Hear the recording of an introductory dialogue with Ann Updegraff Spleth:
TFL Dialogue, Ann Updegraff Spleth on Meet Ann
July 1st Ann Updegraff Spleth of Indianapolis, IN joined The Columbia Partnership as a Ministry Associate concentrating in Developing Resources and Transforming Congregations.Ann is now available to assist congregations with capital campaigns, planned giving, and annual giving as part of the Developing Resources Team with TCP. She is also focusing on leading the Spiritual Strategic Journey congregation strategic planning process as a member of the Transforming Congregations Team. While these particular areas are her focus, Ann brings a wide variety of experiences to her relationship with The Columbia Partnership.
Ann is an ordained minister with congregational and denominational staff experience. She brings to her ministry role academic credentials that include a Master of Divinity degree from Vanderbilt University Divinity School and a Doctor of Ministry from the School of Theology at Claremont.
As a master teacher for The Fund Raising School of the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, she helps congregations, denominations and faith-based organizations clarify their mission and increase ways to support it. Her credentials in this area include being a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), and she holds the Certificate in Fundraising Management from The Fund Raising School.
Gary Kidwell, President of the Christian Church Foundation, says about Ann that she “is a highly respected fundraising professional with deep experience and incredible skills. Her vast experience with congregations gives her a unique understanding of how a capital campaign impacts all of congregational life.”
Professional ministry positions held by Ann Updegraff Spleth include staff service with a middle judicatory, president of a general unit for a North American denomination, and vice president for external relations with a seminary. In her role with The Columbia Partnership, she will continue as an adjunct faculty member with The Fund Raising School at the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University.
In explaining her motivation for joining The Columbia Partnership, Ann shares that she believes “the congregation, not the denomination, is the front line for both social change and salvation. I have dedicated my life to strengthening congregations and preparing leaders for effective ministry. As I reflect on my ministry, I have identified that my real passion is for equipping others—congregations, leaders, and institutions—to reach their potential in mission and service.”
Ann is married to Randall Spleth, Senior Minster of Geist Christian Church in Indianapolis. They have two children: Andrew, 20, and Claire, 16.
To contact Ann, you may send her an e-mail at auspleth@thecolumbiapartnership.org or call her at 317.358.6601.
Special Note: Dialogue with Ann Updegraff Spleth live on Wednesday, July 14th at 2:00 p.m. EDT. Call 605.715.4900, then access code 954492#.
