Transparent Stewardship Conversations by Steve Sullivan

When God Leads Stewardship Conversations

Sometimes the Lord uses the simplest of meetings and transparent stewardship conversations to bring about the most profound change. Recently, I had lunch with Chris McDaniel, who came prepared to share about a workshop he offers Christian non-profits: “Modeling Generosity Unlocks Financial Resources.” At first, I thought it would be an excellent resource for our Mission Increase (Suncoast organizations) clients. What I did not expect was how God would use that conversation to change my heart completely—and ultimately reshape my vision for (our) Mission Increase, Suncoast community.

A Convicting Moment

As Chris shared, the Spirit of God began to convict me. I realized that while I had been encouraging and equipping others to give, I was not personally modeling the very generosity I was asking others to embrace. That realization wrecked me. I couldn’t escape the weight of it. In the days that followed, I prayed and wrestled with God about this gap in my own life. My wife noticed the heaviness in my face and asked what was wrong. When I explained, she gently asked me the most critical question: “What do you want to do about it?”

Seeking God

Together, we sought the Lord and decided. We committed ourselves to a new season of generosity, beginning with a pledge to support Mission Increase, Suncoast, in a way that surpasses anything we have done before. That step of obedience not only changed us personally but also unlocked a vision I believe God entrusted to me for the organization I serve.

New Vision and Direction

The new vision and direction were simple yet powerful. If Mission Increase Area Directors across the country modeled personal generosity and invited others to join them, each office could build a foundation of long-term financial stability. That stability would allow us to expand the training, equipping, and resources we provide to Christian non-profits in every region where we serve.

God’s Faithfulness

I shared this vision with Chris, and his feedback confirmed what I already sensed—that this was wisdom only the Lord could provide. It was Spirit-breathed clarity for the future of Mission Increase. Since then, I’ve asked him to walk alongside me as a leader and volunteer, to help refine and support this new model as we step forward in faith.

What humbles me most is not just the clarity of the strategy but the way God brought it about. One simple lunch meeting where a transparent conversation about my personal giving became a catalyst for personal transformation, a family’s renewed commitment to generosity, and a new organizational vision that could shape Mission Increase for years to come.

Steve Sullivan serves as the Suncoast Area Director for Mission Increase. He has developed business strategies for a select group of Christian-based organizations, working collaboratively to help them enhance their efficiency and overall reach.

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