Why People Give to Churches: Understanding How Generosity Fuels Community and Mission
Have you ever wondered how churches pay for everything—from Sunday worship to global missions? Discover why people give, where that money goes, and how modern technology is making generosity easier than ever.
Have you ever wondered how churches...work?
How do churches pay for the expenses associated with their various ministries? How do they host vacation Bible schools, recovery groups, and community outreach events? How do they raise funds to support missionaries and donate to important causes?
The answer is simple: people give to churches.
Churches are funded by the generosity of their people. Church payments and donations are the fuel that keeps the engine of the church running hot.
But why exactly do people give to churches? And how are those church payments used?
If you haven't grown up in a church environment, these questions may seem confusing. In this article, we'll examine why people give to churches and how those gifts are used.
What Does Giving Look Like In A Church?
Giving in a church is usually financial. People give a portion of their income to the church to honor God and support the church's mission. They often see giving as a spiritual discipline and give to their church regularly, like weekly or monthly. This giving is voluntary and is not required as part of membership in the church.
In addition to giving financially, many people also give from their time, talent, and resources. For example, a person might volunteer at their church or play an instrument in the church's worship team. Others might use their event planning or marketing skills to help with church events and outreach programs.
Why People Give: More Than Just A Donation
For most Christians, giving to their church is more than just a token donation. People give out of a sense of gratitude to God for all He has given them. They donate generously because God has been so generous to them.
In the Bible, it says:
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. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:6-8)
Christians give to the church because God has promised in the Bible to reward those who are generous givers.
Another reason Christians give is that they believe in the mission of the church. Many churches are deeply involved in helping the local and global community. This can include providing food and shelter for the homeless, supporting education and healthcare initiatives, and spreading the message of God's love to those who have not yet heard it. By giving to the church, Christians can contribute to these important missions.
One more reason people give is to invest in their communities. Donating lets people be part of something bigger and see real results in their local neighborhoods. Whether supporting a pregnancy center, helping revitalize a struggling area, or even sponsoring a local sports team, giving to the church allows individuals to make an impact right where they live.
What Church Giving Supports
We've touched on this already, but it may be helpful to spell out in more detail what church payments are often used for. Here are a few categories to think of:
Local Outreach and Community Support
As mentioned, church giving often goes toward projects that help local communities. This could mean food drives for the less fortunate, prison ministries, after-school programs, disaster relief efforts, young mother support programs, and much more. By donating, church members are helping fund these important initiatives that make a difference in people's lives.
Church Operations
Churches have various operational costs, just like any organization. The staff, including all the pastors, admin, maintenance, and support personnel, need to be paid. Utilities need to be paid. Office supplies, laptops, and Bibles need to be purchased. Giant inflatable castles need to be rented for community outreach events. These costs are usually covered by the church's giving from its members.
Plus, all the different ministries have costs associated with them. Snacks are needed for the children's ministry. Amplifier cables are necessary to power speakers and instruments. Even things like the sacraments need to be purchased from somewhere. Everything that happens in a church comes with a cost, and the donations Christians give help cover all these costs.
Missions and Global Outreach
Many churches also use a portion of their giving to support missionary work and global outreach programs. They send teams to help build houses in impoverished communities, provide medical aid or education in developing countries, or support long-term missionaries who spread the word of God in different parts of the world.
Local church members can make a global impact through their church giving. By supporting these missions and outreach programs, they can share God's love with those who may have never heard about Him before.
Next Generation
Many churches have programs geared specifically toward impacting youth. There are youth conferences and weekly Bible studies designed to cultivate a strong faith foundation in young people. Youth groups go on mission trips to underserved parts of the world to build houses or dig wells.
The point is that operating a church costs quite a bit of money. Without giving from members, it would be difficult for a church to function effectively.
Is There a Set Amount People Give to Their Church?
The Bible doesn't speak to a specific amount that Christians must give to their local churches. As we've noted above, God calls people to give generously from whatever they have. God cares more about our hearts than the exact amount we give to our churches.
