A Bible Lesson for Nonprofit Leaders
I’m in the early days of reading the Bible cover to cover. I didn’t set out to do that, but I sort of started in Genesis and now find myself in the middle of Exodus, so I think I’ll just keep going.
(It’s the NKJ version for inquiring minds.)
It doesn’t take a Bible scholar to tell you that Exodus is wild. I mean, you’ve got the 10 plagues, followed by 40 years of wandering in the desert eating food that fell from the sky, a burning bush that somehow doesn’t burn, the 10 Commandments… so many well-known Old Testament stories take place over just a few chapters in Exodus.
In the past, I always skimmed over the part about the design of the Ark of the Covenant. Talk about detail! Granted, it was intended to house the 10 Commandments and symbolize God’s presence on the final leg of their journey toward the “land flowing with milk and honey.”
Still. SO MUCH DETAIL on how the Ark should be built.
But this time I really read it. And you know what I found so interesting?
The people built the Ark of the Covenant.
Skill was required for every aspect: Seamstresses, woodworkers, bakers, metalworkers, craftsmen, lumberjacks, shepherds… the list goes on.
Skill wasn’t all that was needed. They also donated their jewelry, wool, equipment, wood, and many other resources for its construction.
In order for the ultimate design to be achieved, it was going to take sacrifice from everyone, in skill or resources, or both.
As I read through the Ark of the Covenant’s construction in Exodus 35, there was one phrase that leaped off the page over and over. Five times in this one chapter, to be exact. The phrase was:
“…Everyone who is willing of heart.”
Give your resources, if you’re willing of heart.
Give your time, if you’re willing of heart.
Give your talent and skillset, if you’re willing of heart.
FIVE TIMES.
The people weren’t forced to build this thing because God wanted them to.
The plan was laid out for them. And anyone who was “willing of heart” could jump in and serve in some capacity. It was simply Moses’ job to communicate the mission, share the design plans, and request the support that was needed.
Then it was up to the people to act, if they were willing.
So, what does this have to do with nonprofits?
Because we’re in the exact same situation Moses was in!
There’s always a mission. There’s often a plan. But for some reason we struggle when it comes to asking for help whether it’s for volunteer support, financial resources, staff needs, or something else.
But it’s up to us to ask.
And it’s up to them to be willing.
Don’t apologize for needing support to build something of real meaning and impact.
What you’re building matters.
And the right people - the willing ones - will step up.
Heck, it worked for Moses. In fact, the people were too generous, and he had to ask them to stop giving. For real! (Exodus 35:5-7). Wouldn’t that be incredible!?
One Last Thought:
At Jenni Craig & Co., we help nonprofits communicate with clarity so they can identify and engage the people who are naturally aligned with their mission. We don’t create pressure. We create connection.
And from connection comes generosity… from those who are truly willing to give.
