About

The Reverend Eric Foley is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Seoul USA and the pastor of .W (which stands for DOTW, or Doers Of The Word) Evangelical Churches in Colorado Springs, Colorado and Seoul, Korea, congregations of The Evangelical Church of North America denomination. Over the past twenty years he has trained more than 1,300 churches and Christian NGOs how to build volunteer and giving programs grounded in distinctively Christian discipleship practices. He is a much sought-after speaker and teacher in North America and Asia, and his blog at www.ericfoley.com is visited daily by church leaders and development professionals from around the world. Rev. Foley received a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from Purdue University, served as Presidential Scholar at Christian Theological Seminary, and received a master’s degree in Applied Communication and Alternative Dispute Resolution from the University of Denver. He is currently a doctoral student and Nonprofit Fellow in the Doctor of Management Program in the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University. He is an ordained pastor of The Evangelical Church of North America. Rev. Foley and his wife, Hyun Sook, the Co-Founder and President of Seoul USA and a doctoral student at Regent University, live in Colorado. They have five children. His new book, The Whole Life Offering: Christianity as Philanthropy, is now available through amazon.com and www.wholelifeoffering.com.

27 Responses to About

  1. Gareth says:

    Eric,

    I like following the trail that you are blazing my friend…

    you inspire me,

    Gareth

  2. DanD says:

    Eric Foley ROCKS!

  3. mikelowry says:

    Eric –

    I was at your seminar on Friday, here in PDX and learned a lot. Thank-you.

    I am a Realtor, but my passion is the Kingdom, and with many years of business behind me I can’t help thinking about this new world (new to me) of fund-raising.

    I recently got fired up about a ministry called ShowMercy.org and asked their permission ot go raise the money needed to make a film for them. We hired a filmmaker and the Lord brought the money in and the crew is leaving next week for Uganda!

    I feel like a shark smelling blood in the water. My competitive juices are flowing. I’m connected to my passion again.

    Being at your seminar further openned my eyes to how I might have a Kingdom role, rather than sitting on the sidelines, etc.

    If we ever get a chance to meet, I’d liek to thank you in person for your quality presentation.

    Blessings,
    Mike

  4. Trena Watson says:

    Eric,

    I was at MI seminar on yesterday and I was inspired and encouraged regarding all that I’ve learned. My life is to assist those in need to be blessed through the Love of Christ and this vision has gained momentum through your wisdom, knowledge and obedience to share all that you’ve been given. Thank you for heading to the “Call” of Christ to encourage us to take up our “Cross” and follow Christ.

    I’m willing to totally put a “stake” in it!!

  5. Eric,

    You are a great mentor in my Christian walk as well as my leadership role in ministry.

    Thanks kid.

  6. Much of what is best in philanthropy is based upon Christian principles of charity–even if it isn’t identifed as such. With no surprise, the most productive fund development programs follow these principles–whether they know their source or not–and consistently raise much more money with a significantly higher degree of donor retention.

  7. Kirk Gauer says:

    This took me a while, but thank you for the training here in S. Cal. I am still fairly new to the world of ministry and NPO’s. Your training and the help of Mission Increase has been vital, as I learn my way.

    I also want to say that your passion as a pastor comes through at each training. I usually leave filled spiritually. I came to learn about fundraising, but instead learned about my passion. Makes sense, it should not be a bout $.

    Thank you again

  8. Sandy says:

    Eric,

    Everything you teach seems to always benefit me on both a professional AND personal level. Your training has opened my mind and heart to bigger and better ways of working and living. I appreciate your ministry.

    I can count on one hand the number of people who have made a significant positive difference in my life and you are definitely one of them. Thanks for helping me move closer to Christ.

    God bless,
    Sandy

  9. Pingback: The Best and Worst Moments of My Nonprofit Career « Entry Level Living

  10. I am excited about the TG process and want to learn more! Especially about the “engagement” area.

    Kim

    • EFoley says:

      Glad to hear it, Kim–sure looking forward to being with you and other ministries in Raleigh, NC for the Transformational Giving seminar on 4/12! Make sure to type “Engagement” into the search bar of the blog here to look up past entries on Engagement–lots here to dive into.

