You're not alone if you feel concerned about your church’s financial future. Headlines, economic downturns, and conversations about changing generational values might make it seem like the sky is falling. But is it? Or is it simply shifting? After all, how your members view faith and generosity is evolving, and with challenges come extraordinary opportunities.
The truth is, the percentage of after-tax income Americans give has hardly moved from around 2% over the past four decades, not through inflation or recessions. The same is true if you measure giving as a percent of Gross Domestic Product.
Charitable giving may stay steady, but what is changing is where people are choosing to give. And that’s where church leaders like you can make all the difference.
The question we as church leaders must ask is not, "Will members of my church give?" but "Where will they give, and how can I inspire them to give here?"
For more than 40 years, total American giving—adjusted for inflation—has remained remarkably stable. Since World War II, we’ve faced economic turbulence ranging from financial crises to bursting bubbles, yet generosity has endured. This tells us that people continue giving, regardless of the economy. They are not closing their wallets but simply opening them to causes that resonate most with their values and priorities.
Giving in the U.S. as a percentage of GDP and after-tax income has remained steady. The patterns are clear—while financial circumstances may fluctuate, Americans value contributing to something greater than themselves. What’s changed is the destination of these gifts. More than ever, causes that highlight relevance, transparency, and purpose are capturing givers' attention—and dollars.
This evolution creates an urgent call for churches. It’s time to reimagine how you inspire your congregation and encourage them to see your vision as their sacred mission.
We live in a world where causes clamor for attention. Your members are inundated with compelling calls to action whenever they check their mail, inboxes, texts, or scroll through social media. It’s no longer enough for churches to assume passively that members will prioritize giving to their local congregation. Your church must actively inspire and engage its members to remain relevant and financially healthy.
Here’s a hard truth to consider. If your church delays its God-inspired plans, your members won’t stop giving altogether—they’ll direct their generosity elsewhere. The causes you believe in and the ministry you envision will miss out on organizations ready to take that leap of faith and ask for prayerful consideration and financial contributions.
Call out Box- While American giving has remained flat over the past four decades, the percentage of that giving going to churches and religious organizations has fallen from 57% to 24%.
This shift is not an obstacle; it’s an opportunity. By rallying your congregation around a bold, clear mission, you can create an environment where giving becomes an obligation, joy, and privilege.
Wondering how to adapt to these changing dynamics? The good news is that as a church leader, you already hold the key to shifting the narrative toward deep connection, authentic engagement, and financial discipleship. Here's how to take action:
Getting members to give starts with answering a vital question in their hearts and minds: Why does this matter? Share a bold, God-centered vision that captures their imagination and resonates deeply. Remember, people respond to purpose. When they see the good your church can do—with their involvement—they are more inclined to step forward.
Generic calls to action won’t cut it in today’s ecosystem. Take the time to foster personal connections with your members and show gratitude for every act of generosity, big or small. Highlight how each contribution tangibly impacts your community or ministry.
For good reason, today’s givers want to know exactly where their money is going. Provide detailed reports, testimonials, and updates that illustrate the direct results of their gifts. When donors feel confident about the impact of their generosity, they’re far more likely to continue supporting your mission.
For faith-based communities, financial discipleship is about more than dollars and cents—it’s about eternity. Teach your congregation the spiritual blessings of living generously, not through guilt but grace and inspiration.
Most younger generations live digitally, and so does their approach to giving. Make it as easy as possible for members to provide. Simple and modern options, from mobile apps to recurring online donations, are essential today.
You have a unique opportunity to guide your church boldly forward. By framing challenges as opportunities to inspire greater engagement and discipleship, you can be a beacon of hope amidst uncertainty. Remember, your church’s mission is sacred work that must be fully funded.
Envision a future where your God-inspired plans take root and grow, where every congregation member feels connected to the life-changing work happening in their church. By taking deliberate steps today, you can move from financial uncertainty to financial health—and fulfill the calling of your ministry.
We’re here to partner with you on this critical mission. If you’re still wondering how to adapt to the changing dynamics of giving, we’d love to discuss your situation. Together, we can discern the next best steps to meet your goals and create a culture of generosity that will serve your church for generations to come.
Reach out to us today and take the first step into what’s possible.