From “Money-Getter” to Ministry: How the Biblical Role of the Fundraiser Leads to Larger Gifts
Russell N. James III, J.D., Ph.D., CFP®

As a fundraiser, what’s your job? Your answer can change everything. In this practical session, Professor James shows how a Biblical view of the fundraiser’s work leads to better donor conversations and larger gifts. This is not just abstract theology. It is a better way to do fundraising. We will cover how to explain your role, how to guide donors toward more meaningful gifts, and how to use questions, stories, and key phrases to encourage transformational giving. Come ready to rethink your role. Leave ready to help make larger gifts happen.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Explain the biblical role of the fundraiser and how it differs from the perception of a “money-getter”
• Reframe donor conversations around ministry, mission, and meaningful generosity rather than simply asking for financial support
• Use strategic questions and storytelling techniques to help donors identify opportunities for transformational giving
• Apply key phrases and practical approaches that encourage donors to consider larger, more impactful gifts
• Build greater confidence in guiding donors toward gifts that align with their values, faith, and desire to advance the mission

Remember that webinars are FREE to ALL ACF members, and we just need you to RSVP. Webinars are $75 for nonmembers. Not a member? Attend your first webinar free to experience ACF! Register now.

Russell N. James III, J.D., Ph.D., CFP® is a University Distinguished Professor in the School of Financial Planning at Texas Tech University where he directs the graduate program in Charitable Financial Planning (planned giving). He graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri School of Law where he was a member of the Missouri Law Review and received the United Missouri Bank Award for Most Outstanding Work in Gift and Estate Taxation and Planning. He also holds a Ph.D. in consumer economics from the University of Missouri. His dissertation was on charitable giving. He is as an Honorary Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estates Counsel (ACTEC) and a member of the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners Hall of Fame.

Prior to his career as an academic researcher, James worked as the Director of Planned Giving for Central Christian College in Moberly, Missouri, for six years and later served as President of the college for more than five years. During his presidency, the college successfully completed two major capital campaigns, built several new debt-free buildings, and more than tripled enrollment.

James has published research in more than 80 peer-reviewed scientific journal and law review articles. He is author of several books, including, "The Storytelling Fundraiser," "The Socratic Fundraiser," "The Biblical Fundraiser," "Inside the Mind of the Bequest Donor," and "Visual Planned Giving." He has been quoted in a variety of news sources, including, "The New York Times," "CNN," and the "Chronicle of Philanthropy," and his financial neuroimaging research was profiled in "The Wall Street Journal’s" "Smart Money" magazine.