Rusty Lewis

“Congregations are often amazed at the amount of money raised within the church when so little of the campaign itself focuses on money or material wealth. Through Lifestyle Stewardship, we focus on individual spiritual growth throughout the entire church family. When we undergird the process with an intense prayer focus and encourage everyone to seek God’s will in their own personal decision, the financial goals are achieved. It’s not the dollar sign attached to one’s commitment that matters, but rather what that sacrificial commitment represents in the life of the giver that’s most important.”

Rusty Lewis has worked in sales, executive management, training, personnel development and recruiting—all fields he now finds highly relevant to his life as a Generis stewardship consultant. Having served as Vice President of a $22 million firm, Rusty combines a career in fundraising since 1987 with a diverse background in education and church lay leadership. All of these experiences, he believes, have enriched his current ministry, which combines his love of God and His church with Rusty’s love for motivating and teaching.

As an organized, discerning, effective teacher and communicator, Rusty brings a highly customized approach to each stewardship campaign, recognizing that every congregation is motivated by unique concerns. As a lay leader who is deeply involved in his own church and who has consulted closely with churches large and small, Rusty is sensitive to the needs of pastors and staff while able to relate to the congregation’s perspective.

Rusty was awakened to this ministry through his involvement with two capital campaigns in his own church. He also served as executive director of a budget campaign there as well. Prior to his longstanding fundraising career, Rusty served as department chair and director of instrumental music at the high school level. Rusty earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Central Missouri State University in 1983 and recently participated in “Growing the Leadership Engine” with Noel M. Tichy at the University of Michigan.

Rusty and his wife Andrea live in the St. Louis area with their two children.