The rhythm of giving in churches often mirrors the seasons and economic sequences, with 55% reporting decreased giving due to inflation and peaks during the winter holiday season with a decline as spring and summer vacations pull congregants away from attendance at their home churches. While it’s a predictable cycle, it can often leave churches in a financially tight spot as they balance ongoing ministry with unpredictable giving flow. But what if there was a way to transform sporadic donations into a constant flow of support year-round? This is where recurring giving comes in, offering a new approach for both churches and their congregations.
Recurring giving supplies churches with consistent funding, accounting for 43% of all transactions and 34% of giving dollars in 2023. When this technology is coupled with consistent Biblical teaching on tithes and offering, strategic planning is strengthened, allowing churches to invest in initiatives that extend beyond the next fundraising drive or seasonal spike; enabling them to expand services, launch impactful outreach programs, and safeguard against unexpected financial strain. Imagine vital community programs, from youth sports leagues to homeless ministries, thriving no matter the season. With 57% of churches realizing an increase in congregational giving, consistent support can become a source of stability, hope, and dependability for the church, its members and the broader community.
Beyond financial stability, recurring giving fosters a deeper connection with congregants, transforming occasional giving into ongoing consistent support. By simplifying and unifying the giving process, while emphasizing the power of shared commitment, churches can cultivate a more engaged and vibrant community, as shown by the 73% that have increased their adoption of digital donation methods. Recurring givers feel a stronger sense of ownership and connection, becoming active participants in the church’s mission. Regular giving data unlocks valuable insights into donor behavior and preferences, allowing churches to personalize outreach efforts and tailor communications, resulting in a 3.5% increase in total donations. This fosters a greater culture of generosity, where regular contributions become the norm, inspiring others to join in support and help amplify the church’s impact on the community.
The Benefit for Congregants
For congregants, automatic, recurring giving is more than just a convenient way to donate – it’s a way to stay connected to their church’s mission, even when they aren’t there. During busier times of the year, whether it’s work, illness or family vacation, members’ recurring donations flow seamlessly to their home church, echoing their commitment regardless of geographic location. Setting up recurring donations is user-friendly and personalized, appealing to 44% of U.S. adult donors, where members can choose the frequency and amount they want to give. And, with every contribution, they remain connected to their church’s programs and initiatives, continuing to impact their own communities.
Adopting recurring giving helps congregants remain active participants in their church’s mission – knowing their consistent contributions play a critical role in their church’s success deepens their connection and responsibility. The ability to witness the tangible impact of their ongoing support brings personal fulfillment, strengthening the bond between donor and church. This, in turn, inspires others to generously join, creating a culture of giving that can sustain the church and its mission to uplift and empower the community.
The Benefit for the Community
Consistent support goes far beyond the church walls. A financially stable church has a broader impact on the whole community with outreach initiatives like youth mentoring programs or food banks. Once freed from the limitations of unpredictable funding, churches can more consistently extend their helping hands to touch lives outside of their own congregations and further their Christian mission.
In addition, financial stability is attractive to skilled individuals. Knowing their efforts will be backed by reliable resources, social workers, educators, and ministry leaders are more likely to consider the church as their professional home. This infusion of talent isn’t just an internal benefit; it directly translates to a heightened capacity to serve the community. Stronger programs, deeper expertise, and broader outreach all become possible with a dedicated team fueled by consistent support.
Automatic giving solutions aren’t just a tool for streamlining church finances; they’re a means for transformation. By fostering financial stability, donor engagement, and a culture of shared commitment, these solutions empower churches to become a light in their communities, a strong catalyst for change. Let’s move beyond the ebb and flow of giving – encourage regular donations to build ongoing support, sustaining the church’s mission without seasonal limitations.
About the Author
Robert Blair is Ministry Brands’ EVP, Payments and joined the company back in November 2022. Robert joins us after spending the last year investing and advising financial technology (FinTech) companies in several verticals. Prior, Robert served as Chief Product and Digital Officer at Elavon-US Bank. He is a seasoned payments and transformation executive with a keen focus on driving revenue growth by delighting clients and building high performing teams. Throughout his career, Robert has held a variety of executive roles delivering leading payments software and solutions for clients of all sizes.
Robert & his wife, Lisa, live in Jacksonville Beach, Florida and both are avid football fans. Robert also enjoys ocean paddle boarding, boating and international travel. Robert has a degree in Computer Science and has a 19-year-old son attending Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont.
