"excel in this grace of giving" (2 Cor. 8:7)

Principle Reviewed
29

The importance of leadership

In giving both generously and first to the building of the new Temple in Jerusalem (1 Chr. 29), King David models the kind of leadership in stewardship essential if Giving in Grace or any stewardship initiative is be fruitful. The result? First, abundant resources to build the Temple. Second, and crucially, a joyful people. They had seen generosity modelled and were encouraged on their own journey of generosity.
Leadership is crucial. No matter how creative or committed the planning group, it cannot deliver anything significant without the active, prayerful and committed support of the church leadership. A vote to plan a stewardship initiative should be an indication of a leaders' personal commitment to pray for and support the programme and to review and increase their own giving. Leaders must model the response, model the generosity they ask of the congregation. They cannot ask others to do what they are not prepared to do themselves.