Tithes and offerings: How to encourage church members to give

Tithes and offerings stand as pillars of spiritual commitment and communal support. These contributions are akin to seeds of faith. They are sown to nurture your church and the people it serves. 

However, motivating fellow church members to contribute is not always easy. It is a challenge we all face. 

In this article, we will provide you with ways to inspire and encourage your fellow believers to contribute willingly and joyfully to your church's mission. This way, you can foster a culture of giving within your church community. 

What does the Bible say about tithes and offerings?

When it comes to tithing and giving, you may wonder, "What does the Bible say?" 

In the Old Testament, we find the concept of tithing mentioned in books like Malachi.

Here, God invites you to test Him in your giving. It is like an open invitation to see His faithfulness in action. The passage says, 

"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." 

This verse underlines the idea that when you faithfully give, God promises to bless you abundantly.

The New Testament also provides guidance on giving. In 2 Corinthians, it's written, 

"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." 

This passage emphasizes the heart behind your giving. It is not about pressure or compulsion. It is about the joy and generosity that flow from a willing heart.

Jesus himself teaches about giving when he says, 

"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." 

This verse underscores the principle of reciprocity in giving. When you give generously, you receive generously in return.

Stewardship is a vital concept woven throughout the Bible. It is all about recognizing that everything you have belongs to God, and you are entrusted with the responsibility to manage it wisely.

Why do Christians refuse to give their tithes and offerings?

To foster a culture of giving, it is essential to understand that addressing the reasons why some individuals hesitate to give is the first step. By recognizing and tackling these obstacles, churches can create an environment where generosity flourishes and contributions become acts of love and faith.

Lack of resources

When you ponder why some folks hesitate to give their tithes and offerings, you might find that a common reason is a simple one – a lack of resources. 

For many, it is not that they do not want to give. But they might feel like they cannot afford to give as much as they would like. Life's expenses, bills, and other financial responsibilities can sometimes make it seem like there is nothing left to contribute.

Church's reputation in financial matters

Another reason why some individuals hesitate to give their tithes and offerings is the reputation of the church when it comes to financial matters. 

They may have heard stories or rumors about mismanagement of funds, lack of transparency, or misuse of donations. This can create doubt and reluctance to contribute.

Lack of knowledge

The lack of teaching about giving can also be a stumbling block. Sometimes, individuals may not fully understand the biblical principles and the joy that comes from giving. 

Without proper teaching and guidance, they may not realize the spiritual significance of tithing and offerings in their faith journey.

How to encourage church members to give

Now that you are aware of the challenges and barriers to giving, it is an opportune moment to consider the array of solutions available. Here are some ways to encourage your church members to give.

Giving is not about the amount

It is important to emphasize to your fellow members that giving is a heart-driven act. It is not about the amount but the sincerity behind it. 

Remember the story of the widow's mite in the Bible? Despite having very little, she gave two small coins, and Jesus praised her for it. This story shows that your contribution, no matter how small, holds immense value in God's eyes. 

Your willingness to give from your heart is what matters most.

Connect giving to your church’s mission

Connecting giving to the church's mission can be a powerful motivator. When members see their contribution as a direct way to support the church's outreach, programs, and community projects, it takes on a deeper meaning. 

They see themselves becoming an integral part of the mission. They help to spread love, faith, and compassion to those in need. 

This connection between giving and the church's mission makes their contributions feel purposeful and impactful.

Practice transparency in your financial matters

Transparency within the church is essential in building trust and encouraging giving. As a church member, you should be able to see how your contributions are being used. 

When the church is open about its financial operations and demonstrates responsible stewardship, it helps ease any doubts or concerns. This transparency not only builds confidence. 

Furthermore, it also reinforces the sense of community, where everyone feels like they are part of something bigger and contributing to a shared vision. So reach out to your church leaders and ask them to provide a means where members can see where their contribution goes.

Encourage questions about giving

Your fellow members might have questions about giving. And that is okay. It is natural to wonder about where your money goes and how it is being used. 

If you know the answer, try to address these questions and provide them with the clarity they need. If not, encourage them to reach out to your church leaders.

Their concerns matter, and you should want them to feel confident in their decision to give. 

Create various ways for members to give their tithes and offerings

We understand that everyone has their preferred way of giving. To make it more convenient, suggest that you offer various methods of giving. 

Whether it is through traditional offering envelopes, online platforms, mobile apps, or even automated giving, strive to make the process as accessible and hassle-free as possible. Encourage leaders to offer various giving options that cater to the preferences of their members.

Offer financial support to some members

Life can bring its share of financial challenges, and the church should recognize that. If a member finds themselves facing difficulties or needs support with their financial situation, encourage them to let you and the leaders know.

Moreover, express your readiness to provide help and guidance, whether it is through financial counseling, resources, or prayer. Their well-being is important and you are part of a community that cares for one another. That said, the church and you are here to support them in various aspects of their life, including their financial journey.

Collective giving

Church members’ contributions, no matter how big or small, play a crucial role in advancing a church's mission. That said, you can encourage them to help your church achieve incredible things for God’s Kingdom. 

Each member’s generosity is a powerful force for good, and by giving from the heart, each one helps make our shared vision to reach out a reality.

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Giving to the church: How your generosity can help