Drawing on their wealth of experience and Christian conviction, these twenty-three contributors partnered to issue a call to
fellow believers

“Our possessions are an indispensable part of our life in the Kingdom of God. We need to understand how they receive spiritual life by our choices under the direction of the Word and the Spirit. This is not widely appreciated, but Wes Willmer has devoted much of his life to helping people with Kingdom generosity and stewardship.&rdquo

— Dallas Willard, Author of The Divine Conspiracy, The Spirit of the Disciplines,
and Renovation of the Heart

In 2001, Wes Willmer realized that on issues of God, money, giving and asking, Christian organizations merely mirrored their secular counterparts. Both givers and askers had become self-focused, pursuing what they could get, rather than how the process could be a part of spiritual growth, conforming to Christ’s image. In speaking with colleagues around the country, it became apparent that he was not alone in this observation; Revolution in Generosity is the fruit of their labors to understand and correct the Christian approach to raising resources.

Legend:

Wesley K. Willmer

Biola University

Wes has worked full-time at Biola University since 1989. He has been author, co-author, editor, or editor-in-chief of 23 books and many professional journal publications. Recent books include 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 initiated over $1 million in research grants to study nonprofit leadership. Board involvement includes: chair of the board of the Christian Stewardship Association (CSA), founding member of the CASE commission on Philanthropy,the executive committee of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA), founding board member of the Christian Leadership Alliance (CLA), and consultant to numerous other boards. He can be contacted at wes.willmer@biola.edu.

David R. Black

Eastern University

David earned his Ph.D. from Ohio University, and has served as president of Eastern University since 1997. During that time, Eastern has added four innovative schools to its existing undergraduate and graduate colleges. In 2002, David led the University’s union with Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (now Palmer Theological Seminary), which is distinctive among American seminaries because of its preparation of pastors for urban, Appalachian, and third world communities confronted by economic hardship. Dr. Black speaks and writes frequently on social and education issues and serves on a number of boards.

Rebekah Burch Basinger

InTrust

For Rebekah, who earned her Ed.D. from Temple University, helping to encourage strong boards and generous giving are longtime passions. In her half-time position as program director with In Trust, Rebekah’s niche is fundraising, strategic planning, and presidential selection and evaluation. And as the director of congregational relations for the Brethren in Christ Church, the other half of her work life, she assists pastors and other congregational leaders with their stewardship programs. She has authored numerous articles on fundraising and various aspects of seminary governance. Rebekah was the lead author for “The President’s Role in Institutional Advancement” in the Association of Theological School’s Handbook for New Presidents (Eeerdman's, 2006). She is also the co-author with Thomas Jeavons of Growing Givers’ Hearts: Treating Fundraising as Ministry (Jossey-Bass, 2000). Rebekah serves on the boards of MAP International, Pacific Lifeline Ministries, and MOPS International, and recently completed two terms of board service with the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA).

Craig L. Blomberg

Denver Seminary

Craig earned his Ph.D. from University of Aberdeen, and is distinguished professor of New Testament at Denver Seminary. He is the author or editor of 16 books, including The Historical Reliability of the Gospels; Interpreting the Parables; Matthew for the New American Commentary series; 1 Corinthians for the NIV Application Commentary series; Jesus and the Gospels: An Introduction and Survey; Neither Poverty nor Riches: A Biblical Theology of Possessions; Preaching the Parables; Contagious Holiness: Jesus’ Meals with Sinners; and From Pentecost to Patmos: An Introduction to Acts through Revelation.

Ronald W. Blue

Kingdom Advisors

Ron is the founder of Ronald Blue & Co., LLC and is the current President of Kingdom Advisors. Ron is the author of twelve books on personal finance from a Biblical perspective, including the best-seller, Master Your Money, now in its twenty-ninth printing and his most recent book, Wealth To Last, co-authored with Larry Burkett. Ron has appeared on numerous radio and television programs, including Focus on the Family, The 700 Club, and Prime Time America and is a regular contributor to several national Christian magazines. Ron currently serves on the Board of Directors of Campus Crusade for Christ, Crown Financial Ministries, Family Research Council, and The National Christian Foundation.

