Charles LaFond has been raising major gifts in churches for 25 years in every possible ecclesial and non-profit context as a corporate vice president of the YMCA, a diocesan teacher, a missionary, monk, curate, Bishop's canon, consultant, Cathedral Canon, and associate rector. He has led trainings in this work, interviewed forty philanthropists, and raised more than $25 million in his non-profit ministry and $50 million in his ecclesial ministry. He lives on Whidbey Island off the coast of Washington State.

"No matter how many times we read 'Fear not!' in scripture, money and asking for money strike fear in the hearts of those being asked and those doing the asking, laity and clergy alike. Charles LaFond starts with easing the fear and strengthening the spiritual spines of the askers, and then moves on to setting the givers' hearts on the path to gratitude and generosity as a gift back to God. If you only read one book on the spirituality and practicality of church giving, make this the one!" —The Rt. Rev. V. Gene Robinson, IX Bishop of New Hampshire

"Ask those fisherman who left their old man’s boat immediately, Jesus never asked for a pledge card. He asks for wide open commitments on the spot that lead us to unique adventures. So it is, and so it will be for the next generation of followers of the Jesus Movement. Fearless Fundraising is a guidebook for any Church leader who seeks to support its mission in an age when cash checkbooks are being replaced by the more nimble and more mobile Square on the iPhone. Be fearless about that change. Read this book!" —The Rt. Rev. A. Robert Hirschfeld, Bishop of New Hampshire

"Many churches face a looming financial crisis as congregations shrink, but with the proper tools, growth is certainly possible. In this timely book, Charles LaFond's own deep spirituality imparts a helpful context for educating parishioners about the theology of stewardship, while at the same time, his emphasis on the best practices of fundraising gives important and practical guidance to both clergy and lay leaders. He calls us all to a more open, healthy relationship with money and provides ready-made curricula, materials, and check-lists for adult forms, Sunday School classes, preaching, and fundraising campaigns."—Jamie McMahon, CFRE Chair, Standing Commission on Stewardship and Development, The Episcopal Church

"Charles LaFond's new book really does provide one-step shopping for a 'how-to' on stewardship. From the pragmatic to the inspirational, and all steps in between, this book is the real deal. It's a must-have for any church trying to raise money, and it's the next-best thing to having Charles sitting down with you in person to explain the process. Charles has been an absolute star every time he has presented for the Consortium's annual conference, and it's a delight and an honor to recommend his new book."—Cynthia Cannon McWhirter, Executive Director, The Consortium of Endowed Episcopal Parishes

"Charles fearlessly draws from deep wells of hope to offer us his gifts as 'theological DJ.' In this timely 'how to,' he teases us out into courageous conversation about stewarding the future of our beloved institutions while honoring the best of what we used to think of as “church.” He uses classic wisdom about fundraising but compassionately turns the language on its ear to offer us a remix of memories, practical advice and longings for all that God is birthing in our now. Read this and thrive!”—The Reverend Tom Brackett, Missioner, Church Planting, Ministry Redevelopment and Fresh Expressions of Church, Episcopal Church Center

"Those of us who have longed–and labored–for our Church to talk about the joy of giving will rejoice in the publication of Fearless Church Fundraising. Charles LaFond breathes life into our relationship with God, money, and church. He does it brilliantly, compellingly, and unabashedly. He then provides, step-by-step, the strategy that any parish needs to know and implement for a successful fundraising effort: position descriptions, sequenced steps, suggested wording, possible events, etc. It’s all here. Charles removes the fear, hence “fearless” and replaces it with sound theology, spiritual growth and practical steps. Buy it, read it, share it, follow it, and rejoice in resulting spiritual and giving growth, for they are inextricably related." —Elizabeth M. Lowell,Program Director, The Development Office, The Episcopal Church

"I commend Charles LaFond’s Fearless Church Fundraising: The Practical and Spiritual Approach to Stewardship to Rectors, Vestries and Stewardship committees of all sizes. Canon LaFond offers a step by step program of education and spiritual transformation of your stewardship. This book includes words of theologically grounded wisdom on the stewardship of money, leadership development, the multigenerational needs of donors, effective inclusive 'job descriptions' for rector’s, vestries and stewardship committees and an appendix with samples and check lists.Charles LaFond is to be commended on his thorough approach to all the aspects of Stewardship for the 21st Century; he dots the I’s and crosses the T’s."—The Rev. Charles Cloughen, Jr., Director of Planned Giving, Stewardship and Development for the Episcopal Diocese o Maryland