Be an Example of Biblical Generosity By Chris McDaniel

Biblical generosity is the example set by steward leaders.

Leading by example in generosity is the biblical foundation for effective stewardship leadership—starting with leaders themselves before inspiring others.

As I facilitated a workshop at an international ministries strategic board retreat, the weight of the moment was palpable. This dedicated group is preparing for a major campaign to expand life-changing work in Haiti. Drawing from my background as a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, tech entrepreneur, and former ministry development officer, I shared a core truth: True generosity in ministry begins with leaders living it out authentically.

Tension Between Secular Tactics and Biblical Stewardship

Early in my ministry transition from military service, I encountered fundraising approaches that felt misaligned—wealth screenings and targeting “big fish” donors based primarily on financial capacity. These echoed secular strategies but clashed with Scripture’s warnings against favoritism toward the rich (James 2:1-4, Bible Gateway). The dissonance nearly ended my involvement in ministry until mentorship redirected me to root everything in God’s Word.

Key passages became anchors: 1 Timothy 4:12 urges leaders to “set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” These are commands, not suggestions—especially for how leaders steward resources.

Modeling Sacrificial Giving Like King David

King David’s example in Scripture powerfully illustrates this:

“Besides, in my devotion to the temple of my God I now give my personal treasures of gold and silver for the temple of my God.”

1 Chronicles 29:3-4

David led with his own sacrificial gifts, inspiring the people to respond generously and complete the temple project.

In the workshop, I challenged the board with a sobering insight: A study from the Art of Leadership Network indicates that only 11% of potential major donors in church and ministry files are actively giving at that level—often because leaders haven’t fully modeled generosity themselves. The principle holds:

“You will not engage someone in a tough topic that you are not living out faithfully yourself.”

When my own team confronted personal giving, alignment transformed us. Donor engagement surged, leading to 500% growth in three years as we modeled time, talent, and treasure.

Your Step Toward Generous Leadership

If you’re leading a ministry, business, or family, reflect: Does your life reflect the generosity you call others to? Begin with a personal giving inventory—list supported organizations, grade your commitment (especially to your primary ministry), and prayerfully identify growth steps, like increasing proportionally or preparing for Spirit-led spontaneous gifts.

Generosity isn’t about guilt; it’s about surrendered modeling. When leaders give first, God multiplies impact, adding to our number daily as in Acts 2. Commit today to being that example.

What’s one step you’ll take this week to lead more generously? Commit to it today!

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.

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