SALISBURY — Hood Theological Seminary will host a generosity workshop, “How to Create a Culture of Generosity,” from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sept. 14 in the Aymer Center.

Area pastors and other church leaders are encouraged to attend the free workshop, which is open to the public.

The workshop will be presented by Carla Maxwell Ray, senior generosity strategist with Generis. It will focus on “empowering pastors and church leaders to create a culture of generosity in the church that is both sustainable and contagious,” said Ray.

Ray has two decades of experience raising money for worthy causes. It includes positions in development and advancement at Spelman College, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and, most recently, the University of Maryland at College Park.

The common denominator in all her experiences is the ability to help raise the money needed to advance the mission of each organization. After years of using her skills in secular settings, Ray says she has been called to place her full attention on helping accelerate generosity in churches and Christian ministries.

Her expertise includes fundraising, marketing, strategic planning, external relations, board development and nonprofit management. Ray has helped to successfully conclude many campaigns, cumulatively raising more than $1 billion.

Throughout her career, Ray has worked with Christian leaders, CEOs, philanthropists, dignitaries and celebrities.

Ray graduated as valedictorian from Lincoln University and also holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Delaware.

She lives in the Washington area where her husband, the Rev. Robert A. Ray, is a pastor. The couple are leaders of Crown Financial Ministries in the Maryland and D.C. area and previously served as executive directors of the Lifestyle Stewardship Campaign.

Ray also mentors others to establish financially stable, healthy lifestyles.

The workshop is made possible by a grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc.

Brunch will be available. Reservations are required by contacting Janice Silver at jsilver@hoodseminary.edu or 704-636-6926 by Sept. 7.

Hood Theological Seminary, 1810 Lutheran Synod Drive, is a graduate and professional school where intellectual discourse and ministerial preparation take place within the framework of a community of faith. Sponsored by the AME Zion Church and approved by the University Senate of the United Methodist Church, Hood has a diverse community of students, faculty and staff from many denominations.