Some people use 10% (called a "tithe" [link to newly written piece about tithing]) as a guideline for giving, based on Old Testament giving practices. While there's nothing wrong with giving 10%, Christians aren't bound by this amount and are free to give more or less as they feel led by God.
The important thing is to give cheerfully and sacrificially, recognizing that our giving ultimately goes towards furthering God's Kingdom.
Giving as a Spiritual Practice
For most Christians, giving is more than just a transaction. It's an act of worship and devotion to God. When Christians give to their churches, they are saying “thank you” to God for all the abundant blessings He has provided.
In his book Money, Possessions, and Eternity, Randy Alcorn says the following:
God comes right out and tells us why he gives us more money than we need. It's not so we can find more ways to spend it. It's not so we can indulge ourselves and spoil our children. It's not so we can insulate ourselves from needing God's provision. It's so we can give and give generously (2 Corinthians 8:14; 9:11)
Christians give because God has given to them. God has poured out blessings upon blessings, and giving to the church is one way to acknowledge that all of our possessions come from God.
Giving is also an act of faith and trust in God. By giving away what we've been blessed with, we show that we believe in God's provision and his promise to care for us (Proverbs 3:9-10). It's a way to demonstrate our reliance on him, not just on our abilities.
Furthermore, giving allows us to bless others and participate in God's work of providing for those in need (Deuteronomy 15:11; 1 Timothy 6:18). We are called to be generous and use our resources to help those less fortunate. In doing so, we reflect the character of God, who is generous and compassionate towards all.
How Modern Churches Make Giving Easier
In decades past, churches collected donations in an old-fashioned way: passing a basket from person to person. Thankfully, church payments have become much more convenient for members in recent years. Here are a few ways churches have implemented giving technology:
Online Giving
Most now offer online giving options on their websites. Members and visitors can easily donate using credit or debit cards, PayPal, or other electronic payment methods. This makes it more convenient for people to give and allows them to set up recurring donations so they can consistently support the church's work.
Text Giving
Many churches have also started offering text-to-give options. With this method, people can simply text a designated number with the amount they want to donate, and their donation will be processed. Text-to-give is super convenient for church members and allows for quick and easy donations during church services or events.
Mobile Apps
Some churches have even developed their own mobile church giving apps. These apps make it easy for members to give while on the go and provide additional features such as event registration, sermon notes, and prayer requests. Having a dedicated app can also create a sense of community among church members and keep them engaged with the church beyond just Sunday services.
Giving Kiosks
In addition to online and mobile giving, some churches have also started using kiosks as another way for members to give. These kiosks are usually located in high-traffic areas of the church, such as the lobby or welcome center, and allow members to donate through a touch-screen interface. Kiosks can be particularly useful for those who may not feel comfortable giving through their phone or computer.
Tithely: An All-In-One Giving Solution
Speaking of modern church payment solutions, Tithely is an all-in-one giving solution that thousands of churches use to accept donations from their members every week.
Tithely offers six different ways for people to give to their church:
- Online giving
- Text giving
- Free church giving app
- Admin gift entry
- Kiosk giving
- Check scanning
These online giving tools make it easy for people to give, no matter where they are or what time it is. This is especially important to younger generations like Millennials and Gen Z, who do almost everything from their smartphones. Tithely makes giving as simple as sending a text message, which billions of people do daily.
Conclusion: The Power of Generosity
Churches simply couldn't function without the generosity of their members. Their open-handed generosity makes it possible for churches to support their communities, provide youth ministries, spread the gospel, and do many other things.
If you're wondering whether you should give to your local church, consider this scripture from Proverbs 3:9-10: "Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine."
Giving to the church supports its mission and brings blessings into your life. It's a way to show gratitude for all God has provided and participate in His work on earth.
Give generously. You won't regret it.
