachurch ^organization, do yourself a favor--read this book.
-Franklin Graham, President ^and CEO, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan's Purse

This ^book offers a refreshing and hugely needed biblical perspective so often absent ^in ministry.  It seeks to show that God has given us a much better way: ^transformation of our hearts and minds that leads to a whole new motive for ^giving.  Churches and parachurch organizations that humbly apply these biblical ^principles will revolutionize ministry effectiveness--for all the right reasons.  ^
-Mark Holbrook, President/CEO, Evangelical Christian Credit Union ^(ECCU)

Managing money in a God-honoring way is one of the great ^challenges for every Christ-follower.  This book will move people toward ^a more generous future.
-Bill Hybels, Senior Pastor, Willow Creek ^Community Church

At last, a book about money that doesn't dodge the hard ^questions and doesn't focus on "fundraising techniques."  This collection ^of scholars, leaders, and practitioners helps us look at money from God's perspective ^and teaches us how to "grow more generous in our hearts" toward God and others.  ^A must for every pastor, ministry leader, or board member!
-Chip Ingram, ^President and Teaching Pastor, Living on the Edge

Now we have the ^book written from a biblical worldview with the answers we need.  Revolution ^in Generosity is a must read for all of us who want to move to the next ^level of effectiveness in fundraising by helping donors see the big picture.  ^Thank you, Wes, for putting the goodies down on a shelf low enough for all of us ^to reach.  You have done a great service to God's work in these times.
-Michael ^D. Little, President, The Christian Broadcasting Network, Inc.

 The ^Christian faith involves all of life. I commend this book to all pastors and parachurch ^leaders. Focusing on heart transformation is the future for a revolution in generosity ^for God's work.
-Frank Lofaro, President, Christian Management Association ^(CMA)

Wes Willmer has been a pioneer among Christian leaders to encourage ^Christians to follow God's plan for money, giving and asking that results in a transformed ^and generous life. This is a good book for any believer serious about their faith.   ^
-Hugh O. Maclellan, Jr., President, Maclellan Foundation

Revolution in ^Generosity is a compelling vision of "giving and asking" as they were meant ^to be done in God's eyes.  Every person should read this book...you can't afford ^not to. 
-Josh McDowell, author of More Than a Carpenter and ^Evidence that Demands a Verdict

Revolution in Generosity offers ^solid teaching that gets at the heart of giving and asking.  It is a helpful ^resource and a much-needed call to all of us in ministry to be transformed in how ^we view possessions and spiritual growth.
-Elise Morgan, CEO, Mothers of ^Preschoolers (MOPS) International

Psalm 24 reminds us that God is the ^ultimate owner of all we are and have.  He expects us to be good stewards and ^invest the resources he has entrusted to us.  For Him, returns are measured ^in eternal values.  This book will help you understand the joy of being generous ^and responsible as you invest and give the resources God has given you.
-Bill ^Pollard, Chairman Emeritus, ServiceMaster Co.

An important book devoted ^to an urgent task: transforming scandalously skimpy Christian giving by nurturing ^Christians genuinely conformed to the image of Christ.  Wise, concrete, practical ^advise from successful practitioners.
-Donald J. Sider, President, Evangelicals ^for Social Action


If as a believer, my pursuit of true discipleship is ^reflected by a prayer life that consistently implores, "Father, what would you have ^me think, what would you have me say, what would you have me do?"  Then as ^a Christian leader I must pursue being informed in godly practices of fund development.  ^A Revolution in Generosity, is a valuable resource in that pursuit.
-Ken ^Smitherman, President Association of Christian Schools International

The ^American Church has largely failed the "test of prosperity" during a century that ^witnessed the greatest buildup of wealth in the history of man.  It's time ^for a change.  Wes Willmer and his collaborative thinkers have given us a book ^that truly challenges the church and its ministries toward the pursuit of biblical ^generosity.  Stewards awake!  May God be glorified through faithful lives ^poured out for His purposes.
-Greg Sperry, National Christian Foundation

In ^the wealthiest nation of Christians in history, the most seldom preached sermon ^from American pulp



-Publisher