Steward Leaders Rise
21 Days to Ignite Transformational Stewardship
by Chris McDaniel
Foreword by Steve Richardson, President, Pioneers USA
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A Powerful 21-Day Devotional Journey to Revolutionary Generosity
What if your giving could transform not just lives—but your own heart, legacy, and leadership forever?
In a world obsessed with accumulation, God calls His people to something radically different: open-handed, joyful stewardship that reflects His boundless generosity. Written by Chris McDaniel, this foundational 21-day devotional awakens leaders (and every believer) to rise in faithful stewardship—moving from mere transactions to deep, life-changing transformation.
To experience the fullest impact, journey through this devotional together with a trusted spiritual leader, mentor, spouse, accountability partner, or small group. Sharing reflections, prayers, and action steps with someone you trust provides encouragement, accountability, and iron-sharpening-iron growth (Proverbs 27:17), helping you stay committed and multiply Kingdom fruit.
Whether you’re a pastor, ministry leader, business professional, or parent, this book equips you to model Christ-centered generosity for your teams, families, and communities. Inspired by timeless truths from Scripture and modern examples of radical faith, Steward Leaders Rise will spark fresh passion, renew your purpose, and unleash Kingdom impact that lasts for eternity.
“Steward Leaders Rise is a powerful, Scripture-saturated call to authentic stewardship that moves beyond mere transactions to heart-deep transformation. Chris McDaniel masterfully guides leaders through 21 days of examining motives, embracing total surrender, showing compassion to the vulnerable, and building habits that multiply eternal impact—especially by discipling the next generation, as Chris and his wife Jennifer so beautifully model through their children who have contributed one of the devotionals and who also live generously.
Having spent decades at the National Christian Foundation witnessing how generous hearts fuel kingdom work, I see this devotional as essential equipping for leaders who want their lives and ministries to overflow with joyful, sacrificial giving. My favorite one is Day 14! Read it. Live it. Pass it on. The harvest will be bountiful.”
David Wills, J.D.
President Emeritus, National Christian Foundation
Co-author, Investing in God’s Business and Family. Money.
Co-founder, Generous Giving
About Chris McDaniel
Chris McDaniel, MBA is the Chief Revenue Officer and Partner at vTECH io, a Dell Platinum channel partner delivering end-to-end IT, cybersecurity, and AI solutions to enterprise clients and faith-based organizations. In this role, he shapes the company’s sales and revenue strategy, builds high-performing national teams, and drives explosive growth in AI go-to-market initiatives—securing net-new business, forging strategic partnerships, and consistently exceeding multi-million-dollar quotas (previously managing ~$35M annually as VP of Sales). His leadership has helped position vTECH io as a trusted advisor for secure, scalable technology that powers both business innovation and nonprofit impact.
Chris offers more than 30 years of cross-sector leadership across government, nonprofit, and private industry. He retired in 2025 after 31 years of distinguished service, as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve (Acquisition Program Manager). He holds an MBA from Liberty University.
A recognized thought leader in biblical stewardship, Chris is also the author of Ignite Your Generosity: A 21-Day Experience in Stewardship (InterVarsity Press), along with The Stewardship Bookmark, Dying to Give, and The Next Mile: A Coach’s Guide. His earlier devotional Igniting a Life of Generosity (ECFA) and regular contributions to the Christian Leadership Alliance and Outcomes Magazine have equipped thousands of pastors, church leaders, and nonprofits to disciple generous givers and model faith-driven generosity. Prior to vTECH io (since 2016), he served as Chief Business Development Officer for Mission Works and DELTA Ministries International, raising millions for global missions while discipling hundreds of donors.
Chris currently serves on the Leadership Advisory Board for Mission Increase, the Advisory Board for the Christian Leadership Alliance, and is passionate about integrating uncompromising integrity, faith, and family-first values into executive leadership. Whether scaling AI revenue engines or igniting generosity in the local church, he leads with purpose, humility, and a proven track record of transforming vision into measurable, eternal impact.
