Discipling Generous Givers with Biblical Portraits of Stewardship By Chris McDaniel

The Process of Discipling Generous Givers

Discipling generous givers begins with inviting leaders, teams, and donors into honest, heart-level reflection on how they relate to wealth, giving, trust, fear, and generosity. One of the most effective tools I’ve seen recently for sparking this kind of transformation is the visual resource “Biblical Portraits of Wealth, Giving, and Stewardship.”

Developed by Timothy Johnson, CFRE, CFRM, IBRBS, Director of Development for WorldVenture, this beautifully illustrated guide presents nine biblical characters and stories—each paired with a simple diagnostic: “You may identify if…” The portraits range from the sacrificial faithfulness of the Widow’s Mite and David’s costly offering to the cautionary examples of the Rich Young Ruler, the Rich Fool, and Ananias and Sapphira. At the bottom, “The real question” cuts straight to the heart: The issue is rarely just how much someone has. The deeper question is what holds their heart, how they use what they have, and whether their trust is in God or in wealth.

A Visual Tool That Moves Discipleship from Head to Heart

Most generosity teaching focuses on principles or techniques. This resource goes deeper by helping people see themselves in Scripture. A leader might recognize the fear that keeps them from releasing resources (like the lazy servant) or the spiritual readiness already present in their life (like Cornelius or Phoebe).

The visual format makes it ideal for group settings. People engage quickly, conversations flow naturally, and self-awareness rises without shame or pressure. It surfaces real barriers—security, reputation, control, or simple distraction—while celebrating models of joyful, wholehearted stewardship. In a culture where many believers intellectually affirm generosity but struggle to live it, tools like this create the “aha” moments that lead to lasting change.

Practical Ways to Use This Resource for Discipling Generous Givers

Here are several high-impact applications:

• Staff and board development — Use the portraits in a team devotion or half-day workshop. Ask each person to quietly reflect on which story resonates most, then discuss in pairs or small groups. You’ll gain insight into your culture and identify growth areas together.
• Giver cultivation and events — Print or project the image at supporter gatherings. Instead of a generic appeal, invite guests to consider “Which portrait sounds most like you right now?” It shifts the conversation from transaction to transformation and often opens doors for deeper follow-up.
• Small groups, classes, and family discipleship — The simple layout works beautifully with all ages. It’s especially powerful for multi-generational settings, helping parents and grandparents model honest self-examination for the next generation.
• Leadership training and onboarding — Pair it with your existing generosity curriculum to give new leaders an immediate, memorable framework.

Because it is visual and concise, the resource lowers the barrier for busy people while still delivering profound biblical truth.

Pairing Biblical Portraits with Steward Leaders Rise for Lasting Impact

This visual tool pairs exceptionally well with my recent devotional, Steward Leaders Rise: A 21-Day Devotional to Ignite Transformational Stewardship. The book guides leaders through Scripture, reflection, and practical action steps that move generosity from a one-time decision to a lifestyle of joyful surrender and Kingdom impact.

You can use the portraits for initial heart assessment and then walk through the 21-day journey for depth and accountability. Together they create a powerful discipleship pathway: see yourself clearly in God’s Word, then take daily steps of faithful stewardship that ripple outward to your team, your donors, your family, and future generations.

Leaders who model this inside-out approach (starting with their own heart before asking others to give) build cultures of trust and generosity that are far more sustainable than any fundraising technique alone.

Which portrait sounds most like you right now? Take a quiet moment with the image below. Ask the Lord to show you your next faithful step in generous stewardship. Then consider how you might introduce this simple but profound tool to the leaders and givers God has entrusted to your care.

Note:

“Biblical Portraits of Wealth, Giving, and Stewardship” visual developed by Timothy Johnson, CFRE, CFRM, IBRBS, Director of Development for WorldVenture and used with permission.

Chris McDaniel is the author of Steward Leaders Rise: A 21-Day Devotional to Ignite Transformational Stewardship and Ignite Your Generosity. As Chief Revenue Officer and Partner at vTECH io and a retired U.S. Air Force Reserve Lieutenant Colonel, he equips Christian leaders and ministries in biblical stewardship, generosity, and leadership development. He serves on the Leadership Advisory Board for Mission Increase Suncoast. Connect with him on LinkedIn and explore the devotional at stewardleadersrise.com.

Particpate in the Outcomes Conference Global Digital Experience September 1 – October 31, 2026. Experience what generosity makes possible!