Once in a lifetime, you may meet someone who can communicate
his expertise in a special area so effectively as to transfer
some of those skills to you. Such encounters are invaluable
in augmenting one’s adequacy for the ministry. Dr. E. M.
Clark is such a person. His understanding of the theology of
giving and the practical approach he takes to it have revolutionized
my thinking in this regard. He helped me understand that a vision
remains an unfulfilled dream unless God helps you raise the
money necessary to bring it into reality.
In 1982, we desperately needed facilities
of our own. Emerge Ministries had expanded and spilled over
into one office suite after another in the leased facilities
that housed us. Calling upon Dr. Clark, who was a member of
our Board of Directors, in a moment like this was a real turning
point in my life and in the ministry of Emerge.
Under Dr. Clark’s guidance and
direction, we organized the major capital fund campaign that
provided our present facilities. In one night, we saw the Lord
provide over $700,000 to make our vision a dream come true.
Often as I walk through the facility, I think of this man and
the unique skills God has helped him develop in the area of
fundraising and capital campaigns.
I was delighted when given the opportunity
to recommend this book to ministers and board members. After
reading this book, you will never view fundraising as a burdensome
task. You will see it as giving people an opportunity to be
blessed for their generosity as God leads them to make His kingdom
on earth a reality.
Dr. Richard D. Dobbins
Emerge Ministries, Akron, Ohio
Ready
to read the entire book?
Click on the link at the bottom of this page to purchase the
full version of
How To Be Happy Giving Your Money Away.
by E.M. Clark
Forward
The writer of Proverbs counseled, “Get
wisdom!”
In the following pages, Dr. E. M. Clark
shares timeless wisdom on faith and fundraising. From firsthand
experience, I know that it is wisdom that works whether your
church has a congregation of 80 or 800.
On three separate occasions, Dr. Clark
has used these biblical principles to help us experience miracles
and accomplish our goals as a church. We first saw these principles
put to work when we needed to purchase ground for our young
congregation. While the purchase price of $37,000 was very reasonable,
our small congregation did not have the money for that kind
of purchase.
Through Dr. Clark’s willingness to set
an example in his giving and by encouraging others to do the
same, the necessary funds were raised within two months. In
fact, we were able to purchase the land debt free.
Shortly afterward, our congregation, which
was meeting in leased office space, decided to build a permanent
building. We called on Dr. Clark to help us direct and plan
our fundraising effort.
That weekend was truly one of the outstanding
weekends in the history of our church. At the close of the service,
as the pledges were totaled, the pledged amount grew higher
and higher. As the pledges came in, the people were applauding
and cheering. Our congregation of 150 people raised $120,000
in one year commitments!
I must add that until that time, I
had never been a part of a fundraiser where people were so excited
and happy about giving their money.
Within two years, our church again
needed to raise funds for a new building and asked Dr. Clark
to help us with the project. Privately our goal was to raise
$400,000.
With just one month of preparation
and by following Dr. Clark’s instruction, we were able
to raise an amount that exceeded our annual tithes and offerings.
On that weekend in January 1994, Dr. Clark helped our congregation
raise - not $400,000 - but almost $700,000 in one year commitments!
Following this last capital fund weekend,
it has been such a delight to see God working financial miracles
in the lives of those who stepped out in faith. The result has
been twofold: there is an excitement that pervades our services;
and within the first five weeks, we have seen over $107,000
given toward the building.
This book could change your ministry.
The principles we have learned from Dr. Clark have not only
helped our church raise money to purchase land and construct
the building, but they have resulted in a dramatic increase
in our regular giving.
Proverbs 11:24 says, “One man
gives freely, yet gains even more . . .” (NIV). As you
read this book you will see how that can be true in your life
and in your church. If you apply these principles, you will
never be the same.
Click Here to download Dr. Clark’s book on Church Fundraising
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