Leading with Both Hands: Faith, Facts, and the Stewardship of Bold Vision | David Ashcraft Part II
David Ashcraft has led through seasons of growth, uncertainty, and intense faith-testing moments—and his insights offer a roadmap for any leader navigating the delicate balance between data-driven decisions and Spirit-led risk.
During his 32 years at LCBC Church, Ashcraft consistently embraced a model of leadership that honored both strategic planning and spiritual dependence. “I don't want to stop what God is doing just because I didn’t plan for it,” he shared. Whether it was hiring a new staff member before the funds were secured, or launching a capital campaign grounded in a God-sized vision, Ashcraft believed in preparing with wisdom, while stepping with faith.
In one defining example, LCBC’s leadership originally set a campaign goal of $16 million for their 20th anniversary. At the final moment, they decided to increase it to $20 million to match the occasion. While catchy, that last-minute decision resulted in a subtle yet painful leadership lesson. The campaign raised the original $16 million—a monumental success by any standard—but the team felt like they had failed. “It spoiled what God was doing because we shifted the target last minute,” Ashcraft recalled.
This story isn’t about missing the mark—it’s about understanding the tension between stretching out in faith and overreaching without wisdom. According to Ashcraft, leaders must develop the “muscle of faith” through incremental risk-taking. “You just have to step out,” he said. “All through Scripture, people moved when God said to go. You’ve got to take that first step.”
But stepping out doesn’t mean stepping blindly. Ashcraft emphasized that he researches thoroughly, studies other churches, reviews financial data, and plans intentionally before making bold moves. “God gave us wisdom, so use it,” he noted. He believes that the Holy Spirit moves during preparation, not just in the spontaneous moments.
He also challenged the myth that talking about money drives people away. In fact, Ashcraft preached on stewardship every January for years, unintentionally setting a tone for financial discipleship that helped shape his church’s identity. “Where your treasure goes, your heart follows,” he said. “Money is one of the most visible signs of spiritual trust.”
For emerging leaders, Ashcraft encourages taking small but intentional steps of obedience, combining clear goals with courageous faith. Hire when it’s wise—not just when it’s comfortable. Set goals that require God to move, but carefully discern between recklessness and faith. And never underestimate the power of showing your people how to walk out stewardship in real life.
To watch Part 2 of this 3-part series, click here. Stay tuned to the continuation of life-changing truths with David Ashcraft in our next LeadershipYOU blog!