About Church Development

Denis began working in the nonprofit development field in 1981. He founded Church Development in 1992 after a near-death experience motivated him to integrate his faith, education and skills in work that served the church and the virtue of stewardship. His undergraduate and graduate studies are in organizational development.  He is the author of two books, The Stewardship System and Stewardship-Based Capital Campaigns.

Denis Greene is a proud member of the elite Catholic Speakers Organization, CatholicSpeakers.com.

Gwen is the organizer of all things Church Development. Gwen has also worked on the parish side as Director of Stewardship & Development at her church, and brings that boots-on-the-ground wisdom to her campaigns. She has many years experience working with leadership, parishioners, and staff, and volunteering in her community and at her children’s school. She is ready to share her expertise and personal experiences with other churches around the country. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 children, reading, and trying out new restaurants.

Debbie McShane has worked in the design field for 25 years, creating for a variety of profit and nonprofit clients. As a seasoned graphic designer she is especially passionate about working on projects with people who are committed to making the world a better place. Outside the office Debbie enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 kids, who keep her on her toes!  

Jody is Administrative Assistant for Church Development. She has many years of experience as owner/operator of a neighborhood business center specializing in customer service, project management and problem solving. She keeps track of myriad details to help give our clients the best possible service.

Darryl Prater has served in church ministry for over 30 years, gaining experience as a pastor, church musician and a church fundraising professional. As a seasoned senior consultant he is passionate about leading churches to achieve their spiritually-focused stewardship goals. Darryl is actively involved in his church as a volunteer choir member and orchestra director. Outside the office Darryl enjoys, walking, fishing and yard work.

Over two decades, Rebecca Summers created a record in strategic advancement that leads to ‘mission accomplished!’ A graduate of the University of Missouri – Kansas City and with graduate level work at Loyola University – New Orleans Institute of Religious Communicators, she honed skills to communicate with leadership, constituent groups, and media. Reflecting on her work, she said, “I have learned that what makes us human is the new premium. Before writing that annual plan, checking off a deadline or measuring KPIs, stop and put a face to your mission. Find the compass that leads others to understand why your organization exists, and why you matter.”

Dan began his relationship with Church Development as a client. For the next two decades, each time the congregation he was pastoring conducted a capital campaign, he turned to Church Development. Dan is a veteran of five capital campaigns and 25 stewardship campaigns. He is ready to share his expertise and personal experience with the churches he serves. Dan is the author of Being Here: The Practice of Presence.

Jacque has over 15 years of experience in small business and non–profit financial management consulting. As a volunteer, she helps both churches and parochial schools achieve their financial goals. In her free time, Jacque hangs out with the Benedictine Sisters in Atchison, KS as an oblate in training and with the Jesuits at the Ignatian Spirituality Center of Kansas City.