  11. Pingback: Entry Level Living » Blog Archive » The Best and Worst Moments of My Nonprofit Career

  12. Eric, Really enjoyed your book, even more the MI training event you did in Raleigh, NC, 4/12/2010. Thanks so much for sharing your journey in life and your passionate pursuit of God’s design for unlocking His provision to fund and leverage Biblical causes. No doubt, the Master derives much pleasure from your labors. Your PEO approach is far easier to grasp [and impart] than another matrix I was introduced to many years ago, which identifies Ignorant, Informed, Interested, Involved and Impassioned as a categorical/strategic approach to Evangelism, Discipleship, Multiplication [and organization-building.]

    In Raleigh, you mentioned that within our spheres of influence, we are likely to be 80 times as effective as a ‘highly influential’ outsider. I want to use that nugget in our FCCI/Christ@Work curriculum, a tool box in God’s hand for transforming business leaders. We address Biblical stewardship in Time, Talent, Treasure and Relationships.

    Can you point me to the source that you used for the 80X effectiveness?
    Again, many thanks and Godspeed!

  13. Eric,
    I attended the MIF workshop in Raleigh this past Monday. Thank you for taking us back to a thoroughly Scriptural approach to resource development and equipping people for works of service.

    Dr. Stacy Rinehart

  14. Ryan says:

    Just found this blog and am thoroughly enjoying getting to read through some of the ideas and tips you have written about. I’ve just been recently pushed into a position to kind of lead the mission group that I work with to establish an online front, as well as many types of promotional material.

    I do have a question (as to whether you have already posted and maybe I have missed it) about tips you might have concerning having a booth at a convention. This is my next big project and definitely want to do it excellently.

    I also appreciate your view that Christians can’t do it half-heartedly, but we must set the standard for excellence so others can follow our footsteps.

  15. Eric, Really enjoyed your book, even more the MI training event you did in Raleigh, NC, 4/12/2010. Thanks so much for sharing your journey in life and your passionate pursuit of God’s design for unlocking His provision to fund and leverage Biblical causes. No doubt, the Master derives much pleasure from your labors. Your PEO approach is far easier to grasp [and impart] than another matrix I was introduced to many years ago, which identifies Ignorant, Informed, Interested, Involved and Impassioned as a categorical/strategic approach to Evangelism, Discipleship, Multiplication [and organization-building.]
    +1

    • EFoley says:

      Giles, I’m honored by your kind words and encouragement. Great to have you in the TG community. Anyone with a URL of butterflycrazytown.info is alright by me.

  16. veronikruger says:

    Congratulations Eric on your new position! I know you will be blessed, and that you will continue to be used by God to inspire many, as you have inspired us.

    Blessings,

    Veroni

  17. Don Riker says:

    Eric,

    I am always thankful for your thought-filled and thought-provoking posts. I also appreciate the links to other stimulating posts/ideas.

    There are several foundational concepts that relate to ministry leadership and the TG paradigm that I would love to process with you (it has some application with our organization, but is also far broader).

    I know you are quite busy, but is there any way that could happen? Please feel free to e-mail me directly.

    Thanks and blessings on your ongoing work!

    Don

  18. Todd Eckhardt says:

    Eric did a great job helping World Gospel Mission get a vision for transforming donors into champions.

    This month’s Outcomes magazine is all about TG. http://www.christianleadershipalliance.org/?page=outcomes

    If I didn’t know better I would have thought they all had Eric ghost write the atricles.

    Thanks Eric for helping WGM be ahead of the curve on this improtant teaching.

    Todd

  19. Pamela Abdalla says:

    Dear Pastor Foley, This is a much-belated but still heartfelt expression of gratitude for your kind words written two years ago in an article about me and my Salvation Army efforts. Your words inspired and challenged me and, now that we have returned to the US, I am redoubling my work with the US Army Advisory Boards (both National and Regional). Collaboration on fund-raising strategies would be most welcome.

    • EFoley says:

      Wonderful to hear from you, Mrs. Abdalla. Please forgive me for misspelling your name in my two posts on you. Good to receive this update on your work. Please let me know how we can best collaborate. I’d be delighted.

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