Click here to view
The Passionate Steward
Chapter Synopsis

Michael O'Hurley-Pitts' Best Selling Book
The Passionate Steward - Recovering Christian Stewardship from Secular Fundraising

The Passionate Steward: Recovering Christian Stewardship from Secular Fundraising is a forthright and critical review of the assumptions and practices of secular philanthropy as these have been adopted and applied by the Christian Church. The Church has often been enthralled by the promise of more money, particularly if it is "easy" money, and has thus fallen into the arms of secular fundraisers, without subjecting secular methods and operative principles to the scrutiny of its own theological and biblical agenda. The Passionate Steward parses the practice of fundraising as it is frequently experienced in Churches, and finds it wanting. The author re-establishes a firm biblical and historical basis for a more theologically grounded approach, and argues convincingly for a recovery of the fullness of "passionate stewardship". The book is thoroughly researched, and moves easily and cogently between statistical analysis, theological assessment, practice, and anecdotal integration.

The Passionate Steward (as can be seen from the multi-denominational praise of Orthodox to Protestant experts in the field of stewardship) stands alone in its ecumenical reach and appeal.

Not only does it treat the uniqueness and similarities within the range of mainline Churches: it also provides a much needed indication of how those issues are played out in both the United States and Canada. Moreover, in these trying times of sin threatening the wellbeing of the Church (the scandal of sexual abuse in the U.S., and Residential Schools litigation bankrupting the major Christian denominations in Canada), The Passionate Steward is both timely and timeless in its relevance.

back to top of page

Some Recent Book Reviews:

Archdiocese of Atlanta Stewardship Newsletter

Diocese of Rockville Centre Book Recommendation

Thomas More Best Seller List

Anglican Journal Book Review

The Catholic and Christian Book Reviews

Theology Today Book Notes

Presbyterian Record Book Review

Canadian Centre for Philanthropy Front & Centre Magazine

Catholic Studies - Adelphi University Book Reviews

"Michael O'Hurley-Pitts identifies why we in the Catholic Church are called to a "Lifestyle of Stewardship", it is part of our baptismal call-our vocation.  Secular fundraising is not the answer and Michael explains why.  This is  a excellent book, a must read for all people who are involved in developing Stewardship in their churches and diocese.  Michael captures the spirit of the U.S. Bishop's Pastoral Letter - "Stewardship: A Disciple's Response."

- John MacRae, Stewardship Director
  Archdiocese of Halifax, Nova Scotia

"The Passionate Steward is an insightful, well-researched resource for anyone interested in the theological and spiritual principles of stewardship in general and as it should inform the Church's fund-raising activities.   O'Hurley-Pitts demonstrates a thorough knowledge of the topic and challenges the reader to reshape and revise current understandings as practices.  He gets to the heart of what stewardship is truly about as he presents a holistic vision of Christian stewardship.  I give this book to stewardship leaders in our Diocese and recommend it to anyone who is serious about discipleship and the life and mission of the Church."

- Robert Cammarata, Director, Office of Stewardship
  The Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockville Center, N.Y.

"People working in the context of the church to raise money, will find this a helpful book. Michael O'Hurley-Pitts draws on his extensive experience as a fundraiser with faith-based groups. His book is both intelligent and readable, and will be especially appreciated by those working in the Church to raise funds."

- The Reverend Roger Yaworski, S.J., Director
  The Jesuit Development Office Toronto, Canada

"O'Hurley-Pitts opens new windows on what it means to consider the church as family. The need for true eccleisal stewardship has never been more crucial--and The Passionate Steward asks the tough questions about who we are and why we give. A must-read for ministry today."

- Madonna Ratliff, FSP, Editor
  Daughters of St. Paul, Boston, Massachusetts

"The Passionate Steward by Michael O’Hurley-Pitts gives a refreshing look at stewardship as true ministry. Not just another fund-raising manual for the church; rather, stewardship is understood as a personal commitment to Christ, actually living the Gospel and Liturgical life. Stewardship must be understood as a complete identity for the Christian. The whole Church of Jesus Christ is called to be a steward of God’s mission on earth. As the Church engages in God’s mission, we become identified, both Christian and Church, as true stewards. Our participation in mission grows out of true stewardship. God calls us to the work of missions because we are stewards. Once this understanding takes hold, funding our missions will no longer be a concern nor a problem, and there will be no further need for secularized gimmicks, something totally antithetical to the teachings of Christ. Michael O’Hurley-Pitts has captured the essence of this in his masterpiece."

- Chris Andreas, Stewardship Administrator,
  Greek Orthodox Church, New York, New York

"This is an important work, relevant for those who live and work in the church community. The Passionate Steward illustrates that stewardship is much more than a donor's economic exchange or the management of their wealth. Stewardship has the qualities of faith and prayer."