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Stephen Altrogge lives in Tallahassee, Florida. He is a dad to three wonderful girls and has written for publications like The Gospel Coalition, Church Leaders, Crosswalk, and many more. When he’s not writing, you’ll find him reading or watching The Lord Of the Rings for the 10th time.
Have you ever wondered how churches...work?
How do churches pay for the expenses associated with their various ministries? How do they host vacation Bible schools, recovery groups, and community outreach events? How do they raise funds to support missionaries and donate to important causes?
The answer is simple: people give to churches.
Churches are funded by the generosity of their people. Church payments and donations are the fuel that keeps the engine of the church running hot.
But why exactly do people give to churches? And how are those church payments used?
If you haven't grown up in a church environment, these questions may seem confusing. In this article, we'll examine why people give to churches and how those gifts are used.
What Does Giving Look Like In A Church?
Giving in a church is usually financial. People give a portion of their income to the church to honor God and support the church's mission. They often see giving as a spiritual discipline and give to their church regularly, like weekly or monthly. This giving is voluntary and is not required as part of membership in the church.
In addition to giving financially, many people also give from their time, talent, and resources. For example, a person might volunteer at their church or play an instrument in the church's worship team. Others might use their event planning or marketing skills to help with church events and outreach programs.
Why People Give: More Than Just A Donation
For most Christians, giving to their church is more than just a token donation. People give out of a sense of gratitude to God for all He has given them. They donate generously because God has been so generous to them.
In the Bible, it says:
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. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:6-8)
Christians give to the church because God has promised in the Bible to reward those who are generous givers.
Another reason Christians give is that they believe in the mission of the church. Many churches are deeply involved in helping the local and global community. This can include providing food and shelter for the homeless, supporting education and healthcare initiatives, and spreading the message of God's love to those who have not yet heard it. By giving to the church, Christians can contribute to these important missions.
One more reason people give is to invest in their communities. Donating lets people be part of something bigger and see real results in their local neighborhoods. Whether supporting a pregnancy center, helping revitalize a struggling area, or even sponsoring a local sports team, giving to the church allows individuals to make an impact right where they live.
What Church Giving Supports
We've touched on this already, but it may be helpful to spell out in more detail what church payments are often used for. Here are a few categories to think of:
Local Outreach and Community Support
As mentioned, church giving often goes toward projects that help local communities. This could mean food drives for the less fortunate, prison ministries, after-school programs, disaster relief efforts, young mother support programs, and much more. By donating, church members are helping fund these important initiatives that make a difference in people's lives.
Church Operations
Churches have various operational costs, just like any organization. The staff, including all the pastors, admin, maintenance, and support personnel, need to be paid. Utilities need to be paid. Office supplies, laptops, and Bibles need to be purchased. Giant inflatable castles need to be rented for community outreach events. These costs are usually covered by the church's giving from its members.
Plus, all the different ministries have costs associated with them. Snacks are needed for the children's ministry. Amplifier cables are necessary to power speakers and instruments. Even things like the sacraments need to be purchased from somewhere. Everything that happens in a church comes with a cost, and the donations Christians give help cover all these costs.
Missions and Global Outreach
Many churches also use a portion of their giving to support missionary work and global outreach programs. They send teams to help build houses in impoverished communities, provide medical aid or education in developing countries, or support long-term missionaries who spread the word of God in different parts of the world.
Local church members can make a global impact through their church giving. By supporting these missions and outreach programs, they can share God's love with those who may have never heard about Him before.
Next Generation
Many churches have programs geared specifically toward impacting youth. There are youth conferences and weekly Bible studies designed to cultivate a strong faith foundation in young people. Youth groups go on mission trips to underserved parts of the world to build houses or dig wells.
The point is that operating a church costs quite a bit of money. Without giving from members, it would be difficult for a church to function effectively.
Is There a Set Amount People Give to Their Church?
The Bible doesn't speak to a specific amount that Christians must give to their local churches. As we've noted above, God calls people to give generously from whatever they have. God cares more about our hearts than the exact amount we give to our churches.
