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As I travel across America helping Christian radio
and ministries raise money for their causes, I am always amazed at
the generosity of people who love God. Christians give. And when
they do, lives are changed. The unexpected blessing of giving is the
life change that happens in the heart of the giver. I see four
specific changes occur when a person commits to biblical giving.
Maybe you have seen these too.
A giver learns to tune in to God’s desires.
Centuries ago God instructed Moses to collect on
offering so that a place of worship could be constructed. You can
read about it in Exodus 35 and 36. God specifically said that He
wanted the offerings of people “whose heart was stirred, and
everyone whose spirit was willing” (Exodus 35:21).
People who are “stirred” to give are people who see
what God is doing and understand the need and then give with a
willing heart. They have discovered the excitement that comes from
tuning in to God’s desires. When they see what He’s doing – they
give!
Stations and ministries that clearly articulate what
they are doing tend to see higher response in their fundraising.
A giver experiences deep joy.
When King David wanted to take up a collection so his
son Solomon could build a temple for God, it became a national event
with people joyfully bringing all kinds of gifts and treasures.
“The people rejoiced…for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to
the Lord” (1 Chronicles 29:9).
We read how the joy they experienced was contagious
as people joined in to do something for God together. When people
give, their joy increases.
When a donor calls in with their pledge or gift, you
can hear it in their voice. They truly are joyful.
A giver inspires other people.
A quiet revolution takes place when we give with
devotion – we inspire others.
During the first century a group of Christians in
Macedonia heard of the need of God’s people in Jerusalem. Even
though many of them had needs of their own, they resolutely gave.
What they received in return was something they did not expect.
They inspired people all over the region to give and fill hearts
with gratefulness to God. You can read about it in 2 Corinthians 8
and 9.
One of the most effective ways to “tell the story” is
the donor testimonial. Stations and ministries that achieve their
fundraising goals use them effectively to motivate others.
A giver knows satisfaction.
Biblical givers are people who have been moved by God
in the quiet place of the heart. They have detected His pleasure
and enjoy receiving it. When people give, they reflect God’s own
heart of giving. “For God so loved the world that He gave…” (John
3:16). “I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water
in my name…will certainly not lose his reward” (Mark 9:41).
Satisfaction that results from giving God’s way
brings about confidence, contentment and faith. Not only that, but
we see examples of people whose faith pledges and gifts were
“returned” to them in miraculous and surprising ways.
This fall watch for these changes to occur in your
listeners, your donors and your team. The Lord indeed loves a
cheerful giver. It starts with you.
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Todd Isberner is president of
ShareMedia Services, Inc., a consulting firm specializing in fund
raising for listener supported Christian radio and faith-based
ministries. Since 1975, ShareMedia has produced and hosted over
3,500 fund raising broadcasts, raising over $1 billion for radio and
ministry.
www.sharemediaservices.com
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