I recently took part in a Church Executive remote roundtable with leaders from two other e-Giving providers. We were asked about strategies churches can use to maximize generosity during the Christmas season, and the article was published in the magazine’s December edition.
We talked about a variety of topics – from the importance of the next two months to churches’ annual budgets to the factors that guide churchgoers in deciding when and how much to give during the holidays.
Here are some the key points I believe churches need to follow to encourage giving during the holidays and throughout the year.
Explain the ‘why’ behind giving
People like to hear how their contributions help the church fulfill its mission to serve God. Stories about people who were helped through their gifts can touch their hearts and encourage them to be more generous, especially during the holidays.Understand how your congregation wants to give
No giving method will work for every church or every member. Churches can help their members express their generosity when they offer a combination of online, mobile, kiosk and text giving options.
People want to give the same way they pay for other things, so their choice sometimes depends on what they have with them, or where they are when they're moved to contribute. And a member who has set up a recurring gift through one electronic option may find another option more convenient for a one-time gift in certain situations.
Keep the lines of communication open
Offering e-Giving is the first step in growing financial stewardship, but churches need to keep the congregation informed about their options and encourage their regular use. And, they should always express their appreciation for the gifts they receive.
Read the full article at ChurchExecutive.com
I appreciate this opportunity to share my thoughts about electronic giving, and want to thank Church Executive and reporter RaeAnn Slaybaugh for including me in the roundtable. For more tips on preparing your church and congregation for the holidays, read the full article, Maximizing Generosity During the Christmas Season, at ChurchExecutive.com.
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