As a church or ministry leader, you know how important it is for your organization to have sufficient funding. After all, it’s necessary to “keep the lights on” and pay your staff. But figuring out how to increase church giving can be challenging. It’s not just about learning how to address potential objections from your members but overcoming your own unease. 

At BeyondSundays, we get it. We know asking members to give to your church or ministry can be uncomfortable. That’s why we’ve put together tips to help inspire giving in your members and make the actual asking less of a hardship. 

Practical Tips to Increase Church Giving

To increase church giving, you need to focus on the why and the how. It’s about demonstrating the importance of donating and making it easy for members to do so. With that said, the tips below can help you generate more funds to expand programs, reach more people, and make a greater impact. 

1. Preach on Generosity.

Those with generous hearts are more likely to give. That’s why it’s worth incorporating messages about generosity into your sermons regularly. Use biblical examples and teachings to emphasize the spiritual significance and value of giving generously.

“But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”—2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (emphasis added)

2. Teach Good Stewardship.

To increase church giving, you need to teach your members to be good stewards. Educate your congregation about the importance of stewardship and wise financial management. Offer resources and workshops on the following:

• Budgeting

• Debt management

• Saving

Demonstrate how these principles align with biblical teachings on stewardship.

3. Ask Regularly, but Respectfully.

It’s important to ask for donations regularly, but it’s equally important to do so with respect and sensitivity. Whether you make appeals in your newsletter, during services, or through personal conversations, aim to strike a balance. Strive to communicate the importance of giving without making members feel pressured.

4. Explain How Giving Benefits the Church as a Whole.

Many times, members don’t give because they assume their donations don’t matter. As a leader, you need to correct this misconception.  

How?

Help members understand the collective impact of their giving. Show how their contributions, no matter the size, contribute to the overall health and growth of the church. When people see themselves as part of something bigger, they are more motivated to give generously.

5. Make It Easy to Give Online or via Text.

In today’s digital age, convenience is key. Providing options for digital giving makes it simpler for people to contribute, especially when physical attendance might be limited. If you haven’t already, you should set up online giving and/or text giving. Doing so allows members and even non-members to give with ease. 

6. Allow People to Donate to Different Areas.

Simply letting people specify where their donation goes can go a long way in increasing church giving. Offer flexibility in giving by allowing donors to designate their contributions to specific areas or projects within the church. For example, you can create individual donation “products” for the following:

• Missions

• Youth programs

• Administration & building maintenance

Give people the option to support what matters most to them and you’ll likely see a significant rise in donations.

7. Set Up Recurring Giving.

Along with offering digital giving, consider enabling recurring giving for members. This not only provides a stable source of income for the church but also makes giving more convenient for donors. They can essentially “set it and forget it” while still supporting the church regularly.

8. Be Transparent about How Funds Are Used.

Transparency builds trust, which can help increase church giving. Communicate to your congregation how their donations are being used to support the church’s mission and programs. When people understand the impact of their giving, they are more likely to continue and even increase their contributions.

Tip: It’s a good idea to create an annual report for your church, outlining your use of funds for the previous year. 

9. Use Stories to Demonstrate Impact.

There’s a reason churches and nonprofits are encouraged to engage in storytelling—it’s a powerful tool for influencing donors’ emotions and intentions. Sharing personal narratives can help you connect with members on a deeper level. Plus, it can make them feel more confident about giving because they’ve seen what their contribution can do. 

Share stories of how giving has made a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families within the church community. Whether it’s providing assistance during difficult times, funding transformative programs, or supporting mission trips, real stories can inspire others to give.

10. Thank Your Donors.

Just as expressing gratitude can help encourage members to serve, it can also inspire them to give. Take the time to thank donors personally and publicly for their contributions. You can do this in several ways:

• Sending a handwritten note

• Giving donors a shout-out during services

• Hosting a special event to honor donors

• Creating a giving wall

By showing your appreciation, you can strengthen the bond between your church or ministry and those who contribute to your mission. 

11. Be a Good Example.

Last but not least, lead by example. Show your commitment to giving by being a regular donor yourself. When church leaders prioritize giving, it sets a powerful example for the congregation and reinforces the culture of generosity within the community.

Takeaway

Increasing church giving isn’t just about making financial appeals; it’s about fostering a culture of generosity and stewardship within your congregation. By making giving easy and convenient, preaching on generosity, being transparent about finances, and expressing gratitude to donors, you can cultivate a spirit of generosity that enriches your community and enables greater impact. Beyond maintaining your church and preventing closure, you can shine light in the world and make a difference. Take these tips to heart and watch as giving grows, enabling your church or ministry to thrive and fulfill its mission.