Are you wondering how to increase giving in your church? Tithes and offerings are critical for daily operations and expenses. They’re also needed to help your church move forward and reach others, both locally and around the world. Yet, consistent giving is a challenge for congregations of practically every size and background. Here are six simple ways you can encourage your members to give more.
2. Keep Members Informed of Your Needs
3. Promote Connection and Involvement
4. Teach the Biblical Principles of Giving
5. Offer Classes on Financial Stewardship
1. Use Modern Technology
Constant technological advances have made a huge impact on modern-day spending. For many people, cash is becoming more and more obsolete, checks are rarely used, and most payments are now made electronically. In order to encourage regular tithing, make it convenient for your members by setting up an online system through your church website. Make sure it’s user friendly and allow for both one-time and recurring transactions. Be sure to post links, web addresses, and QR codes in obvious locations, such as in your weekly bulletin or on-screen during announcements.
If your church doesn’t have the resources to set up and maintain a secure online transaction system, there are other alternatives. You could set up a PayPal account (the platform offers special rates for nonprofits). Or you could purchase online giving software.
2. Keep Members Informed of Your Needs
Are your members aware of the financial needs and obligations of your church? Chances are, they don’t know all the expenses your church has to pay each month. Regularly post your monthly and yearly needs, along with the current monthly and year-to-date giving. If shortages develop, this simple increase in awareness can prompt many to step up and give.
If you are trying to make a larger one-time purchase, advertise it to your congregation. You might even set up a separate giving drive for that purpose.
Related: Ways to Finance a Church Chairs Purchase
3. Promote Connection and Involvement
If you’re wondering how to increase giving in your church, ask yourself this question: Do your members feel a strong sense of connection to their church home? Create a team whose purpose is to help members connect and plug in to one of the various ministries available in your church. People are much more likely to give when they feel a sense of belonging and purpose. More importantly, this encourages personal spiritual growth and can help promote a stronger community of believers.
4. Teach the Biblical Principles of Giving
When encouraging church members to give, don’t forget to start with the foundations and Biblical principles that should drive these actions. You could schedule a sermon series once a year, or encourage small group and children’s ministry leaders to address this topic. Keep love, generosity, and sacrifice at the heart of your message. Generous giving should be the natural result of a grateful heart that has experienced the truth and depth of God’s own sacrificial and extravagant love.
5. Offer Classes on Financial Stewardship
Some members may long to give more, but find themselves with too many other obligations, expenses, or debt. Offer regular resources and instruction on how to make wise financial decisions. Through healthy choices and money management techniques, your members can find the financial freedom they need to better support the church.
6. Host Fundraising Events
Organize events that serve the dual purpose of raising funds and building a sense of community. Explore creative fundraiser ideas that align with your church’s mission and resonate with the congregation. Use these events as an opportunity to share your vision and financial needs.
Encouraging church members to give boils down to two main tactics: make it easy and accessible, and focus on educating and equipping your members. When members regularly give, it has a big effect on the stability of your financial situation. It also increases the overall impact you can have as a unified body of believers.
For more financial content to help your church, check out our Budget and Finance blog category.