Some people use 10% (called a "tithe" [link to newly written piece about tithing]) as a guideline for giving, based on Old Testament giving practices. While there's nothing wrong with giving 10%, Christians aren't bound by this amount and are free to give more or less as they feel led by God.
The important thing is to give cheerfully and sacrificially, recognizing that our giving ultimately goes towards furthering God's Kingdom.
Giving as a Spiritual Practice
For most Christians, giving is more than just a transaction. It's an act of worship and devotion to God. When Christians give to their churches, they are saying “thank you” to God for all the abundant blessings He has provided.
In his book Money, Possessions, and Eternity, Randy Alcorn says the following:
God comes right out and tells us why he gives us more money than we need. It's not so we can find more ways to spend it. It's not so we can indulge ourselves and spoil our children. It's not so we can insulate ourselves from needing God's provision. It's so we can give and give generously (2 Corinthians 8:14; 9:11)
Christians give because God has given to them. God has poured out blessings upon blessings, and giving to the church is one way to acknowledge that all of our possessions come from God.
Giving is also an act of faith and trust in God. By giving away what we've been blessed with, we show that we believe in God's provision and his promise to care for us (Proverbs 3:9-10). It's a way to demonstrate our reliance on him, not just on our abilities.
Furthermore, giving allows us to bless others and participate in God's work of providing for those in need (Deuteronomy 15:11; 1 Timothy 6:18). We are called to be generous and use our resources to help those less fortunate. In doing so, we reflect the character of God, who is generous and compassionate towards all.
How Modern Churches Make Giving Easier
In decades past, churches collected donations in an old-fashioned way: passing a basket from person to person. Thankfully, church payments have become much more convenient for members in recent years. Here are a few ways churches have implemented giving technology:
Online Giving
Most now offer online giving options on their websites. Members and visitors can easily donate using credit or debit cards, PayPal, or other electronic payment methods. This makes it more convenient for people to give and allows them to set up recurring donations so they can consistently support the church's work.
Text Giving
Many churches have also started offering text-to-give options. With this method, people can simply text a designated number with the amount they want to donate, and their donation will be processed. Text-to-give is super convenient for church members and allows for quick and easy donations during church services or events.
Mobile Apps
Some churches have even developed their own mobile church giving apps. These apps make it easy for members to give while on the go and provide additional features such as event registration, sermon notes, and prayer requests. Having a dedicated app can also create a sense of community among church members and keep them engaged with the church beyond just Sunday services.
Giving Kiosks
In addition to online and mobile giving, some churches have also started using kiosks as another way for members to give. These kiosks are usually located in high-traffic areas of the church, such as the lobby or welcome center, and allow members to donate through a touch-screen interface. Kiosks can be particularly useful for those who may not feel comfortable giving through their phone or computer.
Tithely: An All-In-One Giving Solution
Speaking of modern church payment solutions, Tithely is an all-in-one giving solution that thousands of churches use to accept donations from their members every week.
Tithely offers six different ways for people to give to their church:
- Online giving
- Text giving
- Free church giving app
- Admin gift entry
- Kiosk giving
- Check scanning
These online giving tools make it easy for people to give, no matter where they are or what time it is. This is especially important to younger generations like Millennials and Gen Z, who do almost everything from their smartphones. Tithely makes giving as simple as sending a text message, which billions of people do daily.
Conclusion: The Power of Generosity
Churches simply couldn't function without the generosity of their members. Their open-handed generosity makes it possible for churches to support their communities, provide youth ministries, spread the gospel, and do many other things.
If you're wondering whether you should give to your local church, consider this scripture from Proverbs 3:9-10: "Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine."
Giving to the church supports its mission and brings blessings into your life. It's a way to show gratitude for all God has provided and participate in His work on earth.
