How Your Church Can Increase Tithes with the Use of Digital Giving

The digital age has changed how people engage with each other, where they go for information, and how they share their lives. Technological advancements have also evolved the way that members of churches give to their congregation.

For many churches, this is a question of survival. It's not just about being relevant in today's world; it's about being able to pay the bills and keep the church afloat.

Churches have always used the traditional system for collecting tithes and offerings, but this is changing. Why? 

As more people move towards using online payment services for other purchases, they may be more willing to pay electronically for their church's needs. With this, many churches have begun to adopt digital giving to increase their contribution from members. 

Digital marketing offers churches endless opportunities to find their unique place online where they can thrive and reach more people than ever before. 

This article will discuss how you can leverage these digital giving platforms and give your church a boost in tithes.

1. Discuss tithing options

Inform the congregation of why your church has integrated online donation and how this will benefit the church. Also, make sure to include information on the various giving options and the steps needed to actually donate. Here are a few possibilities for tithing that your church may consider: 

a. Websites

Create a Giving page on your website. Customize your church's Giving page with payment forms. Donors may quickly submit their name, contact details, tithe amount, frequency, etc.

b. Church App

Members of your church app may tithe, plan regular giving, or participate in a giving campaign all from their smartphone. So long as they have access to the internet, they can give anywhere and anytime.

c. Text to Give

Texting to give is a hassle-free method for church members to donate immediately from their phones. A phrase like GIVE is texted to a predetermined number. Then they will be requested to fill out a donation form to make a quick payment. ‍

d. Kiosks

Members can tithe via a touch screen kiosk with their debit/credit cards. These physical stations allow visitors and members to access your church's website, give online, register for events, and more.

2. Promote Recurring Giving 

Regardless of the size of the church, year-end donations tend to rise; then things begin to slow down after that. Attendance and contributions usually decrease or stagnate during the summer months because most families are on vacation.

You can increase regular giving while members are not at church by implementing digitally recurring giving. When they sign up for recurring giving, they commit to regular tithing of a predetermined amount until they discontinue their expected contributions. As a result, church leaders can predict and better understand the dynamics of giving in their church.

It is critical to tie recurring giving to your goal by emphasizing the direct impact those contributions are making towards achieving that goal.  When donors learn about their contributions’ positive impact on the community and individuals in need, they will be motivated to make more contributions.

The following are several ways you can promote recurring giving:

• Sending out emails to promote recurring giving.
• Using social media to promote recurring giving.
• Adding recurring giving options to your website.
• Putting up posters that explain recurring giving and how to do it.
• Reminding members to sign up for recurring gifts as often as possible.
  

Getting a steady stream of contributions is essential to the growth of your church. Online and recurring giving allows churches to better care for their church family and steward their ministry.

Not only that, deciding to set up automatic payments allows donors to increase their faith since they are committing to provide consistently. They have responded positively to the invitation to tithe and, as a result, have grown into more generous followers of Christ.

Check out Tithely to learn more about recurring donations for your church.

3. Integrate online giving with your events

Providing opportunities for your congregation to make tithes should not be limited to only Sunday morning services; you may incorporate giving opportunities into any of your church events.

With an online giving platform, you can collect registrations for church activities or fundraising events, which is very convenient. You can also accept additional donations when someone registers for an event on your platform. 

To become familiar with the donation process, you should explain the steps or create a short video and upload it on your website and social media account. Additionally, consider creating a specific calendar page or blog entries that discuss future events. 

Remind people about the event a few days before it takes place so that you can encourage as many online contributions as possible.

4. Maximize your church website

Your church's giving website should explain why tithes are so important. 

Make sure that it has clear directions on how to donate and the contact details for a staff member or department who can respond to queries as they arise. By doing so, visitors to your page will find it much easier to contribute.

You may want to include these details on your giving page:

• ‘Give Now’ button
• Security data
• Scriptures on tithing
• Proceeds of the money
• Payment options

Consider adding a welcome note and a thank you to your website. Even if someone doesn't give, thank them for visiting your Giving page. While you won't have a real conversation with your website visitors, this simple welcome and thank you note will make them feel appreciated.

It is essential to keep your donation page as straightforward as possible. You don’t want to draw attention away from your online giving form or have the page seem like a marketing ploy. Utilize a single button and as few fields as possible to complete your form.

If you’d like more information on how to make your church’s website effective, check out this blog article.

5. Use church email

Your church's email is a wonderful place to start. It can also inspire attendees to give.

Explain how your church members can donate via these emails. Share with them how tithes are used to help the church mission. Explain how your ministry's money is used and what good they produce in the community. Donors are more willing to contribute if they can see their money is being used effectively.

Do not forget to include a clear call to action at the end of each email. This might be in the form of a clickable button or a link that recipients can quickly click to make their donation.

Wrapping Up

Technology is transforming how people give, and churches must adopt strategies to take advantage of this shift. Digital giving is not just for large churches - it is a tool that all churches can use to improve their operations and increase contributions.

So, are you ready to see a difference in your tithe collection?
Sign up today to learn how easy it is to set up online giving with Tithe.ly!