As shepherds of God’s flock, elders are told to eagerly serve, “not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock” (1 Pet. 1-3). That even applies to the giving and handling of finances.
Lording over the flock would be using guilt or manipulation to coerce people into giving, or trying to dictate how much they should give.
Being an example would be showing by your own life of generosity and good stewardship and trusting God to direct them in how much they should give.
A Leader’s Example Encourages Others in Their Giving
For a glimpse into the difference a leader’s example can make, consider King David of the Old Testament as recorded in 1 Chronicles 29. He gave generously from his personal treasures toward the building of the temple before asking what others would be willing to do (1 Chron. 29:1-5).
We learn a little about the heart that motivated David to give like this in a prayer later in the chapter. He acknowledged, “Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you.” Though he was the king with an abundance of resources, he remained humble. And, he also acknowledged his accountability to God for not just the outward giving but also the inward motivation. He said, “I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things I have given willingly and with honest intent.” (1 Chron. 29:16-17)
It wasn’t until after David gave that he approached the other leaders about what they would be willing to give. “Then the leaders of families, the officers of the tribes of Israel, the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, and the officials in charge of the king’s work gave willingly. … ” (1 Chron. 29:6-8).
The Impact Goes Beyond Church Finances
Notice the impact on the rest of the people. — “The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord.” (1 Chron. 29:9) — The leaders’ example of giving freely and wholeheartedly produced a very positive response.
Not only did others follow suit after David example of generosity, but “the people rejoiced” at what they saw. The impact, however, went beyond the provision of resources needed to build the temple and encouraging the people. God was glorified.
Here again, David set the example. He not only modeled giving but also attributing what happened to the Lord which we see in his prayer of praise.
Praise be to you, LORD, the God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Yours, LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. … Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. … (1 Chron. 29:10-19)
Then, after his own praise, “David said to the whole assembly, ‘Praise the LORD your God.’ So they all praised the LORD, the God of their fathers; they bowed down, prostrating themselves before the LORD and the king.” (1 Chron. 29:20)
May we, as leaders emulate this same heart in our own giving. May God use our example to stir His people to generosity resulting in praise and thanksgiving to Him.
For More: Church Financial Management & Budgeting Resources
All Practicum Posts about Budgeting and Finances:
- Budget Fit Your Church Purpose?
- Budget Process of Body Life?
- Budget Fostering Body Life?
- Budget Reflect the Great Commission?
- Church Finances & Christlikeness
- Praying About Church Finances is the Christ-like Thing to Do
- Encourage Integrity in Giving
- Managing Finances with Integrity
- Finances & The Way the Church Functions
- Gospel Affects Even Our Finances
- Grace Affects Giving
- Financial Consultants & the Church
- Financial Management in the Church
- Church Finances & the Spiritual Gift of Giving
- Prayer an Integral Part of Church Finances?
- Perspective When Praying about Finances
- Priorities When Praying about Finances
- God’s Word Helps with Church Finances
- Generosity Affected by the Name of the Lord
- Help for Working on Church Budgets
- Before Closing Your Doors, Remember God’s Resurrection Power
- Impact of Leaders’ Example on Church Finances
- The Impact of a Leaders’ Attitude Toward Money
- Protection & Safeguards for Church Finances
- Financial Protection Begins with the Belt of Truth
- Shepherd Leaders Protect and Nurture in Regard to Finances