3 Reasons Why People Aren’t Giving to Your Church

Taking on an active role in your church and community means people need to be confident in your ability to lead. At DonorWerx, we understand that people not giving to your church can interfere with this goal. Those called to do the work of God can only be as effective as the flock they lead. Unfortunately, money oftentimes proves to be a sore subject for congregants, and as a pastor or church leader, this can cause both frustration and anxiety.

After all, The Word tells us that God owns everything, and the responsibility of being good stewards of time, money and resources falls upon us. Regardless of how financially solid we strive to be, though, there will come times when we need to call upon our congregations to donate their time and money in order to meet significant needs. At DonorWerx, we can guide you through requesting this help without feeling pushy or manipulative.

We help you tell a different story. It’s a story of pastors and church leaders who trudge forward in holiness and financial responsibility. It’s the story of a world where God’s all-encompassing Glory and Wisdom reaches into every corner – thanks to the work his chosen servants accomplish with the resources provided by the flock. DonorWerx has helped thousands of pastors and church leaders raise the funds necessary to impact the world, and we can help you do the same.

Before you can succeed in this area, though, you must first understand the following reasons people aren’t donating to your church:

1. They wonder why they should donate to the church.

One of the most important reasons people don’t give to the church stems their questioning of why this is their responsibility. Many congregants simply don’t know the biblical reasons for giving, and still others question what their offerings of goodwill are being used for. After all, we’ve all seen far too many news stories of churches that squandered the resources provided by their flocks in good faith.

You can show over time that your goals are righteous and that offerings are being used for Godly purposes. Before you can reach this point, though, you must first convince parishioners to give. This has proven to be an uphill battle for all churches in recent years. Between 2008 and 2011, for instance, giving declined every single year. There has been no other point in history – save for the early years of the Great Depression – when offerings to the church dropped during so many consecutive years.

Those who do joyfully give, though, do so because they have a deep connection to God’s people. They feel this connection within the House of the Lord, and it’s for the sake of God’s world that they so generously give. Getting others to give means fostering this deep connection, and the only way to accomplish this is by being honest with your congregation. Consider the following when trying to convey the need:

Why give to the church?

Because it brings us closer to God. It allows us to be truly human while showing God to the world through our actions. We’re transformed into the image of Jesus by striving to embody his friendship, community and generosity. Plenty of pastors fail to properly convey this message, and it leaves some congregants feeling ashamed and guilty for not knowing why they should give.

Be clear with what you want:

• Tell your flock what it is you need them to do: give generously through the Lord.
• Explain why they should give to the church: This is their home, and it’s where they find peace, goodness and purpose in this world. Even more importantly, though, is that it brings these things to our communities and earth.
• Explain how giving improves their lives: Proverbs 22:9 teaches us “He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.” Every one of us is changed by what we put out into the world, and for those who give generously, this fosters a deeper connection to others and where we reside.

Be honest and clear with your flock. Connect with them. This helps you to grow your church.

The Difference Between Tithing and Gifts

• Tithing is a spiritual responsibility laid out in the Bible. Doing this teaches us to align our finances to the Kingdom of Heaven, and it also guides us on how to live modestly.
• When people are blessed with God’s generosity and it overflows in their lives, they often use this excess to give gifts to the church. Doing this to bring God’s glory into the world helps everyone. Encourage congregants to consider gifts if they receive large commissions or bonuses throughout the year.

2. People don’t donate because they lack easy ways to give.

Many congregants also simply don’t know how to give. There are a variety of reasons behind this. One explanation is that fewer people are carrying cash around – even though around half of parishioners who choose to give do so with cash. Another possibility is that folks are simply going to church less frequently, so they need methods of giving that don’t involve dropping money into an offering plate each Sunday. Fortunately, there are ways you can overcome these issues…

How to Give:

Churches around the country lose out on millions of dollars because they confuse their congregation when asking for donations. You need to provide a clear call to action – telling them exactly what you need and why – but it’s also necessary that you provide simple and easily accessible ways for these donations to be given. We know asking for money can seem daunting, and that’s why you can access these easy-to-use tools provided by DonorWerx:

• Mobile giving via app or text message.
• Automated giving options and recurring donations.
• Kiosk giving provided at churches or special events.

Of all the reasons church members aren’t giving, this is easily one of the most fixable. By simply offering multiple methods and locations for congregants to give, you’re allowing them to stay connected with their church family without having to sacrifice their comfort or particular circumstances.

3. Congregants don’t know the right time to give.

Our entire lives are oriented around God’s goodness. The very calendars we use to mark time are based on Catholic, Orthodox, Reformed and Evangelical traditions. Even with this being the case, though, each Christian views time differently. We have seasons of celebration, preparation and anticipation. By utilizing our unique framework, you can use the seasons to connect with congregants for supporting your ministries, missions and the overall church.

Winter

People are setting their own goals and preparing for success at the beginning of the year. This creates the perfect opportunity to invite them to becomes part of the church’s larger story. Now is the time that they can plan to make the church a real part of their lives for the year. Try these tips:

• Create a one-day Finance Course to teach others how to build their budget in a way that helps them and God’s mission.
• Open up your church to host a Financial Peace University.

Spring

Most churches won’t see attendance numbers higher than those on Easter Day. Don’t miss this opportunity for a surge of donations. Receive an “Easter Offering” so that people – even those who don’t come consistently – can feel like they’re a part of the family, ministry and mission. Try this:

• Lay out clear expectations.
• About 4-5 weeks prior to Easter, remind your flock of the coming opportunity to bring in new faces.

Summer

There’s no better time to grow relationships within your congregation than during the summer. Take the time to plan a BBQ at the head pastor’s home and invite 10 to 20 of the best donors from church. This is an opportunity to connect with generous givers and rejoice in laughter, feasting and the Lord. It will build a deeper connection among your most generous members, and this can result in more substantial donations.

Fall

October is a great time to start The 90-Day Tithe Challenge. By asking members to make a commitment of tithing the Bible’s recommended 10 percent of income for the next 90 days, you’ll bring in new donors who are likely to keep giving.

This form of generosity if fundamental in becoming one with The Lord. It’s what the Bible tells us to do. Donors should see God start making significant inroads into their lives. If they don’t feel his presence and growth, feel free to hand back their money so they can use it to better their lives.

Donorwerx will guide you through:

Creating Awareness

People are more likely to give when they know what they’re giving for.

Feel Confident in Receiving Offerings

The feeling of ‘begging pastor’ is a thing of the past.

Mastering Every Aspect of Fundraising

Share your story so that it’s authentic, transparent and irresistible.

We understand that asking your congregation to give time, money and resources can be a scary endeavor. Even so, we’ve still helped thousands of churches send international missionaries, construct and repair facilities to benefit their communities, and help each other reach redemption through Christ. The Bible tells us this is our duty.

People want to feel unified and connected. It’s a biological and cognitive imperative.

There’s a persistent belief that simply “shaking the can” long enough will result in the resources we need. Building campaigns, hiring staff members and other necessities for growth unfortunately cannot be met this way. In fact, this method typically does more damage than good and fails to empower others. When your congregation knows their values are being catered to and God is being glorified, though, that’s when they’ll be ready to give.

DonorWerx strives to help pastors grow into the trusted and confident leaders our communities need. We can help you connect with your congregation and achieve God’s Glory in this world – all with empathy and authority. By working with God’s chosen leaders, we’re able to create a unified church that focuses on bringing His children together and closer to Jesus.

Apply now.

Contact DonorWerx today and let us give you the necessary tools and help build a plan to take your church to new heights.