Though King David didn’t live long enough to see the temple of God built, he was very integral in its planning and funding. Our passage gives us a valuable example of how to present and convey vision in a Fundraising presentation. Also, we will see the key ingredient for its success.
After he gathered the leaders together David began to present the need for, and how God had moved him to help build the temple. He then spoke of his demonstrable zeal for being involved in this project. Finally, he petitioned them to help. And help they did! What a great fundraising strategy.
But it wasn’t just David’s great oratory skills that moved their hearts to give, it was David’s own example of giving to the work. Warren Wiersbe pointed out that “According to 22:14, the spoils of battle devoted to the Lord amounted to 3,750 tons of gold and 37,500 tons of silver. David added from his own wealth 110 tons of gold and 260 tons of silver (v. 4). This means that David was responsible for providing 3,860 tons of gold and 37,760 tons of silver. But the king then urged his leaders to give generously to the ‘building fund’ (vv. 6-9), and they contributed 190 tons of gold, plus another 185 pounds, 375 tons of silver, 675 tons of bronze, and 3,750 tons of iron, as well as precious stones.” (Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary/History, pg. 393)
As you consider David’s example, answer the following questions:
- How important is it for the missionary to be personally involved in giving financially to missions? Explain your answer.
- David unashamedly asked for funds with which to build the Temple. Is it necessary to ask in every fundraising scenario, or should it just be assumed? Explain your answer.
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