Stewardship ministry is a high calling from God. Yet some Christians view fundraising activities as “unspiritual.” The chart below reminds us that fundraising has always been a significant part of ministry. The list of fundraisers in Scripture is a “Who’s Who” of great Bible heroes.

If you take time to go through these scriptures and examine the methods used, you will likely find fresh encouragement for your work. As you look to the Lord and His Word, you’ll gain new insights on how to become a more effective Christian leader and fundraiser. And next time you’re involved in a fundraising activity, remember that you’re in great company!

“Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us.” Romans 15:4

Leader	Need	Methods	References
King David	Building Project	Planning time along with God, Large lead gift given, Leadership meeting & gifts, Gifts-in-kind	1 Chron. 28:12, 19 1 Chron. 29:2-5 1 Chron. 29:5-9 1 Chron. 29:8
Moses	Building Project	Large group meeting, Offerings accepted, Skilled volunteer labor	Ex. 35:4 Ex. 20-43; 36:3-7 Ex. 35:10, 30-35
Nehemiah	Building Renovations	Personal Prayer, Major donor call, Government grant, Executive planning, Pivotal leadership meeting, Volunteer labor, Debt counseling & action, Executive salaries reduced, Personal lead gift, Leadership gifts, Public gifts	Neh. 1:4-11 Neh. 2:1-8 Neh. 2:7,8 Neh. 2:11-16 Neh 2:17, 18 Neh. 3;4; 14-21; 6:15 Neh. 5:1-13 Neh. 5:14, 15, 18 Neh. 7:70 Neh. 7:70-71 Neh. 7:72 Neh. 9:37-10:39
	Annual Fund	Signed stewardship covenant, Development office established, Reorganization plan	Neh. 12:44-47 Neh. 13:4-14
King Joash	Building Renovations	Development staff failure, Designated giving program	2 Kings 12:4-8 2 Kings 12:9-16
King Hezekiah	Annual Funding	Personal gift, Leadership announcement, Development dept. established	2 Chron. 31:3 2 Chron. 31:4-10 2 Chron. 31:11-21
King Solomon	Annual Funding	Major donor relations	1 Kings 10:1-10 1 Kings 4:7, 27, 28
Ezra	Building Renovations	Major donor relations, Freewill offering, Government grant, Leadership gifts	Ezra 7:6, 15 Ezra 7:16 Ezra 6:3-15; 7:11-23 Ezra 2:68, 69
Apostles	Benevolence Ministry	Foundation board, Personal donor relations	Acts 4:34-5:2 Acts 5:3-11
Jesus	General Fund	Personal ministry relations, Stretching provided resources	Luke 8:2, 3 Matt. 14:17-21
Paul	Relief Ministry	Large group mailing, Stewardship teaching, Field representative	1 Cor. 16:1-3 2 Cor. 8, 9 2 Cor. 8:16-24
Elijah	General Fund	Miraculous provision, One-on-one donor call, Stewardship teaching	1 Kings 17:1-7 1 Kings 17:8-16 1 Kings 17:13, 14
Joshua	Relocation Project	Strategic marketing and expansion plan	Joshua 24
Haggai	Ministry & Bldg. Needs	Stewardship teaching	Haggai 1
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