Effective preaching is critical to increasing generosity in your church.
In 1 Chronicles 28-29, King David stands before the nation of Israel and calls them to sacrifice for the construction of Solomon’s Temple.
From that text, the following are 10 Practices of Pastors Who Effectively Preach on Money and Generosity.
1 Chronicles 28:1 – “Now David assembled at Jerusalem all the leaders of Israel, the officers of the tribes and the captains of the divisions who served the king, the captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, and the stewards over all the substance and possessions of the king and of his sons, with the officials, the valiant men, and all the mighty men of valor.”
You cannot leapfrog leaders. Nothing offends leaders more than hearing important information at the same time as the “rank and file”.
1 Chronicles 28:2 – “King David rose to his feet and said, ‘Hear me and my brethren my people.”
When asking for financial resources, go to the people only after the leaders who have been informed and brought in.
1 Chronicles 28:2 – “I had it in my heart to build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and for the footstool of our God.”
King David was personally invested, allowing him to then translate his commitment to the people.
1 Chronicles 28:2 – “and had made preparations to build it.”
Financial leaders, in particular, want to know the project has been well thought-through and is doable. King David communicated he had a plan.
1 Chronicles 28:7 – “I will establish his kingdom forever, if he is steadfast to observe My commandments and My judgments, as it is this day.”
King David gave his people hope and courage that they could move into a preferred future.
1 Chronicles 28:8 – “Be careful to seek out all the commandments of the Lord your God, that you may possess this good land, and leave it as an inheritance for your children after you forever.”
The phrase, “Here is what I want you to do” is powerful. You must provide easy next steps for your people.
1 Chronicles 28:21 – “Here are the division of the priests and the Levites for all the service of the house of God; and every willing craftsman will be with you for all manner of workmanship, for every kind of service; also the leaders and all the people will be completely at your command.”
People must want to help fund your ministry, and must also be able to fund your ministry. Give them the needed tools, specifically personal financial coaching and online giving options to do so.
Ebook: 9 Ways to Increase Generosity
1 Chronicles 29:1 – “The temple is not for man but for the Lord God.”
This is the difference between a spiritual journey and a fundraiser. A fundraiser focuses on money or the project. A spiritual journey focuses on attaching people to the heart of God and watching them respond appropriately.
1 Chronicles 29:20 – “David said to all the assembly, ‘Now bless the Lord your God.’ So all the assembly blessed the Lord God of their fathers, and bowed their heads and prostrated themselves before the Lord and the king.”
A passive request yields a passive response. Successful pastors make compelling ‘asks’ of their people.
1 Chronicles 29:26-28 – “David the son of Jesse reigned over all Israel. And the period that he reigned over Israel was forty years; seven years he reigned in Hebron, and thirty-three years he reigned in Jerusalem. So he died in a good old age, full of days and riches and honor.”
What legacy of generosity are you leaving?
This post is by INJOY Stewardship team member Brian Dodd. You can read more great insights from Brian on his website, briandoddonleadership.com.