Book Chris for your personalized “Preparing to Engage Major Donors Workshop”
“Chris’ passion, experience, and content reflect the pastoral and shepherding heart every development officer should have. His presentation challenged me to personally set an example and live generously. I was reminded that every conversation is a discipleship opportunity. His insights and process will help any organization approach development with obedience and reflect the heart of God. This was one of the best sessions I attended all week.”
Steve Richardson, US Director and President, Pioneers USA
“One of a leader’s most powerful tools to transform their personal soul, organization, and the constituents they serve is to successfully steward the possessions entrusted to them. It is no accident that God’s word has more verses on possessions than any other topic. This transformational process, which makes us generous as Christ is Generous, is a significant part of becoming rich toward God. Key points Chris McDaniel covers in this are: acknowledging God owns all, being motivated by God’s rewards not the worlds, living accountable to God, and acting in all you do as a steward of God’s resources This devotional methodically guides leaders into the exciting heart transformation that produces authentic, joyful generosity—the natural outcome of being conformed to the image of Christ.”
Executive coach and author/editor of 23 books including Stuff and Soul, Revolution in Generosity and God and Your Stuff.
“Steward Leaders Rise is a transformative resource every Christian leader needs. In these 21 days, Chris McDaniel doesn’t just teach stewardship—he leads readers into a heart-deep journey of authenticity, surrender, compassion, and generational impact that produces joyful, kingdom-overflowing generosity.
Through the Higher Thinking Blog at Christian Leadership Alliance, we regularly feature Chris’s insightful articles because his voice consistently equips leaders to think biblically and act faithfully. This devotional does the same in concentrated, actionable form. Chris and his wife Jennifer beautifully illustrate the power of discipling the next generation as their children continue to carry the vision forward.
If you long to lead with open hands and a transformed heart, read this book—then walk through it with someone you’re developing. The Church will be richer for it.”
Blog
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The Third Conversion
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Raising Kids Who Love Jesus and Live Generously
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The Eternal Power of Generosity
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The Posture of Receiving
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Why the Church Stopped Talking About Giving — And Why We Must Start Again
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If Your Church Wasn’t There, Would Anyone Miss It?
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7 Pivots for year-end 2025 Giving and the 2026 runway
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A Testimony of God’s Leading
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How to Comfort and Help Those Affected by Disaster
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Strategic Giving – The Donor Advised Fund (DAF)
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A Letter from Ananias and Sapphira: Don’t Make the Same Mistake We Did
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7 Habits That Build a God-Honoring Legacy—Starting Now
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The True Mission of a Man: Faithfulness Over Provision
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Spiritual P90X: Taking Your Generosity to the Next Level
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Climbing Toward Grace: A Sinner’s Encounter with Jesus
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The Gift That Multiplied: A Testimony of Abundant Giving
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Don’t Just Read It, Be It
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Money’s Purpose – A Tool, Test and Trademark
What is the purpose of money? It's crucial to ask, given we often struggle with earning, saving, spending, and giving away money. Many subscribe to financial newsletters to improve their...
Quietly
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Giving is a Spiritual Discipline
“Stewardship is God’s way of raising people, not man’s way of raising money” (Willmer, Smith. 2002.)1 In Romans 12:8 we learn that some excel in the gift of giving. But what about everyone...
Personally Appropriating the Gospel- The Key to a Generous Life
What makes one generous? I can reflect on times I’ve tried to live generously with my finances through pure willpower and determination. While I saw the initial fruit, this...
Replacement Referees, Replacement god- Neither Work
On Sep 24, 2012, the final play of the Monday Night’s NFL matchup between the Packers and Seahawks, seemed to expose to the nation why the real referees are so important to maintain the...
If you died today, would you be satisfied?
This might sound like a strange question at first, but let me explain. Two places in Scripture cause me to ask this question: “And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will...
Sarah’s Vase
Sarah's parents were new to town, and she was just getting to know her classmates at church. As a second grader, she was full of energy and beaming with naughtiness. As Sarah's Sunday...
Generous Giver or Obedient Courier? By Jay Link
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A Living Sacrifice
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How Parents Can Leave a Legacy of Generosity
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Be a Blessing
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Delayed Gratification
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Zeal without Knowledge
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Does Jesus command us to help the poor? – Part 2
What the Scriptures Reveal about God and Poverty There are many Scriptures that address God’s heart for and perspective of the poor. I have selected just a few to help us draw a conclusion...
