5 Ways Churches Can Use Digital Signage to Support Giving

Generosity is how we respond to God’s generosity toward us in Christ. Being generous isn’t something we do out of obligation or guilt. Instead, generosity naturally flows from a heart transformed in Christ. Even though this is the case, there’s one thing you need to keep in mind. 

The times have changed, and today, most people don’t carry cash or checks with them. This is the primary reason why churches need to offer a variety of ways for their congregation to be generous. From passing around an offering plate to providing digital giving opportunities, there are different ways people within your church prefer to give. And providing these different options to donate can make a big difference in the life of your church.  

The New York Times reported a decrease in donations to religious institutions, sparking debate about how church fundraising can stay afloat. By digitizing your methods of church fundraising, you can encourage more people at your church to give and to give more generously. 

When it comes to digitizing your giving, many people think about adding a giving button to your church’s website or providing a church app. But there’s one overlooked idea you may be missing when it comes to digitizing your giving:

Leveraging your church digital signage. 

The digital signage in your church building is one way you can share and reinforce important messages—even when it comes to helping your church members express the generosity of their heart. 

If this is a new concept for you or you’re only looking for a refresher, here are five simple ideas you can consider to get started: 

#1: Display Announcements and Updates

Manual display boards take time to update and often go months without a refresher of information. When this is the situation, church members learn to ignore your bulletin board, assuming the information will be out-of-date and useless.

Keeping your congregation informed is essential to inspire action and build feelings of community among your members. Whether it’s news of a project you are starting or celebrating the work of one of your ministries, regular updates help to keep the spirit of your church alive.

With digital signage, you can make regular remote updates. When your members feel like an integral part of your church and are informed about the life of your church, they will be inspired to donate. Keep them in the dark, and they will wonder what their money is going towards.

#2: Showcase Success Stories

Share regular shoutouts on your church's digital signage and thank people for their part in giving. For example, if someone has signed up as a church volunteer for the first time or has been faithfully serving for years, take a moment to highlight their efforts on your digital signage screen, using the opportunity to showcase the work they are a part of.

Including genuine stories of how church donations have helped real people through projects sponsored by your ministry are tangible ways to show people the work of your church. 

#3: Promote Donation Drives

Not all church donation ideas are monetary. Promote the donation of clothes, books, and other supplies that are no longer in use, sharing resources with those in the community who need them. Back-to-school supply drives are popular at churches, ensuring no child goes without essential materials for school.

The possibilities are endless with donation drives: gathering food for homeless shelters, toys for children’s hospitals, or anything else that may help a charitable organization fulfill its purpose. Display news of these drives in a motivational way on your digital screens to encourage people to participate. 

#4: Thank Givers

Thanking people goes a long way toward encouraging them. It makes us feel appreciated and reaffirms that the world needs our input. A simple thank you note can go miles for your church givers, helping them feel good about themselves and make a repeat donation more likely. Using your digital signage to share your gratitude magnifies this feeling. 

Instead of calling out individual donors, consider thanking people in general who’ve given to your church, supported missionaries, or contributed to one of your church’s ministries. 

#5: Include QR Codes

Donating becomes difficult if members have to find the page themselves or don’t have cash on them. Fewer people will follow through with a challenging process (even if it isn't that difficult), meaning fewer donations to your church. Including a QR code to your online or mobile giving options makes donating effortless. 

Make church donations accessible by adding convenient QR codes on your digital signs. Now people visiting your church building can effortlessly express their generosity at the touch of a button.

Making the Most of Donations

Giving is essential to Christianity, and the days of solely relying on physical donations are far behind us. Today's cashless world welcomes digital fundraising ideas and giving. Use your digital signage to share QR codes and links to giving pages, share news about current projects, and share your gratitude for the members of your church who donate on a regular basis. These are simple ways you can help the people of your church to express the generosity they received, feel, and experience.

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