Knowing how your congregation prefers to give is just part of the generosity equation. You also need to know where their interests lie so that you’re asking them to volunteer their time, contribute money or take part in outreach programs in ways that are meaningful to them.
That’s why we asked more than 1,000 churchgoers how they spent time away from church along with questions about their attitudes and preferences for giving. Responses to two questions in our groundbreaking survey provided great insights into the activities that churchgoers participate in and the information they consume. Together, they create a roadmap for building and promoting successful programs that will energize your members and serve your community.
| Top 5 responses for participation | Top 5 responses for online media | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 61% | Walking, jogging, running | 85% | Check personal email |
| 53% | Reading for pleasure | 72% | Browse the internet on a computer or tablet |
| 40% | Gardening | 60% | Use Facebook |
| 37% | Swimming | 58% | Send texts |
| 27% | Fishing | 42% | Browse the internet on a phone |
Build your programs
Take time to learn which activities and hobbies are popular among your church members, then use this information to build programs around their interests. If 40 percent of your congregation enjoys gardening, then creating a gardening ministry is an ideal way for your members to serve the local community by teaching gardening skills and providing a place for individuals in need to grow their own vegetables.
Spread the word
As important as deciding what programs to offer to your members and the community is deciding how you’ll promote them. Different groups prefer different types of media, but our survey results overwhelming show that your members are online and on their phones. So use all of the online channels at your disposal; don’t limit yourself to one or two.
Reach out to them with emails and texts, and promote group activities and events on your website. Since so many people use smartphones for internet access, make sure your site displays as well on mobile devices as it does on desktops and tablets.
Learn more
We’ve checked out programs that churches are offering around the top five activities from our research and generated some ideas of our own. Download 5 Activities that will Energize Your Members and Serve Your Community to learn which ones can work for your congregation and your outreach ministries.
Post A Comment