Around 54 AD, that is almost 2,000 years ago, the Apostle Paul wrote his second letter to the church in Corinth. It’s a master class in encouraging the church toward generosity. Paul used examples of others, like the less affluent people from Macedonia, who demonstrated unrestrained generosity and gave beyond their means. Paul reminds the Corinthians of God’s grace toward them and that it’s time to finish what they started. Paul shows patience, love, and grace toward the people of Corinth while urging them to live out their faith in Jesus.
Giving Is Down
Not much has changed in almost 2,000 years. Many followers of Jesus still struggle to support the church’s mission financially. A recent Infinity Concepts and Grey Matter Research survey confirms what many evangelical churches already know – giving is down. According to the study, donations among evangelicals dropped from 74% in 2021 to 61% in 2024. And the number of evangelicals who don’t give at all rose to 31%. The survey defines generosity as the “proportion of household income given away” and reveals the average donor gives 2.8% of their income to church. Per the study, the average 12-month donation totaled $2,503.
While the survey does not provide the kind of news most church financial committees or boards want to digest, there are a few things churches can do administratively and spiritually to combat the downturn in giving.
Remove Administrative Barriers
Today’s churches need to think strategically and actively work to remove barriers, allowing donors options on how to give safely and securely. Here are three administrative considerations for churches:
- Digital Giving – A recent Barna study shows that 44% of adults are digital donors. That’s huge. In today’s online world, churches must offer safe, secure, and easy ways to give digitally or risk alienating a significant segment of their congregation. There are many reputable church-centric options available that can walk the church through the process.
- Recurring Giving – This typically goes hand-in-hand with digital giving. Statistically, about 40% of church donations are through recurring gifts. Recurring gifts are donations set up by the donor to happen automatically, providing the church with a more predictable income. Even if the donor isn’t on the church campus, the church receives their donation. Another benefit is that donations are typically higher at churches that offer recurring giving.
- Insured Cash Sweep (ICS) – ICSs are an excellent strategy for churches to limit the risk of having cash over the FDIC-insured limit of $250,000 in one bank and maximize the return on their money. Where most money market accounts average a .063% return, an ICS can yield about 5%. Based on the average 12-month giving statistic of $2,503, it could be the equivalent of gaining a family.
Address the Barriers of the Heart
Once the church removes the administrative barriers to giving, it’s time to refocus on the heart of the giver. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus declared, “for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” More than administrative barriers, churches need to break down the barrier of the heart.
- Share Stories: While addressing the church in Corinth, the Apostle Paul shared the example of the generosity of the Macedonians. Sharing stories of generosity has a powerful impact on others. Give the church more than a few minutes to worship God with their offerings. Share inspirational stories of how their donations are fulfilling the church’s mission.
- Biblical Teaching: Churches should not shy away from biblical teaching on generosity and giving. Addressing the issue of generosity may include sermon series, pastoral moments, and classes.
The Apostle Paul knew the importance of accomplishing the church’s mission, so much so that he wrote a letter to the Corinthians, reminding them of their opportunity to partner in what God is doing. It’s just as true today as it was 2,000 years ago; it takes the generous financial donations of the followers of Jesus, compelled by His love, mercy, and grace, to share this good news with others. Let’s start by breaking down the administrative barriers to giving and then patiently and lovingly break down the barriers of the heart.
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