How to Give Money to Your Church: Finding Joy and Blessing in Generosity

Giving to your local church is more than just a fulfillment of a principle from the Bible; it's an act of faith that can bring greater contentment, joy, and blessing than you ever thought possible.

While the concept of giving is as old as the Christian Church itself, new giving methods have made it easier and more convenient than ever to tithe, make an offering, or pledge to a fundraising campaign.

In the following article, we’ll look at different ways to give to your church–making this spiritual discipline and act of worship a practical habit you can incorporate into your everyday life.

Why to Give to the Church

Giving is Rooted in Scripture

Why do we give to the local church?

First, the Bible tells us to do so.

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. - Malachi 3:10

A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD. - Leviticus 27:30

Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year. Eat the tithe of your grain, new wine and olive oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks in the presence of the LORD your God at the place he will choose as a dwelling for his Name, so that you may learn to revere the LORD your God always. - Deuteronomy 14:22-23

But it’s not just the Old Testament that encourages us to be generous; the New Testament also affirms the practice of giving.

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. - 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” - Acts 20:35

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.- Luke 6:38

From a spiritual perspective, giving is an expression of faith and a demonstration of trust in God's provision.

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Giving is Rooted in Science

What’s amazing is that scientific studies also affirm the benefits of giving. Research shows that charitable acts, including donating to religious nonprofits (like the Church), can boost happiness, reduce stress, and even improve physical health. For example, a study published by the Association for Psychological Science showed that the choice to help others with a financial gift (rather than buying yourself something) leads to lasting happiness.

Ultimately, giving out of your monthly income doesn’t just help meet church needs; it blesses you with greater well-being!

Ways to Give to a Church

Alright, we know that giving to the church is both an act of Biblical stewardship and a practice that can bring greater well-being and satisfaction. But how can you make it simple to give outside of passing the offering plate? Too often, even well-intentioned church members forget to donate out of their monthly or weekly income...or it becomes an administrative task that loses its joy and purpose.

The solution? Ways of giving to the church that are easy and convenient. When you take the headache out of donations, you can get back to the heart of generosity–giving for the sake of God!

Let’s look at a few giving options that make generosity simple and smooth for church members (P.S. - These also make life easier for church leaders!)

6 Ways to Donate to the Church

While there might be many different ways to give to the church, we’ve narrowed down the list to six methods that can still work for Christians in the 21st century.

1. Credit Card or Debit Card Giving: Many churches now accept donations with a credit card or debit card, either through their website or via a card reader at the church. This makes giving at the church as simple as buying something online...but so much more meaningful!
2. Text Message Donations: 85% of Americans own a smartphone, not to mention the fact that there are over 6 billion smartphones in the world. Bottom line? People love to do stuff on their phones, and now, some churches make giving as easy as sending a text message. This method is quick and can be done anytime, anywhere.
3. Automated Giving: Automated, recurring donations through your bank account or the church's website ensure consistent support for your church and simplify the process of making online donations!
4. Church Giving Apps: Several apps are designed specifically for church giving. These apps often offer features like donation tracking, designated giving, and event registrations.
5. Cash or Check: Traditional methods of giving, such as offering cash or checks during services, remain a meaningful way to give. This method can be particularly satisfying for those who appreciate the physical act of giving.
6. Gifts in Kind: Some churches welcome non-monetary donations, such as property, stocks, or other assets. Called gifts in kind, these types of gifts can have tax benefits for the donor while significantly helping the church!

What to Look for in an Online Giving Platform

Online giving is the easiest and best way to be generous to your church for the long term (and many platforms still accept cash and check scanning!)

When choosing an online giving platform for donating to the church, consider the following factors:

• Security: Ensure the platform uses secure encryption methods to protect your financial information.
• Ease of Use: The platform should be user-friendly, allowing for quick and hassle-free donations.
• Transaction Fees: Be aware of any fees charged by the platform and how they might affect the amount your church actually receives.
• Record-Keeping: Good platforms will provide detailed receipts and allow you to track your giving history.
• Customer Support: Reliable customer service is crucial in case you encounter any issues with your donations.

Give to Your Local Church with Tithely

It’s never been easier to support your church and experience the joy and blessings that come with generosity. Whether you choose to give online, via text, or in person, each contribution makes a meaningful difference in the life of your church community.

Tithely is a free online giving platform that makes church donations easy and convenient. With Tithely, you can give with credit or debit card; bank withdrawals; cash or check scanning; or even cryptocurrency. Plus, Tithely offers a free app and text-to-give options that make giving intuitive for donors and trackable for church leaders.