Give generously. You won't regret it.
podcast transcript
Stephen Altrogge lives in Tallahassee, Florida. He is a dad to three wonderful girls and has written for publications like The Gospel Coalition, Church Leaders, Crosswalk, and many more. When he’s not writing, you’ll find him reading or watching The Lord Of the Rings for the 10th time.
Have you ever wondered how churches...work?
How do churches pay for the expenses associated with their various ministries? How do they host vacation Bible schools, recovery groups, and community outreach events? How do they raise funds to support missionaries and donate to important causes?
The answer is simple: people give to churches.
Churches are funded by the generosity of their people. Church payments and donations are the fuel that keeps the engine of the church running hot.
But why exactly do people give to churches? And how are those church payments used?
If you haven't grown up in a church environment, these questions may seem confusing. In this article, we'll examine why people give to churches and how those gifts are used.
What Does Giving Look Like In A Church?
Giving in a church is usually financial. People give a portion of their income to the church to honor God and support the church's mission. They often see giving as a spiritual discipline and give to their church regularly, like weekly or monthly. This giving is voluntary and is not required as part of membership in the church.
In addition to giving financially, many people also give from their time, talent, and resources. For example, a person might volunteer at their church or play an instrument in the church's worship team. Others might use their event planning or marketing skills to help with church events and outreach programs.
Why People Give: More Than Just A Donation
For most Christians, giving to their church is more than just a token donation. People give out of a sense of gratitude to God for all He has given them. They donate generously because God has been so generous to them.
In the Bible, it says:
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. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:6-8)
Christians give to the church because God has promised in the Bible to reward those who are generous givers.
Another reason Christians give is that they believe in the mission of the church. Many churches are deeply involved in helping the local and global community. This can include providing food and shelter for the homeless, supporting education and healthcare initiatives, and spreading the message of God's love to those who have not yet heard it. By giving to the church, Christians can contribute to these important missions.
One more reason people give is to invest in their communities. Donating lets people be part of something bigger and see real results in their local neighborhoods. Whether supporting a pregnancy center, helping revitalize a struggling area, or even sponsoring a local sports team, giving to the church allows individuals to make an impact right where they live.
What Church Giving Supports
We've touched on this already, but it may be helpful to spell out in more detail what church payments are often used for. Here are a few categories to think of:
Local Outreach and Community Support
As mentioned, church giving often goes toward projects that help local communities. This could mean food drives for the less fortunate, prison ministries, after-school programs, disaster relief efforts, young mother support programs, and much more. By donating, church members are helping fund these important initiatives that make a difference in people's lives.
Church Operations
Churches have various operational costs, just like any organization. The staff, including all the pastors, admin, maintenance, and support personnel, need to be paid. Utilities need to be paid. Office supplies, laptops, and Bibles need to be purchased. Giant inflatable castles need to be rented for community outreach events. These costs are usually covered by the church's giving from its members.
Plus, all the different ministries have costs associated with them. Snacks are needed for the children's ministry. Amplifier cables are necessary to power speakers and instruments. Even things like the sacraments need to be purchased from somewhere. Everything that happens in a church comes with a cost, and the donations Christians give help cover all these costs.
Missions and Global Outreach
Many churches also use a portion of their giving to support missionary work and global outreach programs. They send teams to help build houses in impoverished communities, provide medical aid or education in developing countries, or support long-term missionaries who spread the word of God in different parts of the world.
Local church members can make a global impact through their church giving. By supporting these missions and outreach programs, they can share God's love with those who may have never heard about Him before.
Next Generation
Many churches have programs geared specifically toward impacting youth. There are youth conferences and weekly Bible studies designed to cultivate a strong faith foundation in young people. Youth groups go on mission trips to underserved parts of the world to build houses or dig wells.
The point is that operating a church costs quite a bit of money. Without giving from members, it would be difficult for a church to function effectively.
Is There a Set Amount People Give to Their Church?
