Pastor Jesse Caniff Kuhn loves his work at Gamecock Lutheran, the ELCA Campus Ministry at University of South Carolina. His favorite part of ministry: supporting and guiding students in their faith exploration. His work centers on creating meaningful student connections and trying innovative approaches to ministry.
But Jesse has known for a while that while he excels in pastoral care, worship, and community building, he feels underprepared for the administrative aspects of campus ministry. His seminary studies and previous pastoral experience didn’t include formal training in fundraising and development. “I recognized that fundraising and development and administration are all really integral parts of campus ministry,” Jesse shared, “but I was never really given tools to do those things well.”
Pastor Jesse signed up for a 15 month fundraising cohort training offered by the LuMin Network through a partnership with GSB fundraising. The training has proved to be a transformative experience for Jesse. One of the most impactful elements has been the story-based approach, which allowed him to deeply engage with his students’ experiences. “One of the first big things that I loved was doing the interviews and writing the stories,” he explained. The process not only helped him document the ministry’s impact but also provided personal affirmation. Jesse now keeps a computer folder filled with impact stories that remind him of why his work matters.
The training’s effect on Jesse has been both profound and practical. He gained insights into donor relations that he had never considered before, particularly the importance of intentional communication and gratitude. “Writing thank you notes is important,” Jesse reflected, “but I have not had a system.” He now understands the donor’s perspective, recognizing the stress of uncertainty around donations. His goal is to create a “stress-free way of supporting” the ministry, emphasizing immediate and thoughtful acknowledgment of contributions. This shift represents more than just best practice—it’s an act of kindness that honors the generosity of those who support campus ministry.
Pastor Jesse and 30 other campus pastors and ministers, along with their ministry’s board members, have had the opportunity to learn the how and the why of fundraising because of the LuMin Network. LuMin’s ongoing educational opportunities would not be possible without the generosity of our supporters. Thank you for your partnership!
Credit to: Gamecock Lutheran. Gamecock Lutheran is one of 176 ministries affiliated with LuMin, the network of ELCA Campus Ministries.
