Church leaders today face many challenges including declining attendance and financial uncertainty. To help increase generosity in your church, let’s talk about these three key ingredients of giving generously: 1) telling powerful stories, 2) creating clarity around a unifying mission, and 3) using scripture to inspire generosity.
These ingredients work together to help congregants reconnect with the deeper meaning of their giving. Keep reading for practical tips on how to incorporate some new approaches to your giving strategy to help your church thrive.
What Is an Offering in Church and Why Is It Significant?
A church offering is more than a financial contribution; it is an act of worship and community engagement. Traditionally, these offerings reflect gratitude and commitment, supporting the church’s mission and various activities. They fund outreach programs and meet operational needs, making a significant difference in the church’s life.
Spiritually, offerings allow us to actively participate in our faith, embodying the biblical principle of stewardship. This principle encourages us to manage and share resources for the common good, creating a sense of belonging and shared purpose within the congregation.
In our rapidly changing culture, many churches face challenges with declining generosity. Church leaders should focus on the spiritual importance of offerings, helping people remember why they give in the first place. This can inspire a more generous heart within the community.
For tips on how to announce an offering during your service, check out this video in our Ask Bill series.
The Power of Story
Story is one of the most powerful tools offered to us through the gospels. Throughout the gospels, we see that Jesus knew math, but he chose to use stories rather than statistics to share his truths.
There are often powerful statistics behind why we are called to a particular mission or ministry and why we raise funds. However, we should know that not everyone is motivated by statistics. They often don’t help tell a story when we ask for funds. Some donors will need them to solidify their level of support, but rarely is a donor motivated to consider a gift through statistics.
Statistics can be heard, but it’s stories of real people that help us understand why. One researcher has demonstrated that donors will give up to 50% more when presented with the story of just one hungry child compared to donations after hearing the factually accurate statistics of millions of hungry children. While both present the same truth, one is more effective. Why?
Statistics, while honest, fail to show the human element of any fundraising effort. While the statistics might be relevant, numbers often fail to inspire empathy whereas a story about another human being will. We know that we should care, but as flawed humans, numbers don’t always connect. We see ourselves in others but not in numbers.
Use stories to share why your fundraising efforts are essential and use stories of God to motivate your congregation further. Invoking God concepts with words like spirit, divine God, sacred, or prophet increases the amount people give, even among non-believers and atheists.
As Bill Woolsey says, tell me the story of one person and tell me what makes your mission unique in reaching and serving that person. Then, describe to me your two or three distinguishing attributes when serving that person. Only after I understand the story of that person, can you tell me how many other people out there are like that one person.
Inspiring Generosity Through a Unifying Mission
A clear, unifying mission provides a sense of shared purpose that resonates with your congregation’s values and beliefs. When your people feel that their personal goals align with a larger mission, they become more willing to contribute to its success. This connection fosters a sense of community and collective responsibility, which in turn fuels generosity.
When the mission resonates deeply on an emotional level, people are more likely to give of themselves—whether it’s in terms of time, energy, or financial support.
Using Scripture to Inspire Generosity
Scripture has the power to really inspire and motivate people to give. When chosen carefully, these verses remind us of our faith and commitment to God and our community. They make giving feel like a real act of faith, showing how important generosity is spiritually.
These scriptures also shift the way we think about money and possessions. They highlight the importance of sharing and being good stewards, helping us grow deeper in our faith and creating a culture of generosity.
Selecting Effective Church Offering Scriptures
Choosing scriptures for offerings should be done thoughtfully. The verses need to connect with your people and fit with your church’s mission and where your members are in their spiritual journey. They should inspire people to think and take action, helping them realize the difference their giving can make.
Consider these impactful scriptures:
● 2 Corinthians 9:7: This verse encourages giving with joy and willingness, highlighting the positive attitude God loves.
● Proverbs 3:9-10: This verse emphasizes the blessings that come from prioritizing God in financial decisions.
● Luke 6:38: This verse speaks to the reciprocal nature of generosity and the abundance it brings.
● 1 Timothy 6:17-18: This verse discusses the goodness in giving and encourages listeners to place their hope in God instead of financial wealth.
Examples of Offering Scriptures
Inspire giving by using each scripture strategically. Introduce 2 Corinthians 9:7 with a message about the joy of giving and its alignment with God’s love. Share Proverbs 3:9-10 during times of harvest or financial planning, reminding congregants of the spiritual rewards of honoring God with their resources. Highlight Luke 6:38 when discussing the benefits of both spiritual and communal generosity.
Implementing Church Offering Ideas With Scriptures
To make scripture work well in offering messages, church leaders should pick a verse that ties into the theme of the service or what’s happening in the church at the moment. When sharing it, speak clearly and with conviction so people can see why it’s important.
It helps to share a quick reflection or story that connects the scripture to everyday life. Encourage church members to share personal stories about how giving has made a difference for them. You could also use visuals to help bring the scripture’s message to life.
Encouraging a Culture of Generosity in Your Church
Building a generous mindset involves more than scripture. Church leaders must model generosity through personal actions and church initiatives. Celebrating the impact of offerings on the church and community reinforces the value of giving.
Strategies include:
● Hosting workshops or small groups focused on stewardship and financial planning.
● Creating opportunities for congregants to see the tangible results of their contributions.
● Recognizing and thanking individuals and groups for their generosity.
Trust FiveTwo Network to Help Your Church Thrive
By telling powerful stories, providing a shared purpose, and using thoughtful scripture, church leaders can inspire members to give with purpose and joy and strengthen the congregation’s spiritual fabric. Fostering a culture of generosity requires ongoing effort, but will help your congregation thrive within your community for future generations.
For more ways to help increase generosity in your church create momentum and unity, speak with us at FiveTwo Network. Together, we can navigate today’s challenges and build a thriving, generous community.
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