Whether it’s the political rhetoric about who’s most qualified to assume the U.S. presidency, the shocking executions we’ve witnessed in our homeland and abroad, or even the ongoing border wars that seem to have little impact on stopping the flow of illegal drugs into our country, current events have a common denominator: leadership.
Leaders make decisions that impact their followers for generations to come. So how does this relate to fundraising?
Ezra 1:5-6 has the answer:
“Then the family heads of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and Levites—everyone whose heart God had moved—prepared to go up and build the house of the Lord in Jerusalem. All their neighbors assisted them with articles of silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with valuable gifts, in addition to all the freewill offerings.”
Go back and read the passage again.
Can you see how there’s a pattern that inspired further giving through leadership?
The leaders of families, the leaders of the church, and everybody else who was carefully listening to God move upon their hearts led the charge to fund the Lord’s work and build His house. Their example was so impactful that it actually caused the rest of the people to follow with “free will” offerings.
No arm-twisting. No guilting. No shaming.
They gave willingly of all their resources to make certain the Lord’s work was funded.
I’m struck by the phrase everyone whose heart God had moved. According to this passage, God speaks to our hearts about money. In fact, He can actually prompt a leader to give first – and then others will follow so that His work is fully funded.
I’m deeply humbled when I remember that truth. It helps me remember that when I demonstrate a generous heart to my family first, they are inspired and motivated to also give willingly.
Let’s agree together as we head into the fall season of hosting, coaching, and preparing for on-air fundraising, that we have a high calling to demonstrate generosity as leaders.
Listening to God’s voice as He moves upon our hearts is essential for fundraising success – so much so, that the Bible indicates others will follow with a generous heart as well.
It’s true: As the leader goes, so goes the organization.
More Insights from Dunham+Company: “Confusing Power With Leadership”