Tithing is what keeps a church alive. All the Godly devotion and good works in the world simply cannot make up for a lack of revenue. After all, it takes money to keep the lights on. So, what can a ministry do when they realize their members are not giving? This creates a unique challenge, but in many cases, the answer can be simple.
That’s because there’s usually some fault on the part of the church itself. Everyone who doesn’t give has a reason for their decision, but it’s contingent on the ministry to overcome these hurdles. However, you must first understand these reasons. The following 10 points are the most common factors behind church members not giving.
It’s your job to change their minds.
1. Not giving due to not yet being full believers
Christians who have been raised in the faith are familiar with basic concepts such as tithing, giving, and the importance of donations to the church. However, new Christians may need to be taught these concepts. This process may take time, so don’t expect everyone to start giving immediately. They may also need time to grasp the concept. Be patient and understanding, and don’t judge anyone.
Here are some tips for teaching new Christians about tithing and giving:
- Start by explaining the biblical basis for tithing and giving.
- Help new Christians understand the importance of tithing and giving.
- Show new Christians how to tithe and give.
- Be patient and understanding.
It is important to remember that everyone’s journey is different. Some people may be more open to learning about tithing than others.
2. The right time hasn’t come
Even the smallest seeds of faith need time to grow. It may not be the right moment for your church member to give. Perhaps they are going through a difficult time, such as a transition, paying off debt, or undergoing expensive medical care. Whatever the case, hold their hands—and hearts—gently through this time.
Here are some ways to support your church members who are going through a difficult time:
- Be patient and understanding. Everyone’s journey is different, so don’t expect everyone to give at the same level or in the same way.
- Be a listening ear. Let your church members know that you are there for them if they need to talk.
- Offer practical help. This could include things like running errands, providing childcare, or helping with meals.
- Pray for them. Let your church members know that you are praying for them and their loved ones.
By offering your support, you can help your church members grow in their faith and overcome the challenges they are facing.
3. They don’t fully understand church budgets
Church members are more likely to give when they know where their money is going. One way to encourage giving is to be transparent with the budget. This means sharing the budget with church members and explaining how the money is being used.
You can do this by sharing testimonies during meetings and services, keeping people updated on projects, or even sending out thank you notes and newsletters. By being transparent with your budget, you can allay any fears church members may have about where their money is going.
This will encourage them to give more freely, knowing that their money is being used to support the work of the ministry.
4. Giving isn’t financially practical
Some church members who are willing and able to give may be hesitant to do so because of the inconvenience of traditional giving methods. For example, they may not be able to attend church in person due to a physical ailment or other personal reasons. There’s not much chance to use the offering plate in this scenario.
A church giving app or kiosk can make it easier for these members to give, even if they can’t attend in person. With these advanced giving tools, church members can make donations quickly and easily with just a few taps or clicks. This can help to encourage more people to give, which can benefit the entire congregation.
5. Members are not giving due to economic troubles
Debt is a major barrier to financial giving. It can cause stress, anxiety, and even depression. It can also make it difficult to save money or invest in the future. If you want to encourage financial giving in your church, it’s important to address the issue of debt.
One way to address debt is to offer financial management courses. These courses can teach people how to better manage their money, get out of debt, and build wealth. Financial management courses can be offered through the church or a local community organization.
Another way to address debt is to provide resources and support to those who are struggling. This could include things like:
- Debt counseling
- Financial coaching
- Access to financial education materials
- Help with budgeting and planning
- Support groups
By addressing the issue of debt, you can help people to become more financially secure. This can free up more money for financial giving, which can benefit the church and its ministries.
6. They have little trust in church leadership
Trust is essential for financial giving. People are more likely to give to your church if they trust the leadership and management. A lack of trust can lead to a lack of financial support. To inspire trust and generosity, be open and transparent.
This means sharing information about your church budget, fundraising totals, and other financial matters. It also means being honest and upfront about your church’s plans and goals.
7. They’re unsure why they should be giving
Giving is an important part of the Christian faith, but it is not something that should be forced upon new church members. You wouldn’t expect a newborn baby to eat solids right away, so you should not expect new church members to give financially on their first day. Instead, focus on teaching them the foundations of giving, such as stewardship and trust in the Lord. As they grow in their faith, they will naturally become more willing to give.
8. They don’t believe their contributions are worth making
Some people may feel like they don’t have enough to give. They may look at your congregation size (if it’s large) and think, “My gifts don’t really count!” However, God sees their motives, and judges only their heart—and so should you.
In Mark 12:41-44, Jesus tells the story of a poor widow who gave two small coins to the temple treasury. Jesus said that she had given more than all the others, because they had given out of their abundance, but she had given all she had.
This Widow’s Mite story teaches us that it is not the amount of money we give that matters, but the heart behind our giving. If we give out of love and gratitude for God’s blessings, then our gifts will be pleasing to Him.
So, don’t let folks feel discouraged if they feel like they don’t have enough to give. God sees their hearts, and He will honor their gift, no matter how small it may seem.
9. Members aren’t in charge of family finances
One spouse often has control of the family’s finances, while the other wants to give to the church. In this situation, it is important to remember that both spouses should always make financial decisions together. This is because money is a shared responsibility, and both spouses should have a say in how their funds are spent.
If one spouse wants to tithe to the church, but the other does not, it is important to have a conversation about it. The two partners should discuss their reasons for wanting or not wanting to give, and they should try to reach a compromise that works for both of them.
It is never okay for one spouse to donate money to the church without the consent or knowledge of the other. This is a violation of trust, and it can damage the relationship. The church should always encourage unity and oneness in marriages. It is more important to keep to this standard and spiritual ethics than to achieve fundraising goals.
10. They’re already giving… to someone else
Many people are willing to give to your church but may have already made other commitments. This is understandable, and it’s something that happens often. However, as they review their coming year’s budget, they may reconsider giving to your ministry instead. Let them know that their gifts and presence in your fellowship are always welcome, regardless of when they give.
Of course, there’s likely an underlying reason they chose to donate to these other organizations. Unfortunately, it’s the same reason that leads to many of the other reasons church members aren’t giving. A lack of donor engagement. DonorWerx can assist your ministry with changing this. Schedule a Discovery Call with our giving experts today to learn how you can increase revenue in your church.