The Bible doesn't speak to a specific amount that Christians must give to their local churches. As we've noted above, God calls people to give generously from whatever they have. God cares more about our hearts than the exact amount we give to our churches.
Some people use 10% (called a "tithe" [link to newly written piece about tithing]) as a guideline for giving, based on Old Testament giving practices. While there's nothing wrong with giving 10%, Christians aren't bound by this amount and are free to give more or less as they feel led by God.
The important thing is to give cheerfully and sacrificially, recognizing that our giving ultimately goes towards furthering God's Kingdom.
Giving as a Spiritual Practice
For most Christians, giving is more than just a transaction. It's an act of worship and devotion to God. When Christians give to their churches, they are saying “thank you” to God for all the abundant blessings He has provided.
In his book Money, Possessions, and Eternity, Randy Alcorn says the following:
God comes right out and tells us why he gives us more money than we need. It's not so we can find more ways to spend it. It's not so we can indulge ourselves and spoil our children. It's not so we can insulate ourselves from needing God's provision. It's so we can give and give generously (2 Corinthians 8:14; 9:11)
Christians give because God has given to them. God has poured out blessings upon blessings, and giving to the church is one way to acknowledge that all of our possessions come from God.
Giving is also an act of faith and trust in God. By giving away what we've been blessed with, we show that we believe in God's provision and his promise to care for us (Proverbs 3:9-10). It's a way to demonstrate our reliance on him, not just on our abilities.
Furthermore, giving allows us to bless others and participate in God's work of providing for those in need (Deuteronomy 15:11; 1 Timothy 6:18). We are called to be generous and use our resources to help those less fortunate. In doing so, we reflect the character of God, who is generous and compassionate towards all.
How Modern Churches Make Giving Easier
In decades past, churches collected donations in an old-fashioned way: passing a basket from person to person. Thankfully, church payments have become much more convenient for members in recent years. Here are a few ways churches have implemented giving technology:
Online Giving
Most now offer online giving options on their websites. Members and visitors can easily donate using credit or debit cards, PayPal, or other electronic payment methods. This makes it more convenient for people to give and allows them to set up recurring donations so they can consistently support the church's work.
Text Giving
Many churches have also started offering text-to-give options. With this method, people can simply text a designated number with the amount they want to donate, and their donation will be processed. Text-to-give is super convenient for church members and allows for quick and easy donations during church services or events.
Mobile Apps
Some churches have even developed their own mobile church giving apps. These apps make it easy for members to give while on the go and provide additional features such as event registration, sermon notes, and prayer requests. Having a dedicated app can also create a sense of community among church members and keep them engaged with the church beyond just Sunday services.
Giving Kiosks
In addition to online and mobile giving, some churches have also started using kiosks as another way for members to give. These kiosks are usually located in high-traffic areas of the church, such as the lobby or welcome center, and allow members to donate through a touch-screen interface. Kiosks can be particularly useful for those who may not feel comfortable giving through their phone or computer.
Tithely: An All-In-One Giving Solution
Speaking of modern church payment solutions, Tithely is an all-in-one giving solution that thousands of churches use to accept donations from their members every week.
Tithely offers six different ways for people to give to their church:
- Online giving
- Text giving
- Free church giving app
- Admin gift entry
- Kiosk giving
- Check scanning
These online giving tools make it easy for people to give, no matter where they are or what time it is. This is especially important to younger generations like Millennials and Gen Z, who do almost everything from their smartphones. Tithely makes giving as simple as sending a text message, which billions of people do daily.
Conclusion: The Power of Generosity
Churches simply couldn't function without the generosity of their members. Their open-handed generosity makes it possible for churches to support their communities, provide youth ministries, spread the gospel, and do many other things.
If you're wondering whether you should give to your local church, consider this scripture from Proverbs 3:9-10: "Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine."
Giving to the church supports its mission and brings blessings into your life. It's a way to show gratitude for all God has provided and participate in His work on earth.
Give generously. You won't regret it.
