4 Questions You Must Ask When Your Church’s Giving Increases

Has your church experienced an increased in giving? Do you foresee your church’s giving increasing in the near future?

As a church leader, it’s important to prepare for an increase in giving as much as it is to prepare for a decrease in giving. An increase in giving can be a good thing. But if your church is not prepared to handle the additional financial resources, then your church can get placed in a bad financial situation.

For example, with an increased in giving, many church leaders will be tempted to add additional staff or programs before fully understanding their new financial situation. Moving too quickly in these situations can lead churches to not having enough financial resources to continue their new work.

To help you prepare for an increase in giving, here are four questions you need to ask.

#1. Is this a short- or long-term change?

What has led to an increase in giving at your church?

By keeping track of your church’s giving, you will be able to clearly identify the source of the increase.

Did your church receive a one-time gift? Has your church added new members who are giving? Do you expect the increase in giving to continue? If so, for how long?

The longevity of the increase in your giving is an important factor when it comes to making long-term adjustments.

#2. How much money does your church need to save?

It’s important for churches to maintain healthy cash reserves. Having cash reserves can help your church pay for unexpected expenses, supplement your budget during a decline in giving, and help alleviate financial pressure on church leaders.

Does your church need to save additional financial resources for reserves? If so, replenish your cash reserves now if you need to.

#3. How can we fund the work of the ministry?

How can your church use the increase in giving to fund ministry? Are there new ministry opportunities you can pursue? Is there a missionary you can help support?

As a steward of God’s resources, work with your church leadership to see how you can best use the additional financial resources to fund new ministry opportunities.

#4. Do you need to readjust next year’s budget?

The answer to this question is dependent upon the answer to the first question above.

When answering this question, it’s best to have a conservative forecast unless you have data that leads you to believe the increase in giving will continue into the future.

Your turn

Be prepared for receiving an increase in giving at your church. Not being prepared can lead you to unwisely and rashly steward the new resources you received.

Has your church experienced an increase in giving? How did your church respond? Share what you learned in the comments below!