Does Jesus command us to help the poor? – Part 1
At first blush, this question might seem like a no-brainer to readers. But, who are the poor? What does God’s Word say about the poor? How do we effectively help the...
How Much to Pay a Pastor for a Wedding
I can speak from personal experience of the value of pre-marital counseling. God used that time to confirm many things about our decision but also revealed areas we needed to be better equipped and prepared for as a couple. One pastor who has conducted numerous weddings states, “Couples come to the pastor thinking that they know everything.
Prioritize Your Local Church When Giving
There are only a handful of people you connect with in life who have such a profound impact on your family that it’s hard to put into words. I was reflecting on this as I rode home from church one day with both my parents and grandparents in the car.
Developing a Giving Plan
This guide encourages believers to examine their motives, methods, and passions, ensuring their contributions truly reflect their faith and values. Whether you’re new to giving or looking to refine your approach, this paradigm offers a roadmap to more purposeful generosity.
The Power of Ceremony When Tithing
Discover the importance of reinvigorating the practice of tithing through meaningful ceremonies. Learn how involving your family can create lasting memories and a deeper connection to the purpose of giving.
Is How Much We Give to God the Real Issue?
Jesus is telling us that when we give with complete dependence upon Him the amount does not matter.
Giving 10% and Having Jesus Call You a “Son of Hell”
Exploring Transformational vs. Transactional Generosity Read the Bible…check. Pray…check. Go to church…check. Give 10% …check. Many today would consider these...
Give According to Your Means
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A stagnant pond is cut off from any source, its water stale and lifeless. Over time, it becomes covered in scum, a breeding ground for bacteria. In contrast, a flowing stream is constantly fed by a higher source, its water fresh and dynamic, navigating through rapids and calm. When it comes to giving back to God, we can be either a stagnant pond, isolated and self-reliant, or a flowing stream, connected to our Source and blessing others. By believing in Christ, remaining in Him, and following His call, we ensure our generosity is ever-flowing, dynamic, and impactful.
Five Simple Ideas to Give Anonymously
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Generational Generosity
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Financial Grant for Retired Pastors
The Heart Behind The Shepherd's Fund Founded by a generous anonymous donor in Georgia who wanted to help a retired pastor friend facing medical bills, The Shepherd's Fund has grown into a...
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Leading by Example: Biblical Generosity for Christian Nonprofit Leaders
Leading by example in generosity is the biblical foundation for effective stewardship leadership—starting with leaders themselves before inspiring others. As I facilitated a workshop at an...
Stewardship Leadership: The Moses Moment of Radical Obedience
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The Silent Shortfall
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How Stewardship Impacts your Soul
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Survey Results from Major Donors
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Igniting Steward Leaders in Your Local Church
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Combating Year-End Consumerism and Igniting Generosity
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Leading Organizations and Making Tough Decisions
In over 30 years of leadership across non-profit, military, and private sectors, I’ve faced countless decisions—some sound, others clouded by impatience, pride, or lack of spiritual connection.
Biblical Principles for Stewardship and Fundraising
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Explore how aligning your retirement assets with God’s strategy can multiply their impact, following biblical principles like those in the Parable of the Talents.
Bridging the Budget Gap
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How to Disciple Generous Givers
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Five Convictions for Raising Support – Part 2
Continue your journey with part two, where we build on the five key convictions for raising support, offering practical insights and actionable steps to ensure your fundraising efforts are effective and sustainable.
Five Convictions for Raising Support – Part 1
Explore the foundational principles of raising support with five key convictions that will empower your fundraising journey. This guide delves into the mindset and strategies needed to approach fundraising with confidence and clarity.
Raising Support for Short-Term Missions
A proven and tested approach With so many books, resources, techniques, and ideas out there, it can be hard to know where to begin when raising support to serve on a short-term...
“Stewardship is not humanity’s way of raising money, but rather God’s way of raising people into the likeness of His Son.”