This post is sponsored by Sharefaith – Online Giving For Churches. 100% Free with any Sharefaith membership.
Online tithing is nothing new. It’s been reported that 61% of people under the age of 24 never write checks and nearly 60% of those who are 66 and older give to charitable causes online. What is a growing trend is the number of churches switching to mobile giving and tithing through texting. All of these wonderful tithing solutions provide churches with an incredible platform to increase giving by making it easy for anyone to give at any time. Concerning though, is the lack of knowledge churches have of how to best implement online tithing solutions and how to steward their congregation with a shift in perspective away from traditional giving. Passing the offering plate is a physical, tangible sign that the ministry of the church is supported by the people of the church. If you take away the practice of the offering plate, you might risk a downturn in giving. The risk is certainly there, but we want to suggest some reasons and ways to help shift the mindset. Here are 8 ways to get your congregation to use online or mobile tithing.
8 Ways To Get Your Congregation To Switch To Online Giving
Have an open discussion
Whether it be with the deacons or elders or through a panel discussion at a congregational dinner, being open about any change, especially a weekly traditional one, is beneficial. It allows for feedback and the chance to present a rationale.
Demonstrate and assist
Lead your congregation to the online/mobile experience. Set up a time to help people and seed your audience with people who are equipped and knowledgeable to help. It makes a difference when you personalize it and make the online/mobile giving experience local to the questions your congregation is asking.
Maintain an offertory during the service
At some point, you may want to simply point people to give through a variety of means (pre-service messages, campus TVs, online) and choose to use the offertory time in the service differently, but I would keep this time and monitor activity and response.
Encourage recurring monthly gifts
One of the great benefits to online giving is the ability to easily establish a recurring gift every week or month so you establish a firm base for tithing and encourage others to give of their “first fruits” as Nehemiah talks about (10:37).
Other days can become giving days
It might seem obvious but it can’t be forgotten that online/mobile giving allows your congregation to give anytime, anywhere. This can be very positive for weekly e-news announcements, as well as during times of crisis.
Highlight ease and convenience
Ease and convenience don’t necessarily change the difficulty some feel toward tithing and giving, but it can help the experience to be an encouraging one and reinforce your good communication efforts to the congregation.
Set goals
We all appreciate goals and stretching ourselves, especially in a healthy community, to achieve those goals together. Online/mobile giving makes this easy to set up, monitor and report out to your congregation.
It’s ultimately about service
Online/mobile giving is ultimately about serving your congregation with a variety of ways to give. Encourage and even meet with those who have traditionally given by check and hear them out. It might be that they are older and they aren’t going to participate any other way. Don’t isolate anyone. Keep in mind that it’s about service and allowing others to serve through their financial contributions. You might end up with a handful of faithful givers who send in a check.
Christians Give Less Today per Capita Than During The Great Depression
Sharefaith Magazine published an excellent article on December 21st in relation to the shocking figures surrounding tithing in churches in the U.S. What stood out is the obvious trend away from traditional giving methods, but also the relation between those that give, and those that are in debt. The cliche, but truthful statement of sewing and reaping is a proven fact. The problem surrounding tithing seems first to be related to the mindset behind giving. Pastors still have a long road ahead in educating their congregations on the Biblical principle of giving, before expecting them to embrace new giving methods. The word “give” is used more than 1,400 times in the Bible, relating to giving praise, wealth, oneself, among others. Tithe is specifically used 29 times. Don’t forget that these opportunities and commands to give and tithe are throughout Scripture and you are providing the occasion for your congregation to participate anew in the work of God.
You can read the full article here: The Truth About Christians Tithing in the U.S.
How To Pick The Right Online Tithing, Mobile or Text Giving Provider and Resources?
The most important thing in picking a tithing resource provider is up front costs, monthly and transaction fees, as well as product ability, support and ease of implementation. It’s an added bonus when the service includes not just online tithing, but text and mobile giving and perhaps even event registration. There are various secular and ministry-based companies offering excellent solutions built around church needs that include all of these. Make sure the company you choose is PCI compliant, has a good reputation in the church community and has proven itself as a long-standing solution provider with a trusted audience.
Here’s a list of some of the top church giving solutions to get you started:
Sharefaith
Planning Center Giving
EasyTithe
PushPay
SimpleGive
Elexio
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