Gratitude That Grows: Helping Church Leaders Nurture Generosity as a Path to Discipleship

It can take a new person in your church up to one year to make their first financial gift—and research shows that many (65%) first-time givers never give again.

At Horizons Stewardship, we believe it doesn’t have to be this way. We’re helping churches rewrite this story with what we call the spiritual foundation of generosity: gratitude.

While the data reveals the challenges, our decades of ministry experience point to a more profound truth: people give where they sense God is at work and where they feel seen, valued, and spiritually nurtured. When gratitude becomes part of your church's culture, giving becomes an expression of faith. Donors don’t just give again—they grow again. They share their joy, deepen their commitment, and take the next faithful step in following Jesus.

Gratitude Is God’s Idea

Gratitude is woven into the story of God’s people from the very beginning. It’s more than good manners or a positive attitude—it’s a posture of faith.

Abraham built altars of thanksgiving long before he saw God’s promises fulfilled. Ruth embodied gratitude in her loyalty and faithfulness, trusting God’s provision even in loss and uncertainty. Paul, writing from a prison cell, urged believers to “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts… and always be thankful” (Colossians 3:15). And Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, lifted the bread, gave thanks, and offered Himself for the life of the world.

Gratitude is not a seasonal sentiment; it’s a spiritual discipline rooted in trust. It’s how we acknowledge that every good thing comes from God and how we respond to God’s grace with open hands and open hearts.

When church leaders embody gratitude, they mirror the heart of God. Gratitude draws people closer to Christ, deepens community, and releases generosity as a natural act of discipleship.

Why Appreciation Matters More Than Ever

The giving landscape has shifted. Nonprofits are outperforming churches in engagement by:

• Sharing compelling stories of impact.
• Building authentic relationships.
• Offering clear, measurable outcomes.
• Responding with appreciation quickly and personally to gifts.

These practices shape the heart. The church can embrace them as well—nurturing spiritual growth by encouraging people along their generosity journey. Offering thanks for the ways God is working through people to transform the world is one of the most powerful ways to deepen impact.

The Power of a “Thank You” Strategy

Gratitude doesn’t just happen; it grows when it’s practiced with intention. When churches create a consistent system for expressing gratitude, it becomes part of the culture. Over time, intentional appreciation becomes a catalyst for deeper engagement and sustained generosity. A thoughtful gratitude rhythm affirms the value of each giver, strengthens relational trust, and reminds everyone that their generosity is a holy response to God’s work in the world.

The most effective gratitude practices are:

• Personal: Expressions of thanks that recognize the giver as a beloved person of God, honoring both the person and their faithfulness.
• Timely: Shared soon after the gift is given, when gratitude can most naturally deepen connection and joy.
• Consistent: Practiced as a rhythm of community life, not just reserved for milestones or campaigns—because gratitude is a habit of the heart.
• Heartfelt: Offered with sincerity and without agenda, reflecting the love of Christ rather than the pursuit of another gift.

When gratitude is built into the culture, generosity becomes contagious. Engagement grows, community deepens, and discipleship flourishes.

Five Steps to Build a Culture of Gratitude

1. Acknowledge Gifts Timely and Creatively: Send thank-you notes within 48 hours. Use multiple formats—calls, texts, videos, handwritten notes. Personalize every message. Avoid gimmicks and indirect asks. Just say thank you.
2. Celebrate Milestones: Recognize first-time gifts, recurring giving, birthdays, and service anniversaries. Whether public or private, milestone celebrations deepen emotional connection and trust.
3. Tell Stories of Impact: Jesus told stories. So should we. Share how generosity changes lives—through baptisms, recovery, friendships, and spiritual growth. Connect giving to transformation.
4. Develop a Year-Round Gratitude Plan: Gratitude isn’t a one-time event. Create a calendar of appreciation activities—picnics, luncheons, video updates, birthday cards. Engage givers consistently across seasons.
5. Take Your Next Steps: Build a team of grateful leaders. Integrate gratitude into every level of church life. Make appreciation part of your funding strategy and discipleship pathway.

Gratitude Builds Discipleship

When people give, they’re not just supporting ministry—they’re joining God’s work. Gratitude helps them see that. It affirms their spiritual growth and invites deeper engagement.

Churches that cultivate gratitude don’t just raise more money; they raise up more disciples. And that’s the ultimate goal.

So, what’s your next step? Start with a thank-you note. Then build a culture where appreciation flows freely, and generosity becomes contagious.