Faithful Stewardship: Embracing Responsibility in Fundraising

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"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms."
— 1 Peter 4:10

Understanding Faithful Stewardship

In our journey through John 10, we are called to reflect on the role of stewardship and how it applies to our lives as disciples of Christ and as fundraisers. The heart of faithful stewardship lies in aligning ourselves with God’s promises and character, living by His Word, and allowing His guidance to influence every aspect of our ministry and lives. Whether it's in relationships, finances, or ministry, we are to live in light of His truth.

Jesus, the Good Shepherd: A Model for Stewardship

In John 10, we witness Jesus as the Good Shepherd, offering us a powerful image of stewardship. He manages and cares for His sheep with dedication and sacrifice, a vivid contrast to those who fail in their responsibility. Jesus doesn’t run when the wolves come; instead, He sacrifices His life for His sheep. His actions serve as a template for how we, as followers, can understand and practice stewardship.

Let’s break down four key aspects of Jesus’ stewardship that we can apply to fundraising:

1. Responsibility
   Jesus claims His responsibility as the Good Shepherd. He recognizes His sheep, knows them by name, and leads them. Similarly, in our fundraising efforts, we must take ownership of our tasks, recognizing that God has called us to this work. Whether it’s reaching out to donors, sending newsletters, or offering prayers, it’s up to us to fulfill our responsibilities faithfully. No one else will step in to complete what we’ve been assigned. We are called to work wholeheartedly, knowing that this is the work God has placed before us.

2. Sacrifice
   Jesus' ultimate sacrifice was laying down His life for His sheep. For us, the work of fundraising requires hard work and sacrifice as well. Meeting our financial goals won’t happen simply by having great plans. Success requires dedication, perseverance, and an active approach. Just as Christ sacrificed for His flock, we, too, are called to push through discomfort and invest the necessary time and energy into our tasks.

3. Blessings and Flourishing
   Stewardship isn’t just about responsibility and sacrifice—it’s also about the blessings that flow from obedience. Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” The true blessing of fundraising isn’t the money itself, but how God transforms us through the process. As we engage in the work He has given us, we grow in faith and trust, becoming more like Christ. Fundraising is about seeing God’s hand in our lives, experiencing His provision, and sharing that journey with others.

4. Perseverance
   Jesus promises that nothing can snatch His sheep out of His hand. This speaks to the perseverance required of both the shepherd and the sheep. In fundraising, there will be hard times—times when you feel discouraged or unsure of how to proceed. But in those moments, trust Jesus and continue moving forward. Know that He will carry you through to the end, and your perseverance will bear fruit.

Applying This Mindset to Fundraising

Just as athletes train with a winner’s mindset, we should approach fundraising with a similar determination. Here are four mindsets that correspond to the key aspects of stewardship:

• Responsibility Mindset: Own your fundraising efforts. God has called you to this work, and it’s your responsibility to fulfill it. Whether it’s making calls, sending out newsletters, or updating your supporters, take full ownership of your role.

• Sacrifice Mindset: Be prepared to work hard. Fundraising is not easy, and meeting your goals will require time, effort, and perseverance. Hard work is a necessary part of reaching success.

• Blessings and Flourishing Mindset: Understand that money isn’t the main blessing—God’s transformation in your life is. As you engage in fundraising, He shapes you to become more like Him. The process itself is part of the reward.

• Perseverance Mindset: Challenges will arise, but they won’t be the last you face. Trust in Jesus, keep pushing through and rely on His strength to continue your work.

Reflection

As you reflect on these lessons from Jesus' example of stewardship, consider the following questions:

1. How does the responsibility of stewardship shape your approach to fundraising and ministry?

2. In what ways can you embrace the mindset of sacrifice to achieve your fundraising goals?

3. How can you find encouragement in the perseverance modeled by Jesus, especially when fundraising or ministry becomes challenging?

By embracing the mindset of faithful stewardship, we not only honor God’s calling in our lives but also experience the abundant life He promises through obedience and trust.