The Fundraising Masterminds Podcast

Episode 101: 4 Biblical Paradigm Shifts That Will Transform Your Fundraising [Development 101]

Hosts: Jim Dempsey, Jason Galasinski
Date: September 10, 2025

Episode Overview

In this foundational episode of the “Development 101” series, Jim Dempsey and Jason Galasinski break down the four biblical paradigm shifts from the book Development 101 that can radically transform the way nonprofit leaders approach fundraising. Drawing from decades of personal experience and scriptural wisdom, they challenge traditional views and encourage listeners to see fundraising as a ministry grounded in faith, relationships, and stewardship.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Mindset Shift: From Fundraising to Development as Ministry

• Common Pitfall: Many nonprofit leaders run out of money, then look for short-term fundraising tactics that often feel transactional or manipulative.
• The Real Mindset: Fundraising is frequently thought of as a “necessary evil,” but development should be seen as an extension of ministry itself, rooted in relationships, not transactions.
• Quote:

  “Development is about relationships and it's about not fundraising, but friend raising... development really is an offshoot. It's an extension of the ministry that you already do with individuals.”
  — Jim Dempsey [04:00]

2. Development Defined

• Core Definition:

  “Development is creating opportunities to connect God's people with God's work.”
  — Jason Galasinski [04:54]

• Key Distinction: Shift from presenting needs to creating opportunities for others to join in God’s work.

The Four Biblical Paradigm Shifts

I. Abundance Mentality (06:00–15:27)

• Core Principle: God owns all resources; we are merely stewards.

• Scriptural Support:

  • Psalm 31:19
  • 2 Corinthians 9:8
  • Philippians 4:19
  • Psalm 24:1-2

• Contrast: Scarcity mentality assumes limited resources (“the pie is only so big”), but abundance trusts God to provide and even supernaturally expand resources.

• Notable Quote:

  “The problem is not a shortage of funds. It's a shortage of faithful stewards.”
  — Reading from Development 101 [11:08]

• Action Point: Start every development effort with a clear, God-sized vision and trust that God will abundantly provide for it.

II. Absolute Trust (15:28–25:46)

• Core Principle: Only the Holy Spirit can prompt someone to give. Our role is to provide the opportunity and trust God for the outcome.

• Key Reflection: Do we honor the spiritual nature of giving, or do we try to control results through our own effort?

• Analogy: The “Christian camp” experience—leaders set the stage, but only the Holy Spirit can do the real work in hearts.

• Notable Quote:

  “In every encounter, with every giving partner, there will come a moment when you will step back and entrust the giving decision solely into the hands of God. This must be done with both faith and confidence…”
  — Reading from Development 101 [21:55]

• Action Point: Create an environment for the Spirit to work, avoid manipulation or pressure, and let prayer infuse your development process.

III. Being a Blessing (26:02–32:04)

• Core Principle: Development is about “blessing brokerage”—offering people the chance to be blessed as they join in God’s mission.

• Scriptural Support:

  • Philippians 4:15–17
  • 2 Corinthians 9:6–7

• Quote:

  “By providing [donors] an opportunity to be blessed by God... we're not beggars, we are providing them an opportunity to be blessed. That changes our whole perspective.”
  — Jim Dempsey [30:04]

• Action Point: Change your language from presenting “needs” to “opportunities” for others to participate in God’s work and receive His blessing.

IV. One Kingdom Living (32:05–39:42)

• Core Principle: All of life—including our finances—belongs to God’s kingdom, not our own. Generosity flows from recognizing God’s ownership.

• Scriptural Support:

  • Matthew 6:19–21 (Treasure in Heaven)
  • Matthew 6:24 (Can’t serve both God and money)

• Common Struggle: Many live as if they own 90% and “tip” God 10%; the biblical perspective calls for full surrender.

• Quote:

  “When we submit to the temptation to believe that we are in control of our own kingdom, we treat money as something that we ultimately own. And when we do this, you cannot be faithful, generous stewards.”
  — Jason Galasinski [33:32]

• Action Point: Move your organization and personal life from a “two kingdom” (God’s and mine) to a “one kingdom” worldview, recognizing God’s ultimate ownership.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Jim Dempsey on the Power of Vision:

  “Scripture says without vision, people perish. And it is so important that we put a vision before people... they give to your plans for the future. That's what inflames the hearts of men and women.” [15:28]

• On Letting God Work:

  “You can follow all the methods, but ultimately God has to move.”
  — Jim Dempsey [23:56]

• On the Value of Development:

  “If we embrace these things as a ministry, then suddenly development seems to be kind of an exciting mission.”
  — Jason Galasinski [39:42]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [02:24] Purpose of the episode and importance of mindset
• [04:54] Key definition of development: Connecting God’s people with His work
• [06:03] Paradigm 1 – Abundance Mentality
• [15:28] Paradigm 2 – Absolute Trust
• [26:02] Paradigm 3 – Being a Blessing
• [32:05] Paradigm 4 – One Kingdom Living
• [39:42] Recap of the four paradigms and invitation to embrace development as ministry

Resources & Call to Action

• Development Programs Mentioned:
  • Perfect Vision Inner Mentorship Program
  • Winner’s Circle (advanced development)
• Invitation: “If you’ve tried fundraising but never development like this, take a step of faith… it’s going to put you on a much stronger path for sustainability.”
  — Jason Galasinski [41:26]

Connect: Find more episodes, resources, and their mentorship programs at Fundraising Masterminds’ platforms (YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts).

The 4 Paradigm Shifts (Summary Table)

| Paradigm | Core Idea | Key Texts | Strategic Application | |------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------| | Abundance Mentality | God owns it all; resources are not scarce | Psalm 31, Phil. 4, 2 Cor. 9 | Start with vision; don’t operate from fear of lack | | Absolute Trust | Only God moves hearts; trust Him in the process | “Let the Spirit work” | Don’t manipulate, pray for God’s provision | | Being a Blessing | Invite others to be blessed through giving | Phil. 4, 2 Cor. 9 | Offer opportunities, not just highlight needs | | One Kingdom Living | All is God’s; reject “my” vs. “God’s” mentality| Matt. 6:19–21, 6:24 | Surrender fully, steward with eternity in mind |

This episode calls nonprofit leaders to reframe fundraising as a spiritual, relational, and visionary ministry—grounded in trust, abundance, blessing, and whole-life stewardship. For anyone seeking transformative, faith-driven development strategies, this is essential listening.