Giving and Getting in the Kingdom: A Field Guide

by R. Mark Dillon

Fundraising for an organization or ministry is not merely an important task, it’s a noble one. Successful leaders must possess the theological vision to recognize the necessity of asking, the joy of giving, and the beautifully collaborative nature of advancing the kingdom. It should come as no surprise that the literal translation of the word philanthropy is “love of mankind”– and Christian philanthropy enables us to love God through loving man. Mark Dillon has spent his career interacting with hundreds of thoughtful Christian stewards, and reframing the discussion on giving. He challenges leaders to ensure their organizations and ministries are worthy of the gifts they receive. Highly practical and refreshingly candid, Giving and Getting in the Kingdom delivers much-needed perspective on the eternal significance of our earthly transactions.

Genres: Christian

240 pages, Hardcover

First published March 23, 2012

Reviews

[Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed the way I walk into every donor conversation. Dillon does not sugarcoat anything, he tells you plainly that if your organisation is not worth giving to, no fundraising technique in the world will fix that. That was painful to read. And necessary. I have read a lot of Christian stewardship books and this one has the most honest theology I have encountered. Buy it, read it slowly, and do the uncomfortable work it invites.

[Karen Wrobbel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a helpful foundation for advancement work, providing a foundation from a Christian perspective. The first two parts build a philosophical foundation, and then part 3 offers practical steps for the fundraiser. Though not a "how to" book per se, it is helpful for leaders who need to understand principles and concepts.

[Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our book club chair brought this to our last meeting and just reading the back cover out loud had everyone leaning in. The idea that fundraising is a noble calling, not just a necessary chore, completely reframed the conversation at the table. We haven't even cracked chapter one yet and already it's sparked one of our best discussions. Cannot wait to actually read this properly.

[Nele Nordland · Rating 5 out of 5]

A colleague recommended this at our quarterly leaders' book club and the description alone stopped three of us mid-sentence. Mark Dillon challenges leaders to make their organisations worthy of the gifts they receive. We've been sitting with that question ever since. Ordering my copy before our next gathering, I refuse to go unprepared again.

[Carson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stumbled on this through our church's leadership book club. We are planning to read it together next month and honestly the anticipation is real. The phrase "joy of giving" being placed right next to "the necessity of asking" that tension is exactly what I struggle with as someone who leads a ministry that depends on donor support. Expecting this to be a genuine eye-opener.

[Maxwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friend would not stop talking about this book. I am a commuter and audiobooks are basically my second education at this point, does anyone know if Giving and Getting in the Kingdom is available on Audible or Spotify? I have searched and can't find it. Would love to know where to get the audio version. The physical copy is next on my list if not!

[Jerry Fultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Full disclosure - the author is my brother-in-law)

I've served in Christian non-profits my entire adult life & have run point on several capital campaigns. There's a lot of fresh thinking here that will serve me well in future development efforts.

The particular highlights & discussions I found especially useful:
1. The emphasis on building and laboring in service to Christ's kingdom. From the opening sentence of Chapter One & continuing throughout the book, the focus is on Christ.
2. "Nothing never happens"
3. Put away the tin cup
4. Money chases ideas, not needs
5. The discussion of development ROI in chapter 6
6. Marketing vs self-disclosure
7. The discussion of reciprocity.

As a field guide, I look forward to using this book as a compass when considering our next campaign. I highly recommend it to anyone - not just development professionals - searching to identify the proper role of directing money for Kingdom purposes.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as part of a fundraising team at my church. I love how respectful of the spiritual elements of giving the author is. The organization desiring a gift should pass it by in favor of the relationship with the potential giver. I found myself encouraged as a giver, not just as a seeker, by reading this book.

[Bryn Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very helpful and theologically informed perspective on a necessary part of any ministry: money. This book helped me understand that fundraising doesn't have to be a necessary evil but can be ministry in and of itself.

[Bob Wolniak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for those responsible for raising money for advancement of kingdom work. It has greatly influenced me and changed my perspective on a number of things I thought I understood very well.

[Andrew Canavan · Rating 5 out of 5]

One wouldn't think a book on fundraising would be so engaging but this was biblically and theologically rooted, practically helpful, and very well-written. It was a pleasure to read!