Ben Stroup

I’m not interested in selling God.

I think some people confuse the “means” and the “end” of professional services I provide churches and nonprofits.

Yes, I help churches and nonprofits raise money. Call it stewardship, generosity, giving, or funding, there is a clear connection between the work I am hired to do and a measurable, financial outcome.

Oddly enough, that’s not why I love what I do. In fact, financial statements and balance sheets come with the territory but certainly don’t provide the edge of excitement one might think.

I am convinced that some people see me as a member of God’s sales force [sic], as if I have been divinely sent as a mercenary to pillage the pockets of the people in the pew to the benefit of the person in the pulpit.

I do what I do because I want to inspire people to recognize the gifts God has placed within them to benefit the Kingdom. It’s about life change, not the extra change one might find and be willing to give. I want to inspire others to make a difference. I help church leaders navigate the funding waters to ensure they exist long enough and at their highest capacity so that they might facilitate Kingdom impact through the generous gifts of time, talent, and treasure of the people in the pew.

For some, it’s a new building that will make room for those who have yet to join the community of faith. For others, it’s investing in a strategy that will sustain a culture of generosity in spite of the economic climate.

Whatever I do, I do in partnership with churches and church leaders who believe Christ-followers are the instruments of change that will bring about the Kingdom of God on earth.

What motivates me is not selling God but the reminder that much work is left to be done before Christ returns and the knowledge that he has already provided what we need to bring our dreams into reality.

To say that I’m selling God is simply not true.