Joyce M. Brooks

Biola University

Joyce earned her Ph.D. from Biola University’s Talbot School of Theology, and is the Director of Foundations and Major Gift Operations at Biola University in La Mirada, California. She has been a development professional since 1983, and her experience spans all aspects of development, including annual giving, major donor research, development services, capital campaigns, events, major gifts, and foundation relations. Her dissertation title was: “A Study of the Motivations and Preferences for Charitable Giving Among Women and Men Who Support Evangelical Christian Higher Education.” Joyce is a published author and has presented scholarly papers at Evangelical Theological Society conferences.

Shelley Cochrane

TEAM (The Evangelical Alliance Mission)

Shelley worked as a TEAM missionary among Yugoslavs in Europe for eleven years. Since 1998 Shelley has served as the Director of Mobilization for TEAM, developing personnel and material resources and emphasizing prayer support for the vision God has given to TEAM. Shelley oversees the staff, strategy, and budget of the Mobilization division of TEAM, which includes Stewardship Ministries, Partner Relations, Communications and Media, and New Member Development. She also serves on the senior leadership team.

Howard L. Dayton

Crown Financial Ministries

Howard is the CEO of Crown Financial Ministries, which he co-founded along with the late Larry Burkett. Crown is an interdenominational ministry with the global mission of equipping people to learn, apply, and teach God’s financial principles. Howard is heard nationwide on his syndicated radio broadcast, “Money Matters.” He is the author of several books including Your Money Counts, Free and Clear, and Your Money Map. After graduating from Cornell University, Howard served as a naval officer and developed successful businesses before founding Crown.

Richard E. Edic

Vision Resourcing

Richard is founder and president of Vision Resourcing, a ministry that trains church leaders in how to implement a successful stewardship ministry utilizing his training kit, “Resourcing Your Vision–A Church Stewardship Ministry Guide.” For more than ten years he was the assistant to the president, Ministry Partner Services, of the Baptist General Conference, serving churches in the southwest region of the United States. He is a member of College Ave. Baptist Church in San Diego, CA, and is their Stewardship Ministry Team Leader. Dick is also an Advanced Certified Stewardship Executive (A.C.S.E.) with the Christian Stewardship Association.

John R. Frank

The Frank Group

John is Founder and President of the Frank Group and a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), who speaks and consults extensively on the ministry of development. He has an MA in Philanthropy and Development and is completing his DMin in leadership with a focus on stewardship education. He authored The Ministry of Development and The Monthly Partner.

Todd W. Harper

Generous Giving

Todd is executive vice-president of Generous Giving, managing its interactions with givers. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and entrepreneurship from Baylor University and comes out of an 11-year career with Campus Crusade for Christ International, where he served in Russia, Yugoslavia and the United States. Prior to joining Generous Giving, Harper was a partner with an investment firm, advising high net-worth clients on growing and using wealth wisely. Harper’s passion is to disciple others, has extensive experience in ministry leadership, major donor development and philanthropic advising. He lives with his wife, Collynn, and five children in Orlando, FL.

Richard A. Haynie

OC International

Rich is director of development for OC International, a fifty-five year old missionary organization. His two decades of experience in fundraising development have taken him from the Air Force Academy to his work with ministries including The Navigators, International Bible Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Dawn Ministries in Colorado Springs, CO. Rich is an internationally known speaker and teacher.

Daryl J. Heald

Generous Giving

Daryl is president and co-founder of Generous Giving, a ministry working since 2000 to motivate Christians toward greater biblical generosity. He serves on the boards of Crown Financial Ministries, ProVision Foundation and the Haggai Institute and is also an elder at Lookout Mountain (Tenn.) Presbyterian Church. He is also on the Executive Committee of The Maclellan Foundation, a 50-year world leader in Christian grant making. He and his wife, Cathy, live in Lookout Mountain, Ga., with their five children.

Gary G. Hoag

Denver Seminary

Gary earned an M.Div. from Biola University's Talbot School of Theology and serves as Vice President of Advancement at Denver Seminary. He was ordained as a minister with the Evangelical Free Church in 1994 and has held development positions at Biola University and Colorado Christian University. Gary teaches a class called Stewardship and Resource Development and passionately practices, preaches, and teaches that Christian fundraising is a calling to Raise Up Stewards to Be Rich Toward God!

