Any discussions involving money have a tendency to evoke emotion. This is just as true when it comes to church giving. Tithing and giving to the ministry are commanded in the Bible, but we can’t forget that these matters affect the finances of congregants. Pastor Phillip Dunn points out that — at some point — every pastor will have to ask themselves how they can tap into the emotional aspect of giving.
Put simply, that’s precisely what you need to do. Bible verses about tithing are often not enough to get donations pouring in. Unfortunately, even knowing that it’s the right thing to do doesn’t sway some people. However, it becomes easy to increase church giving when you can revolve your messaging around emotional appeals. The following guide will help you in this quest — and even show how Pastor Dunn has mastered this necessity.
Remember, Church Giving is a Discipleship Issue
Pastor Dunn says that it’s impossible to understand giving if we’re unable to understand what it means to follow Christ. When Jesus extended his invitation to people, urging them to become his followers, it had an utterly transformative effect on their entire perspective. The impact was so profound that it reshaped their fundamental outlook on life. It reshuffled their priorities, beliefs, and values.
In the context of church giving, a powerful approach to evoke a deep emotional response is to communicate the message that the act of giving aligns with the principles of being a devoted disciple of Christ. The emphasis here isn’t about mere financial contributions made to alleviate feelings of guilt. Instead, it’s about fostering a genuine connection with the teachings of Christ and embracing the ideals that accompany such discipleship.
As articulated by Dunn, the essence of this approach is not confined to a mere transactional gesture of charity. Rather, it’s an embodiment of the profound purpose bestowed upon each individual. Dunn’s insights delve further into this perspective, as he elaborates, that it’s imperative for a profound shift to occur within people’s hearts, wherein they comprehend that their existence on this earth is intertwined with a grander purpose — the purpose of effecting positive change.
This paradigm shift involves recognizing that the human journey extends beyond personal gain and self-indulgence. Instead, it’s a quest to leave an indelible mark, to contribute meaningfully to the world around us. And within this context, utilizing our resources emerges as one of the most potent avenues for realizing this ambition in tangible and impactful ways.
In a world brimming with opportunities to make a difference, the act of giving transforms from a simple monetary transaction to a deeply spiritual and philosophical endeavor.
Begin With a Vision
When we spoke with Pastor Dunn, he also reiterated the importance of casting a vision in order to increase giving. He says that the faith of individuals changes when they’re able to get a vision beyond living for themselves. Initiating a discourse on the subject of giving within his congregation is a process that invariably commences with a reverent inquiry directed towards the Divine. What does this sound like? What, O Lord, do you desire us to enact within our local community, our city, and the vast expanse of our world?
The foundational step rests upon the quest to discern the higher purpose set forth by the Divine guidance. This ethereal vision of the congregation’s role in fulfilling God’s divine must take shape. Afterward, the subsequent step is embarked upon — the summoning of individuals to partake in this noble endeavor. A dozen distinctive avenues and innumerable charitable causes could vie for the attention of potential contributors. Yet, unless a crucial synergy is established between disciplined dedication and a resolute vision, the act of generosity remains largely dormant, an untapped reservoir of potential.
Discipline and vision, these two cornerstones, interweave to infuse the act of giving with its transformative power. Like skilled artisans chiseling intricate patterns onto a canvas, discipline ensures that the impulse to contribute isn’t capricious. Rather, steadfast commitment guides this. It’s a consistent commitment, an unwavering adherence to the higher purpose. This propels the act of giving beyond momentary whims, bestowing upon it an enduring significance.
Vision, on the other hand, serves as the beacon illuminating the path toward a better future. Without this guiding light, the multiplicity of options can be bewildering, and the array of causes overwhelming. A clear vision contextualizes these choices, anchoring them within a broader narrative of change and empowerment. It bridges the gap between the abstract notion of generosity and the tangible impact it can effectuate. This brings the act of giving into sharper focus.
Move Beyond the Vision
The impact of a well-crafted vision is immeasurable. That’s because it possesses the ability to transcend boundaries and ignite transformative change. Equally potent are ingenious concepts that evoke a philanthropic spirit and foster contributions. However, it’s essential to recognize that in the absence of a targeted and strategic approach to giving, the success of any ministry remains elusive. This is the cornerstone that paves the way for sustainable growth and meaningful impact.
Embarking on a journey towards this transformative paradigm is within your grasp. Take a pivotal step by reaching out to the giving experts at DonorWerx. Our team, equipped with invaluable insights, stands ready to guide you on this trajectory of effective philanthropy. Within the span of a brief 30-minute conversation — a consultation offered to you at no cost — we are poised to unveil the strategies and methodologies that have the potential to elevate your church’s giving dynamics.
We’re so confident in our system that we feel comfortable predicting a minimum or 10% increase in giving in just six months. Why wait? Schedule a Discovery Call with our giving experts today.
