7 Easy Ways to Boost Giving at Your Church

Mark Cuban once said…

“~~Tithes~~…Sales cure all.”

Now, I understand having a stronger tithe base doesn’t cure all. But it sure does help alleviate several church tensions for pastors. Use these 7 ways to boost your church giving.

1. Buy a Giving Themed URL

Most churches have a giving link on their website, but it takes some time to explain to congregants how they can find it. I tried something a few years ago and our online giving grew from 25% to 55% of total monthly giving. Buy a domain that is related to your church name and giving. Our church name is Northwood Church so I bought www.northwoodgive.com and forwarded it to the url for our giving page.

During the giving talk we created a simple graphic with NorthwoodGive.com and we mentioned it every service. “For those of you who don’t carry cash or check, you can give at northwoodgive.com right there on your phone.”

Giving increased overall because we added a new way for people to give. Northwoodgive.com became a popular phrase in every department for event registration and signup payments.

2. Get Automated Payments

We have seen a surge in the business world the last several years on monthly subscription pricing. The theory is, the business only has to “make the sale” one time with the customer. After you sign up, sales are automatic every month.

Most of my life, I have seen pastors try to “make the sale” on tithing every week. What if we borrow a strategy from the business world and promote subscription giving? This is one way to increase stability in your summer giving. Most people would love to be more consistent in their giving. Automated payments help them do that.

3. Teach Generosity in Life

Being generous is not just about money or a moment. Generosity is a lifestyle. When your culture has generosity embedded into the DNA of the church, everyone benefits. Evangelism, benevolence, and (yes) your tithes are all beneficiaries of a giving church culture.

4. Prepare Your Giving Talks

We have all heard the 25 minute offering sermon BEFORE the actual message. People take their money very seriously and we should take our communication about money seriously as well. Make your talk about tithes personal, simple, and efficient.

5. Share stories

A newly saved couple at our church had been attending for about 6 months. The husband worked two jobs to support the family, but they still fell on hard times for a period of time. They sat in our service with $10 in their bank account. The wife leaned into her husband and said, “I think we should start tithing today. We don’t have any food left in the pantry and you don’t get paid for 3 days. What could it hurt at this point?” So they gave $5 in the offering that morning.

When they got home, their neighbor came knocking on their door and said: “When I woke up this morning I just felt like I should make you this big pot of roast stew. It should last you the next few days.”

Information often doesn’t always move people, but stories do. As often as you can, share stories. It will inspire people to step out in faith. Perhaps for the very first time.

6. Follow Up with a Thank You

We live in a selfie culture that likes to ask, but doesn’t always remember to express gratitude. “Give to our church.” “Sign up for our new class.” “We need your help.” Saying thank you goes a long way to any giver at your church.

7. Make Giving Easy

People shop in various forms. I use cash at the ballpark, but my card at the mall or online. Sometimes, I use Paypal. It just depends on what is most convenient and comfortable for me. Strive to make the process of giving at your church a convenient and comfortable experience. Provide opportunities for your congregation to give cash/check in the buckets, online with their phone or at home, or giving kiosks in your lobby.

Giving should be an easy experience, especially for people who are giving for the first time.