Dr. Brian Kluth

Preaching Pastor & Minister-at-Large at the First Evangelical Free Church of Colorado Springs

Brian is senior pastor of the First Evangelical Free Church in Colorado Springs. He is the founder of www.MAXIMUMgenerosity.org and www.GenerousLife.info. His websites receive top search engine rankings on “biblical generosity” and “church giving” and provide a wealth of generosity materials and resources for pastors, church committees, and congregations. Kluth also offers a generosity e-newsletter that is sent free to thousands of pastors, church leaders, and denominations. He is the author of a Bible devotional booklet, “A 40 Day Spiritual Journey to a More Generous Life,” used by numerous churches and denominations.

Lauren D. Libby

The Navigators

Lauren is Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Navigators and has been active in recruiting resources for Christian causes since the 1970s. He became involved in fundraising “accidentally” when a financial crisis arose in his organization. This started a biblical study of the process of how God provides for His work. Libby earned an MBA from Regis University in Denver. He served on numerous boards including: Northwestern College (Minnesota), Educational Communications of Colorado Springs, Chairman of the ECFA Standards Committee, and The Christian Stewardship Association.

Adam J. Morris

Biola University

Adam earned his Ph.D. from Biola University’s Talbot School of Theology, and is the Senior Director of Stewardship and Resource Development at Biola University. He has devoted his career to working in Christian college advancement and has received widespread recognition for his involvement in the non-profit sector. In 1989, Adam received the Southern California Carnation Award for outstanding leadership in fundraising and volunteerism. He also received recognition from former President George H. Bush and was granted a national "Point of Light" award for his significant service to the community. Adam has been a contributing author to several publications including the chapter, "Survey Trends: What They Say About Advancement Today," which appeared in Advancing Small Colleges.

Paul D. Nelson

ECFA

Paul was President of The Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) from 1994 to 2006. The organization, founded in 1979, is an accreditation agency for over 1,200 Christian ministries. Prior to his appointment to ECFA, he was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Focus on the Family from 1985-1994.

Walter B. Russell

Biola University

Walt earned his Ph.D. from Westminster Theological Seminary and is professor of New Testament at Talbot School of Theology (Biola University) in La Mirada, California. His areas of expertise are exegesis, hermeneutics, and New Testament theology, especially as they relate to world evangelism and the spiritual growth of the church. He authored The Flesh/Spirit Conflict in Galatians and Playing with Fire: How the Bible Ignites Change in Your Soul. He can be reached at Walt.Russell@biola.edu.

R. Scott Rodin

Christian Leadership Alliance

Scott earned his Ph.D., from University of Aberdeen, and has worked in Christian fundraising and not-for-profit leadership for eighteen years and was president of the Christian Stewardship Association. He has held posts and served as a fundraising consultant in the U.S. and Great Britain. He also served as president of Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. Dr. Rodin is a nationally sought speaker and preacher and has consulted with colleges, seminaries, churches, museums, parachurch ministries, and denominations. Recent books include Stewards in the Kingdom and Seven Deadly Sins.

Richard J. Towner

Good Sense Stewardship

Dick is the Willow Creek Association's (WCA) executive director for the Good Sense Stewardship Movement. He is also the primary author of the WCA’s Good Sense curriculum. Prior to arriving at Willow Creek Community Church in 1992, Dick served 13 years as the minister of administration at a church in Cincinnati. He also spent 14 years in university administration. Dick served on the board of the Christian Stewardship Association and on the president’s council of the Christian Management Association.

Mark L. Vincent

Design for Ministry

Mark earned his Ph.D. from Capella University School of Business and leads Design For Ministry[tm] — a network of experts who assist congregations, ministry organizations, and service-minded businesses. Mark pioneered work in neighborhood ministry to children, congregational leadership development and decision-making, The Giving Project, MMA's Stewardship University, firstfruits funding systems for denominations, strategic interim ministry, and the ENQUIRE[tm] system for capital campaigns. He is the principal writer for Depth Perception, and his books include Speaking About Money, A Christian View of Money and The Offering As Worship. Mark edits GIVING, the annual periodical of the Ecumenical Stewardship Center.