Have you ever wondered how to inspire generosity in your church?
If so, you’re not alone! Through a new partnership with the Southwestern Minnesota Synod, supported by the Gifts of Grace program, Pete Reuss and Paul Marsh from GSB Fundraising are excited to help you and your congregation do just that.
GSB has a simple philosophy—changing congregational culture from a mindset of scarcity (we can’t afford to do that!) to one of abundance (what if…) allows you to fully live into God’s mission for your congregation. Instead of focusing on raising money to meet the budget, you can invite people to generously support ongoing ministry that is changing lives for the better. Then celebrate that generosity by thanking donors and sharing the impact of their gifts.
While GSB has formal congregational programs that lead to significant growth in congregational giving, Pete and Paul are available to have a conversation about your congregation’s pressing stewardship concerns. In this aspect think of them as crisis counselors, there to help you in time of need and direct you (as appropriate) to next steps that will move the needle on generosity in your congregation.
GSB Fundraising was founded in 1976 to strengthen charitable causes to change the world through generosity. We work with ELCA congregations throughout the country and are thrilled to work with you and your congregation.
Upcoming Opportunities:
- March – Strategic Planning and Generosity for Small to Mid-sized Congregations
- March 16, 2:00 p.m. – Rostered Minister Gathering: The Vital Role of the Rostered Leader in Inviting Generosity – Zoom Gathering
- March 16, 6:00 p.m. – Stewardship for All Seasons Zoom Conversation
- March 16, 7:00 p.m. – Congregation Lay Leaders Gathering: Congregations and Generosity – Zoom Gathering
If you or your congregation has questions or would like more detailed information regarding GSB opportunities please contact Pastor Troy Pflibsen, Director for Evangelical Mission at [email protected] or 320-221-1614.
Meet Your Consultants
Rev. Pete Reuss
Pete exudes a passion for God’s work in the world, trusting the Spirit to guide the church and ministry organizations to live into God’s future. An ELCA Pastor, Pete serves God by guiding congregations, synods, and other ministries to discern God’s vision and encourage the generosity to make that vision a reality. He has led hundreds of congregations across the country to grow in generosity. Pete’s experience includes ten years in synodical leadership in his twenty-five years of ordained ministry. His congregational experience includes rural ministry at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Benson, Illinois (population 45) and Mission Development / New Start ministry at Peace Lutheran Church in Eyota, Minnesota. In his time in Eyota, the congregation grew from $40,000 in annual giving to the capacity to build a first church structure. He lives in Rochester, Minnesota.
Paul N. Marsh CFRE
As a consultant, Paul walks step by step with nonprofit organizations and churches to engage generous and enthusiastic donors in support of their missions to change the world for the better. A passionate advocate for social change through generosity, Paul Marsh has been a nonprofit executive and fundraiser throughout his entire career spanning three decades. Whether working in colleges and universities, social service organizations, international relief agencies or even as a volunteer firefighter, Paul has championed generosity through philanthropy and volunteerism.
Paul joined GSB Fundraising in 2009 and has served clients throughout the United States, guiding them through capital campaigns, stewardship appeals, board development and strategic planning. Paul earned the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation in 2000. He lives in Denver, Colorado.