- Tom Cullinan, Esquire, Director
  National Planned Giving Institute at the

  College of William & Mary Williamsburg

"Michael O’Hurley-Pitts... in an articulate and passionate manner, calls the church to be true to its own message. He argues convincingly that Christian stewardship has little to do with funding budgets, naming opportunities, duty, or who gives the most. It is rather about the use of our time, talent and treasure individually and corporately, to engage in prayer, worship, mercy, kindness and acts of charity. Stewardship has to do with our generous response in praise and honour of our generous Creator God."

- The Midwest Book Review

"Michael O'Hurley-Pitts, the author of The Passionate Steward: Recovering Christian Stewardship from Secular Fund Raising, raises some basic questions which it would be prudent for the Church to address as it faces the necessity for money to enable it to carry out its Mission in the world… I would strongly urge any person or group concerned about the growth, renewal, and transformation of the Church to read and discuss with others The Passionate Steward. The insights gained by doing so would make it clear that this was a wise use of the time involved."

- The Most Reverend Edward W. Scott

   Retired Primate, The Anglican Church of Canada

"As a full time Stewardship Officer working to reclaim Christian Stewardship from the secular world I am delighted to have The Passionate Steward available for my library. I have seen Michael O'Hurley-Pitts in action and know that his credentials are supported by a strong Christian faith and solid success as a fundraiser and promoter of holistic stewardship."

- The Reverend Shirley Stockdill, Stewardship Officer
  Diocese of New Westminster

"...I higly recommend that everyone that gets this newsletter read Michael O'-Hurley-Pitts "The Passionate Steward: Recovering Christian Stewardship from Secular Fundraising" published by St. Brigid Press, 2001, for a good Christ-centered, thoughtful and community building approach to Stewardship." 

- The Rev. Jerry Hoffman
  Luther Seminary

"I particularly liked Michael’s consistent emphasis on stewardship as a dynamic expression of our Christian life. The Passionate Steward’s presentation of stewardship in terms of the journey of faith and of the faithful, and as a outward activity of inward grace and faith is compelling. Through its pages, readers can reaffirm and reclaim a clear understanding of stewardship as that anchor out of which we live our lives as people of faith."

- Priscilla S. Bizer, Vice President for Development
  Andover Newton Theological School

"In The Passionate Steward, Michael O'Hurley Pitts offers an invitation for the reader to enter into a healthy critique of commonly accepted assumptions and practices in stewardship ministry. In contrasting secular fund-raising and Christian stewardship, this work provides a meaningful bridge between theological reflection and the faithful practice. It is a valuable contribution to the ongoing ecumenical dialogue on stewardship."

- The Reverend Dr. Ed Taylor, Executive Director
   Ecumenical Stewardship Center, Indianapolis, IN

"Michael O’Hurley Pitts has written an encouraging book, which promotes the concept of holistic, enduring, theologically sound stewardship. It is a work that is sensitive to both ecumenical issues and the need for Christians to recapture our understanding of stewardship as living out our baptismal vocation to lives of thankfulness and generosity."

- The Topic
  (The Newspaper of the Diocese of New Westminster)

"Typically books that focus on Christian financial stewardship start with a window dressing of Biblical thought and then move quickly to the real essence - methods of getting more money from the people for their cause. Though this book is written against the backdrop of declining funds flowing into the treasuries of mainline churches, true to the title, the author focuses on the steward as a person, not merely on the churches’ need for more money.... The sub-title to the book, Recovering Christian Stewardship from Secular Fundraising, encapsulates the core thesis of the book. Drawing on his vast experience as a stewardship consultant both in the U.S. and Canada, his passion for the church, and his solid knowledge of Scripture, he urges the church to return to its Biblical roots. Instead of blaming secular fundraisers for getting it wrong, he challenges the church to assume the ongoing responsibility of doing it right."

- The Messenger
  (Evangelical Mennonite Conference Newspaper)

The Anglican  Book Review	The Mennonite Messenger Book Review
The Anglican Digest Cream of the Crop	Catholic Exchange Book Review
Episcopal Book Club Official Selection Announcement	The Baptist Good Tidings Book Review
Christian Week Book Review	Colonial Church Book Exederpts & Review
Canadian Lutheran Media Review	The Mennonnite Messenger, Nov 2003 Book Review
United Methodist Reporter News Article	United Methodist Book Review
Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana Newspaper	These articles are in latest Adobe pdf format. To read an article, click on the picture of the article. If it does not open, click on the button to obtain the newest free Adobe Acrobat Reader software.

back to top of page