VIDEO transcript
Have you ever wondered how churches...work?
How do churches pay for the expenses associated with their various ministries? How do they host vacation Bible schools, recovery groups, and community outreach events? How do they raise funds to support missionaries and donate to important causes?
The answer is simple: people give to churches.
Churches are funded by the generosity of their people. Church payments and donations are the fuel that keeps the engine of the church running hot.
But why exactly do people give to churches? And how are those church payments used?
If you haven't grown up in a church environment, these questions may seem confusing. In this article, we'll examine why people give to churches and how those gifts are used.
What Does Giving Look Like In A Church?
Giving in a church is usually financial. People give a portion of their income to the church to honor God and support the church's mission. They often see giving as a spiritual discipline and give to their church regularly, like weekly or monthly. This giving is voluntary and is not required as part of membership in the church.
In addition to giving financially, many people also give from their time, talent, and resources. For example, a person might volunteer at their church or play an instrument in the church's worship team. Others might use their event planning or marketing skills to help with church events and outreach programs.
Why People Give: More Than Just A Donation
For most Christians, giving to their church is more than just a token donation. People give out of a sense of gratitude to God for all He has given them. They donate generously because God has been so generous to them.
In the Bible, it says:
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. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:6-8)
Christians give to the church because God has promised in the Bible to reward those who are generous givers.
Another reason Christians give is that they believe in the mission of the church. Many churches are deeply involved in helping the local and global community. This can include providing food and shelter for the homeless, supporting education and healthcare initiatives, and spreading the message of God's love to those who have not yet heard it. By giving to the church, Christians can contribute to these important missions.
One more reason people give is to invest in their communities. Donating lets people be part of something bigger and see real results in their local neighborhoods. Whether supporting a pregnancy center, helping revitalize a struggling area, or even sponsoring a local sports team, giving to the church allows individuals to make an impact right where they live.
What Church Giving Supports
We've touched on this already, but it may be helpful to spell out in more detail what church payments are often used for. Here are a few categories to think of:
Local Outreach and Community Support
As mentioned, church giving often goes toward projects that help local communities. This could mean food drives for the less fortunate, prison ministries, after-school programs, disaster relief efforts, young mother support programs, and much more. By donating, church members are helping fund these important initiatives that make a difference in people's lives.
Church Operations
Churches have various operational costs, just like any organization. The staff, including all the pastors, admin, maintenance, and support personnel, need to be paid. Utilities need to be paid. Office supplies, laptops, and Bibles need to be purchased. Giant inflatable castles need to be rented for community outreach events. These costs are usually covered by the church's giving from its members.
Plus, all the different ministries have costs associated with them. Snacks are needed for the children's ministry. Amplifier cables are necessary to power speakers and instruments. Even things like the sacraments need to be purchased from somewhere. Everything that happens in a church comes with a cost, and the donations Christians give help cover all these costs.
Missions and Global Outreach
Many churches also use a portion of their giving to support missionary work and global outreach programs. They send teams to help build houses in impoverished communities, provide medical aid or education in developing countries, or support long-term missionaries who spread the word of God in different parts of the world.
Local church members can make a global impact through their church giving. By supporting these missions and outreach programs, they can share God's love with those who may have never heard about Him before.
Next Generation
Many churches have programs geared specifically toward impacting youth. There are youth conferences and weekly Bible studies designed to cultivate a strong faith foundation in young people. Youth groups go on mission trips to underserved parts of the world to build houses or dig wells.
The point is that operating a church costs quite a bit of money. Without giving from members, it would be difficult for a church to function effectively.
Is There a Set Amount People Give to Their Church?
The Bible doesn't speak to a specific amount that Christians must give to their local churches. As we've noted above, God calls people to give generously from whatever they have. God cares more about our hearts than the exact amount we give to our churches.
Some people use 10% (called a "tithe" [link to newly written piece about tithing]) as a guideline for giving, based on Old Testament giving practices. While there's nothing wrong with giving 10%, Christians aren't bound by this amount and are free to give more or less as they feel led by God.
