Home Pastors Pastor Blogs Seven Reasons People Aren't Giving to Your Church

Seven Reasons People Aren't Giving to Your Church

Yesterday, I shared six reasons why people aren’t visiting your church.  Today, let’s talk about why people don’t give to your church.

  • You don’t have a compelling vision. If you have a budget problem, you probably have a vision problem.  Keeping the light bill paid or buying a new copier isn’t all that exciting.  People want to be a part of something meaningful and important.
  • You don’t teach people to give. One money sermon a year isn’t going to cut it – you’ve got to teach people what the Bible says about money all throughout the year.  Don’t be afraid to lead people in their faith, families OR finances.  Yes, some people will get mad and leave the church when you preach on money.  But those people are probably stingy Christians who don’t give anyway.
  • You don’t give them opportunities to give. Maybe you rush through the offering time and don’t give people a chance to get ready.  Maybe you’re not set up to receive online contributions.  And what about people who want to give but don’t have a cash or check with them at the service?  It’s pretty simple, but if you want people to give, then make sure you’re making it simple.
  • You don’t make it meaningful. You spend a ton of time writing your sermon.  The band rehearses every song.  So why do you rush through the time of giving or tack it on to the end of the service?  Get intentional with the giving part of your church service and make it meaningful.  Come up with some creative ways to use stats, Scripture or stories to connect the dots for people.
  • You don’t appreciate it when they do give. When someone gives to your church for the first time, that’s a huge deal and it needs to be celebrated.  Jesus said our money and heart were connected, so giving is a spiritual issue.  Pastor people and appreciate them.  Don’t let “your reward is in heaven” be an excuse.  This is why I recommend that churches send quarterly contribution statements instead of the annual one required by the IRS – take four opportunities a year to appreciate people, share vision, and let people know how they are doing.
  • You’ve always got a crisis. If you’ve always got an immediate financial need or a crisis that calls for people to step up, that’s a deeper problem.  Poor management leads to a lack of trust.   Sharing an unexpected need is okay, but if you’re doing that several times a year, it’s time to get your house in order.
  • They don’t see the fruit. People don’t want to throw money at a black hole – they want to see their contributions make a difference.  Tell stories of life change and let people see how their giving matters.

Do you agree?  What would you add to the list?