Four Reasons People Don’t Give To Your Church
Depending on who you ask, there are two types of people in the world.
- Those who work and those willing to let them (Robert Frost)
- Those with loaded guns and those who dig (Clint Eastwood)
- Those who call it SODA and those who call it POP (Someone from the north)
There are two types of people in the church as well: those who financially support the mission of the church, and those who don’t. But did you know If you were to classify the people in your church into how much they gave, the largest group would be those who gave nothing?
That’s right. There is a large group of people who attend your church, appreciate the ministries, listen to the sermon and enjoy the music but don’t financially contribute anything to the mission.
Why wouldn’t someone (especially a regular attender who benefits from the ministry) NOT give to the church. Well, here are four reasons.
1. They don’t care.
Like it or not, most people don’t think about the church throughout the week. They aren’t against you, it’s just not a part of their daily activities. They care about their jobs, their families, and their hobbies and church is just something they attend on Sunday.
What you can do about this: You cannot force someone to care, but you can continue to present a compelling vision. And while that vision may be huge, you’ve got to make it small. In other words, show people how your vision effects THEIR life, family, job, calling, etc. Make it about them, not about you.
2. They don’t trust you.
It used to be that pastors were among the most trusted profession in the nation. Pastors were among the most educated and well respected in the community. Today, nurses and pharmacists have that distinction and religious leaders sit in the middle ground. Most people will not financially support an organization they don’t trust led by people they don’t know or trust. So if they don’t know you and trust you, it will be tough for them to cross the line into generosity.
What you can do about this: Take time to tell people where the money goes. In your communication, let people know that they can ask questions. Create an annual report and put it on your website. When you’re honest about how you’re using people’s money, you will build trust over time.
3. They don’t have any money.
It’s hard for someone who doesn’t have any money to give it. If someone is struggling with their rent and bills, they aren’t in a good place to be generous. And beyond that, if you’re passing a plate and asking people to give cash or write a check, most people can’t participate in that moment. No matter how passionate your plea is, if people don’t have money with them, they can’t give it.
What you can do about this: Help people fund their dreams; don’t just ask them to fund yours. Talk about the 100%, not just the 10%. Secondly, make it convenient for people to give. Have digital options so people can give with a credit or debit card. If you’re a member of the Giving Rocket core coaching program, we’ll show you exactly how to do this, and over time, it will make a BIG difference.
4. You didn’t ask them.
You might have informed, but that’s not the same as asking. Informing is “We’re about to pass the plate.” Asking is “We’re are about to pass the plate and I want to invite you to drop something in.” Informing is “We have a website where you can give online.” Asking is, “I would like you to visit our website and set up a recurring contribution.” Informing is “The mission team is about to head to Kenya.” Asking is “There are ten people going to Africa and we would like to ask everyone to contribute something to the expense.”
What you can do: Do a “Giving Talk” every week just before you receive the offering. Slow down, connect the dots for people and provide clear instruction. Here is a FREE report on how you can use these two minutes in your service to increase giving.