In 1992, Henri Nouwen—a beloved spiritual thinker, pastor, and author—gave a talk on fundraising that would later become the foundational text for any of us who raise funds in the church: The Spirituality of Fundraising. Known for his ability to merge deep spirituality with practical, everyday concerns, Nouwen transformed the way many in the church approach fundraising. He reframed it not as a transactional or uncomfortable necessity, but as an invitation into a spiritual journey. Nouwen believed that raising funds for ministry was just as spiritual as preaching a sermon, offering pastoral care, or feeding the hungry. He saw it as an opportunity for both the giver and receiver to participate in God’s work in a way that leads to transformation.

The simplicity and depth of Nouwen’s message have resonated with faith communities across the world for decades. And, if I’m honest, it feels a bit like a fool’s errand to try to modernize a classic. Yet the beauty of Nouwen’s work is that its core truths transcend time. They speak to us today, just as they did 30 years ago when he spoke them. While I don’t aim to reinvent what is already so deeply wise, in this article and in my talk in the Strategic Philanthropy Symposium at Virginia Theological Seminary, I hope to offer a fresh lens through which we might view these principles, especially as we engage with new challenges and opportunities in today’s world of ministry.

Fundraising as Invitation, Not Transaction

When Nouwen described fundraising as an act of ministry, he wasn’t exaggerating. For him, asking for money was not about begging or imposing guilt; it was about inviting others into the vision of what God is doing in the world. This vision is alive today, just as it was then. The difference? The ways in which people participate in these invitations are constantly evolving.

Fundraising is not about the question “What’s in it for me?” but rather “What am I being invited into?” When we shift from transaction to invitation, we open the door to transformation, offering people a chance to join God’s work, not just fund it. Whether it’s through a traditional pledge or a digital donation button, we’re asking people to see themselves as part of a mission, a spiritual mission that they are invited to help bring to life.

In my talk, I’ll explore how this invitation is still central to our approach today and how we can embrace modern tools without losing the spiritual essence of what we are asking others to join.

The Spiritual Power of Generosity

Nouwen famously said that fundraising is as spiritual as prayer. He saw it as a call to conversion—both for the person giving and the person asking. Generosity, Nouwen believed, invites us into a deeper spiritual life because it asks us to let go of our attachment to money and instead place our trust in God’s abundance.

Today we know that generosity isn’t just about finances. People are called to give in many ways—through their time, talents, and presence. Yet no matter how we give, Nouwen’s principle holds true: we are transformed when we allow ourselves to give freely, trusting in God’s provision. In our modern context, this might look like creating communities of support where financial gifts are one piece of a larger puzzle, or it might mean recognizing the spiritual depth in today’s online crowdfunding communities.

Vision and Mission in a Modern Context

One of the most powerful ideas in Nouwen’s talk is the centrality of vision and mission. Fundraising is, at its core, about inviting people into a shared vision, a future that we are building together, guided by God’s hand. Without vision, Nouwen reminded us from scripture, the people perish.

This idea is as relevant today as ever. Whether we’re raising funds for a new ministry, a social justice initiative, or even a digital church project, what people respond to is a compelling vision of God’s work. They want to see that their contribution, no matter how big or small, is part of something larger—something that brings hope, change, and transformation to the world.

In today’s context, this vision often needs to be communicated across new platforms. We live in a world where Instagram posts and online videos might be the first place someone encounters our church’s mission. How do we craft that message in a way that is faithful to our calling and also compelling to today’s audience? This is one of the questions I’ll explore in my talk.

Building Community through Fundraising

Another core theme in Nouwen’s approach is that fundraising isn’t just about raising money; it’s about building relationships and community. When we ask someone to give, we are inviting them into a new spiritual communion. It’s not simply about completing a transaction; it’s about creating connections that deepen over time.

This idea is even more urgent in today’s world, where people crave authentic community. We’re living in an age where loneliness and isolation are rampant. The church, as Nouwen understood, has a unique opportunity to offer belonging and connection through its fundraising efforts. Whether in person or online, we can invite people into communities where their contributions—both financial and spiritual—are valued and celebrated.

The Timelessness of Trusting God’s Provision

Nouwen’s message about trusting in God’s provision is perhaps the most timeless of all. He challenged us to let go of fear—fear of not having enough, fear of rejection, fear of failure. He called us to trust that God would provide what we need in abundance. This is a message that speaks powerfully to us today in a world full of financial anxieties and economic uncertainties.

What Nouwen knew then, and what we need to remember now, is that when we approach fundraising with faith, confidence, and trust, we are not just asking for money; we are witnessing to God’s abundance. This allows us to ask without apology, knowing that our invitation is part of something far greater than any one person’s gift.

In my talk, I’ll delve into how this principle of trust can transform our approach to fundraising in the church today. I’ll share stories of how faithful giving—even in the most unlikely circumstances—has led to extraordinary spiritual and communal growth.

Conclusion: The Journey Ahead

In previewing some of the ideas we’ll explore, I hope you can see that Henri Nouwen’s insights are more relevant today than ever. While the tools and platforms may have changed, the core principles remain timeless:

• Fundraising is ministry
• Generosity is a spiritual practice
• Community, vision, and trust in God are at the heart of it all

As I prepare to expand on these themes in my talk, I invite you to begin reflecting on your own relationship with giving and fundraising. How might we, as a community, reclaim the spiritual power of this important work? How might we invite others—not just to give, but to join us in a shared mission that transforms both giver and receiver?

I look forward to continuing this conversation and diving deeper into the spirituality of fundraising in our modern world. I hope you’ll join me in what promises to be a journey of discovery, faith, and transformation.

Register for the Strategic Philanthropy Symposium

The Rev. Dr. Lorenzo Lebrija, Chief Innovation Officer at VTS and the Executive Director for TryTank Research Institute, is one of the four speakers at the upcoming Strategic Philanthropy Symposium on Friday, September 27 at 1:00 — 5:15 p.m. Eastern, which is available in person and online (even on demand after the event). The symposium is offered free of charge to all participants. This is made possible by a generous gift from Mr. Gant Redmon, in memory of his wife, Fran. Fran was a true philanthropist and consummate advocate for various nonprofits. She mentored those new to the development profession, giving freely of her time and talents.

Featured image is by Katt Yukawa on Unsplash