“Then the chief of the fathers and princes of the tribes of Israel, and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, with the rulers of the king's work, offered willingly.” (1 Chronicles 29:6)

First Chronicles 29 records King David’s final speech to his kingdom. It was a call to sacrificial giving for the building of the Temple. All of it was to be done from the heart and to the Lord. The giving was not for materials, but to the Lord. That is a key distinction that keeps our hearts right. But, we find that in his encouragement to the people, David shared the specifics of his gift to the Lord. He was not boasting, but he was challenging the people with the reality that he would personally be involved in the project. It is a great example for us when it comes to giving guidance to givers. How can we be effective leaders in a season of giving?

1. Mention Giving

David knew that the project would require the attention of the people. He talked about what was to be done, how it would be done, and for Whom it would be done. He talked about the materials needed, the sacrifice required, and the sustained commitment that would lead the way.

No one hears the vision of the pastor once and then completely adopts it as their own. All of us need reminders along the way, and it is incumbent upon us as leaders to mention our opportunity and blessing to support a growing work for God.

2. Model Giving

Although we may not tell people specifically what we will give, it should not be a secret that we will personally sacrifice. David wasn’t shy about this. The chief of the fathers and princes of the tribes weren’t shy about it. The captains of thousands, and hundreds, and rulers of the king’s work weren’t shy about it. This can be done in an arrogant way, but it can also be done in a way that inspires those we lead by our example. There is nothing wrong with sharing with those you lead that you are asking God to do a miracle in your life through giving

3. Motivate Giving

Now, motivation is a term that often addresses the flesh. I have intentionally kept emotion out of this emphasis. Motivation comes by sharing both the need and the opportunity to support the work. When we have a special need, I walk countless people around our property and share my vision with them. I express a genuine excitement for what a project will do for our ministry. If your excitement is obvious, it will be contagious. If people don’t know that you are on board, they will certainly not get on board.

4. Merit Giving

Now, I know that we don’t deserve anything. God’s work is a work of grace, which means that it goes to the undeserving. But, we can demonstrate a high level of competence to engender an atmosphere of trust. People want to give to a work that they trust will continue on in a great way. The level of our work must always be high, but especially during a time of special need people should see our commitment to Christ and His church. Operate in such a way that your area of ministry is considered a good investment. In one way or another, every special offering affects every area of the church, and it is important that every staff member reflect this commitment to the work of God.

We have been called, not to be thermometers, but to be thermostats. Crank up the intensity and share your vision with everyone you come in contact with. That is what David did, and God used it in a powerful way. God can use you in this way as well. Let’s go for it in faith for God’s glory.