Developing Kingdom Leaders – Tom Yeakley

Kingdom Leaders and Financial Donors – 1

Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. He took his twelve disciples with him, along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons; Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s business manager; Susanna; and many others who were contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples. Luke 8:1-3 NLT

Jesus and the Twelve were materially supported by a group of committed, faithful, and generous women who gave out of their own resources to enable Jesus’ ministry team to advance the Kingdom through their ministry of discipleship. This partnership between the ministry team and the ministry supporters was critical for the ministry to function. And though little is said about it, these women “and many others” who supported Jesus, their background work was key to the ‘foreground’ public ministry.

Many Kingdom leaders and our ministries are supported by the sacrificial, generous gifts financial donors who faithfully give monthly that we might fulfill our God-given calling. They are partners with us in advancing the Gospel, investing their money to help fulfill the Great Commission through us (Matthew 28:18-20). Thus, we are obligated to steward these investments wisely, with accountability for how they are used in our ministry, in ways that are above reproach.

Here are several thoughts on our stewardship of the money given to us and our ministries:

1. Never take your ministry donors for granted! Those who invest in you and your ministry are themselves, ‘gifts’ entrusted to you for your stewardship. Part of your ministry is a ministry to your financial donors. Note that the women who supported Jesus were a part of his ‘traveling team.’ No doubt, along with the Twelve, they too got to hear the explanations of the parables and ask Jesus questions (see Mark 4:34).
2. Note that for Jesus and the Twelve to minister to others it took these prominent women ‘donors’ and ‘many others.’ Pray and work for a broad donor support team who count it a privilege to invest in you and your ministry and will faithfully give.
3. Do not assume that because a donor gives to you or your work that they want to become your ‘best friend.’ Many major donors are investing in multiple ministries, not just yours. Respect that reality and don’t presume a more personal relationship unless invited.

Seek to cultivate an attitude of gratitude. “… What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?” 1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT