10 Proper Ways To Give A Church Donation

As non-profit organizations, churches rely on donations to stay operational.

But what is the best way to give a donation to a church? While there is no specific best way, there are a number of different methods that can be used.

Here are 10 proper ways to give a church donation:

Tithes and Offerings

Perhaps the most common way to give a church donation is via tithes and offerings. The concept of tithing comes from the Old Testament and refers to giving 10% of one's income to God. This is done as an act of worship and acknowledgment that everything we have is a gift from God.

Offerings, on the other hand, are additional donations that can be given above and beyond the tithe. These can be designated for specific purposes such as missions, building projects, or charity work.

Tithes and offerings usually play a key role in sustaining churches and making it possible for them to carry out their ministries and support their staff.

Online Donations

Many churches have implemented online tithing as a way for members and visitors to make donations. By making it easier for people to give, churches can increase the amount of donations they receive from members of their congregation.

At Tithely, our goal is to provide the best online tools to help pastors and church leaders increase generosity, manage their churches, and engage their church members. With our suite of digital giving tools, you can easily collect tithes, offerings, and other monetary donations online.

One-Time Donations

Sometimes people only want to make a one-time donation to the church. They may be inspired by a particular cause or event, or they may be quite ready to commit to regular tithing. By accepting one-time donations, churches allow people to express their generosity when they feel moved to do so.

One-time donations can be made in person, through the mail, or online. Churches do well to offer easy-to-use online platforms for giving so that people can easily make one-time donations.

Planned Giving

Planned giving refers to making a donation as part of an individual's overall financial and estate planning. This can include leaving a certain percentage of assets to the church in one's will, establishing a charitable trust, or gifting stock or property to the church.

Planned giving allows individuals to make a lasting impact on their church and its ministries even after they have passed away. For churches, planned giving can provide a stable source of income for future years. It is important for churches to educate their members about planned giving options and to make it easy for them to make these types of donations.

Recurring Donations

Recurring donations are regular, ongoing gifts made on a set schedule. This can be weekly, monthly, or annually and can be automatically deducted from an individual's bank account or credit card. Recurring donations provide consistent and predictable income for the church, which can help with budgeting and planning for future projects.

To make it easy for members to set up recurring donations, churches can offer online giving platforms or automatic withdrawal forms. It is also important for churches to regularly communicate the impact of recurring donations and show appreciation for those who participate in this type of giving.

Give By Text

Many churches are now offering the option to give by text, which allows individuals to make donations using their mobile phones. This is a convenient and easy way for people to give on the go or during church services.

Churches can use a text-to-give app like Tithely for giving. They should provide clear instructions on how to use this feature. It is important to ensure that the text-giving platform is secure and user-friendly.

Giving At Events

Events are a great opportunity to engage with church members and encourage giving. Churches can set up giving stations at events or offer options for online donations during the event. This provides an easy way for people to give while they are already in a generous and giving mindset.

Churches should also consider creating fundraising events specifically designed to raise funds for certain projects or ministries. These can be fun and engaging, while also providing an opportunity for people to give towards a specific cause.

Corporate Giving

Many companies have corporate social responsibility programs that include donations and support for charitable causes. Churches can reach out to these companies and establish partnerships or sponsorship opportunities.

This not only brings in additional funds, but also increases visibility and awareness for the church within the community. Additionally, churches can offer recognition and promotion for these corporate sponsors to show their appreciation and build a strong relationship with them.

Non-Cash Donations

In addition to monetary donations, churches can also receive non-cash gifts such as stock or property. These types of donations can provide significant tax benefits for the donor while also supporting the church's mission and ministries.

Churches should educate their members about non-cash giving options and make it easy for them to donate these types of gifts. This can include providing information on the church's website or offering assistance in the donation process.

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Non-Financial Giving

In addition to giving financially, church members can also give of their time and their talents. This is just as important as monetary giving, and without the passionate involvement of church members, many ministries and projects would not be possible.

Churches can encourage and facilitate this type of giving by offering volunteer opportunities and utilizing the skills and talents of their members in various church activities. This not only helps the church financially but also creates a sense of community and involvement among its members.

Some simple ways to give time and talent to churches include:

Serving In Children's Ministries

Many churches have programs and activities for children, such as Sunday school or vacation Bible school. These programs require volunteers to teach lessons, lead activities, and supervise the children.

In the Bible, Jesus told his disciples to let the children come to Him. The reality is that Jesus cares deeply about children and when we serve in children's ministries, we are serving Him.

Participating In Music Ministries

Music is an integral part of many church services and events. Whether it's singing in the choir, playing an instrument, or helping with sound and tech equipment, there are plenty of opportunities to use musical talents to support the church.

Music can also be a powerful tool for worship and ministry, touching the hearts and souls of those who hear it. By participating in music ministries, church members can help create a meaningful and impactful worship experience for others.

Joining Outreach Programs

Churches often have various outreach programs aimed at helping the community and spreading the love of God. These can include food drives, homeless shelters, disaster relief efforts, and more.

By volunteering in these outreach programs, church members can make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need and share the love and message of Jesus with them. It is also a great way to connect with fellow believers and strengthen the bonds within the church community.

Offering Professional Services

Many churches have limited resources and may not have access to certain professional services. If you have skills or expertise in areas such as accounting, legal services, or technology, consider offering your services to the church on a volunteer basis.

When you use professional talents to support the church, you make a valuable contribution and help the church run more efficiently. This not only benefits the church community but also frees up resources that can be used for ministry and outreach efforts.

Serving in Hospitality

Hospitality is an essential part of every church community, and there are many ways to serve in this area. Whether it's greeting and welcoming visitors, serving refreshments after service, or helping with event planning and coordination, hospitality volunteers play a crucial role in making people feel welcome and connected.

Serving in hospitality ministries enables church members to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for both new and existing members. It is also a great opportunity to meet new people and develop relationships within the church.

Sitting On Committees or Boards

Churches rely on committees and boards to make important decisions and oversee various aspects of church operations. If you have leadership skills and are passionate about a specific area, consider joining a committee or board within the church.

By serving on these teams, you can use your strengths to benefit the church while also gaining valuable experience in leadership and decision-making. This is also an excellent way to stay informed and involved in the direction of the church.

Final Thoughts

There is no shortage of ways to give a donation to a church. Whether it's through financial contributions, volunteering your time and talents, or simply being an active member of the community, every act of service is greatly appreciated.

By giving back to the church, you not only support its mission but also become a vital part of a loving and supportive community. So consider how you can use your resources and unique abilities to serve and make a difference in the church.