Churches thrive when generosity fuels their mission. But in today’s culture—where commitment is fleeting and giving habits are shifting—how do you inspire people to give consistently and sacrificially?
At FiveTwo, we’ve worked with churches navigating these challenges, and one truth remains: money flows to vision. When people understand where their giving is going and how it’s changing lives, they’re far more likely to invest in your ministry.
Here’s how to cultivate generosity and build a financially healthy church.
1. Know Your Donors—And How Giving Habits Are Changing
Did you know that in the average North American church, 45% of donors give less than $200 per year? That’s nearly half of your congregation giving at a level that won’t sustain long-term ministry.
On top of that, churches experience a 20% churn rate each year—meaning one in five donors from last year won’t be giving this year. And as older, committed givers pass away, they’re often replaced by younger attendees who see church through a consumer lens rather than a stewardship mindset.
This means:
✔ You can’t just ask your current givers for more—you need to expand your donor base.
✔ New donors need time to grow into generosity—they won’t start with major gifts.
✔ Regular vision casting is essential—people give when they see the impact.
2. Engage Every Donor—From First-Time Givers to High-Capacity Donors
Your generosity strategy should focus on three key groups:
✅ First-Time Givers – Create clear, easy ways for new donors to give. Even a small, one-time gift helps them take that first step toward deeper commitment.
✅ Regular Givers – Keep them engaged with stories of impact and encourage them to consider recurring giving. Consistency matters more than size.
✅ High-Capacity Givers – 65% of church donations come from major donors. These individuals don’t just want to write a check—they want a vision they can believe in and leadership they can trust.
3. Use the “Three-Room” Strategy for Fundraising
To build a strong culture of generosity, communicate at different levels:
🏛 Big Room – Speak to your whole church through sermons, newsletters, and social media. The goal? Inspire participation.
🏡 Medium Room – Target specific groups, like young families or empty nesters, with messaging that speaks to their unique connection to your ministry.
☕ Small Room – Build personal relationships with key leaders and high-capacity donors. Most large gifts happen in these one-on-one conversations.
If you aren’t engaging all three rooms, you’re missing key opportunities to grow generosity.
4. Teach Generosity Regularly (Not Just When Money is Tight)
Many pastors avoid talking about money—until they desperately need it. That’s a mistake.
Jesus talked about money more than any other topic because generosity is a spiritual issue before it’s a financial one. Your church needs a rhythm of teaching generosity year-round—not just during capital campaigns.
Ways to do this:
✔ Incorporate generosity into weekly offering moments (not just an afterthought).
✔ Run an annual sermon series on financial stewardship.
✔ Show how giving fuels mission—share impact stories frequently.
When people see why giving matters, they respond with greater generosity.
5. Create a Culture Where People WANT to Give
People don’t give to budgets—they give to vision. If your church’s financial messaging revolves around “keeping the lights on,” it’s time for a shift.
Your vision should be:
✔ Clear – People need to understand what they’re giving to.
✔ Concise – Long, vague appeals don’t inspire action.
✔ Compelling – Your vision should stir people’s hearts and make them want to be part of it.
The best way to communicate vision? Tell stories. People connect emotionally to real-life impact—so make generosity about lives changed, not line items. Learn more about vision casting in our other post, Why vision matters and how to communicate one your people will actually follow.
Your Church Can Thrive—With the Right Plan
Generosity isn’t automatic. It requires intentional strategy, clear vision, and ongoing communication. When churches embrace this approach, giving increases, engagement deepens, and ministry expands.
Need help crafting a generosity strategy that works? That’s what we do. Let’s talk about how FiveTwo can help your church grow through generous donors.