The important thing is to give cheerfully and sacrificially, recognizing that our giving ultimately goes towards furthering God's Kingdom.
Giving as a Spiritual Practice
For most Christians, giving is more than just a transaction. It's an act of worship and devotion to God. When Christians give to their churches, they are saying “thank you” to God for all the abundant blessings He has provided.
In his book Money, Possessions, and Eternity, Randy Alcorn says the following:
God comes right out and tells us why he gives us more money than we need. It's not so we can find more ways to spend it. It's not so we can indulge ourselves and spoil our children. It's not so we can insulate ourselves from needing God's provision. It's so we can give and give generously (2 Corinthians 8:14; 9:11)
Christians give because God has given to them. God has poured out blessings upon blessings, and giving to the church is one way to acknowledge that all of our possessions come from God.
Giving is also an act of faith and trust in God. By giving away what we've been blessed with, we show that we believe in God's provision and his promise to care for us (Proverbs 3:9-10). It's a way to demonstrate our reliance on him, not just on our abilities.
Furthermore, giving allows us to bless others and participate in God's work of providing for those in need (Deuteronomy 15:11; 1 Timothy 6:18). We are called to be generous and use our resources to help those less fortunate. In doing so, we reflect the character of God, who is generous and compassionate towards all.
How Modern Churches Make Giving Easier
In decades past, churches collected donations in an old-fashioned way: passing a basket from person to person. Thankfully, church payments have become much more convenient for members in recent years. Here are a few ways churches have implemented giving technology:
Online Giving
Most now offer online giving options on their websites. Members and visitors can easily donate using credit or debit cards, PayPal, or other electronic payment methods. This makes it more convenient for people to give and allows them to set up recurring donations so they can consistently support the church's work.
Text Giving
Many churches have also started offering text-to-give options. With this method, people can simply text a designated number with the amount they want to donate, and their donation will be processed. Text-to-give is super convenient for church members and allows for quick and easy donations during church services or events.
Mobile Apps
Some churches have even developed their own mobile church giving apps. These apps make it easy for members to give while on the go and provide additional features such as event registration, sermon notes, and prayer requests. Having a dedicated app can also create a sense of community among church members and keep them engaged with the church beyond just Sunday services.
Giving Kiosks
In addition to online and mobile giving, some churches have also started using kiosks as another way for members to give. These kiosks are usually located in high-traffic areas of the church, such as the lobby or welcome center, and allow members to donate through a touch-screen interface. Kiosks can be particularly useful for those who may not feel comfortable giving through their phone or computer.
Tithely: An All-In-One Giving Solution
Speaking of modern church payment solutions, Tithely is an all-in-one giving solution that thousands of churches use to accept donations from their members every week.
Tithely offers six different ways for people to give to their church:
- Online giving
- Text giving
- Free church giving app
- Admin gift entry
- Kiosk giving
- Check scanning
These online giving tools make it easy for people to give, no matter where they are or what time it is. This is especially important to younger generations like Millennials and Gen Z, who do almost everything from their smartphones. Tithely makes giving as simple as sending a text message, which billions of people do daily.
Conclusion: The Power of Generosity
Churches simply couldn't function without the generosity of their members. Their open-handed generosity makes it possible for churches to support their communities, provide youth ministries, spread the gospel, and do many other things.
If you're wondering whether you should give to your local church, consider this scripture from Proverbs 3:9-10: "Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine."
Giving to the church supports its mission and brings blessings into your life. It's a way to show gratitude for all God has provided and participate in His work on earth.
Give generously. You won't regret it.
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Stephen Altrogge lives in Tallahassee, Florida. He is a dad to three wonderful girls and has written for publications like The Gospel Coalition, Church Leaders, Crosswalk, and many more. When he’s not writing, you’ll find him reading or watching The Lord Of the Rings for the 10th time.
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