Methods of Giving: What Works Best for Your Church?

Finding effective ways to encourage and facilitate giving is so important for churches to support their ministries. As technologies continue to evolve and improve, churches now have even more methods of giving to choose from than ever before. From traditional offering baskets to digital giving solutions, the options can seem overwhelming at first. Let’s explore the most common methods of giving and help you figure out what works best for your church.

The Benefits of Multiple Giving Methods

Churches incorporate multiple giving methods to meet the needs of their congregations. Some members prefer the tradition of dropping cash into an offering plate, while others may prefer the convenience of online or text-to-give options. Providing your congregation with a variety of giving methods can help you maximize donations by making sure everyone has a way to contribute that works best for them.

However, we also recognize that trying out too many methods of giving at once without a clear strategy can become confusing and even inefficient. At Breeze, we want to help you prioritize the most effective methods of giving first before gradually expanding options as your church gets comfortable with each system. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular methods of giving.

Traditional Methods of Giving

The traditional passing of the offering plate or basket during a church service is a longstanding method that continues today. This tried-and-true approach allows congregants to give in person as a tangible act of worship. However, it can come with its own set of limitations in an increasingly digital age, like relying on folks to be physically present and have cash or checks on hand.

Offering boxes may also be placed at the back of the church sanctuary or in the lobby for those who prefer to give discreetly before or after the service. While this method still relies on physical giving, offering boxes can take away some of the pressure some people may feel during a traditional collection process.

Pros:

• Familiar and straightforward for long-time churchgoers
• Encourages giving as a physical act of worship
• Provides an in-person option that doesn’t require a phone, card, or password

Cons:

• Only works with in-person services and events
• Cash and checks can come with security issues
• Not ideal for reaching younger generations who prefer digital options

Online Giving

Online giving has quickly become a popular alternative for modern church donations. Technological advancements make it possible to give to the church in a secure and convenient method that can be done anytime, anywhere. Online giving options can be set up on a church website, through a dedicated giving app, or even with free church giving software that offers a trial period. Online giving platforms also make it easy to set up recurring donations and to request special offerings for specific ministries and events.

Popular online giving solutions like Breeze are not only easy to set up, but also integrate seamlessly with digital church management systems to help make the administrative aspect of giving much more manageable. Explore digital giving methods with a free trial to find out what works best for your church and congregants.

Pros:

• Accessible 24/7 from your phone or computer
• Can handle both one-time and recurring donations
• Customizable with your church’s branding

Cons:

• May require some education and encouragement for congregants less familiar with technology
• Transaction fees can impact the total amount your church receives
• Some members may think this method is less personable

Text-to-Give

The text-to-give method makes it easy for members to donate simply by sending a text message. In fact, text-to-give can be one of the fastest methods of giving. This option is particularly popular among younger generations who are accustomed to using their cell phones for various transactions. With free church tithe and offering software available on a trial basis, you can easily try out this method of giving with your church before fully committing.

Pros:

• Donations can be made in seconds
• Great for spontaneous giving during a service or for special events
• Works well with church management software for easy tracking and reporting

Cons:

• May not appeal to less tech-savvy congregants
• Relies on third-party services that may charge additional fees
• Requires clear communication of how the process works

In-Person Digital Giving

A giving kiosk is a terminal, often a touchscreen, located in high-traffic areas like your church lobby. These giving kiosks can be a convenient way for members to give using a credit or debit card. Some in-person digital giving kiosks even offer contactless payments. Giving kiosks are secure and user-friendly, and they can even make it easy to choose specific missions or ministries to send your gift.

Pros:

• Provides a digital giving option for in-person services and events
• Improves the giving experience with the ability to select specific funds
• Reduces the need to handle cash or checks in person

Cons:

• Can require higher initial upfront costs
• Takes up space in high-traffic areas
• Less convenient than mobile or online options since you need to be physically present

Giving on Mobile Apps

Mobile giving apps provide another personalized giving experience that integrates with your church’s branding and online presence. An app for your church can make it easy for members to make donations, set up recurring gifts, and even access giving history all from their smartphones. The Breeze app is popular with churches thanks to the additional variety of features like event registration and communication.

Pros:

• Highly customizable with your church’s branding and information
• Encourages easy setup of recurring donations
• Offers a central digital location for many church interactions

Cons:

• Requires congregants to download and learn a new app
• May be seen as an impersonal option on its own
• App maintenance and updates can require administrative support

Make Church Giving a Breeze

We know that online giving is essential in today’s digital world, and our team at Breeze is here to help you make that a reality for your church. If your church is looking to try new or improved giving methods, our Breeze team is here to help. With our expert guidance and the latest in church tithing software, we can help you create the perfect giving experience for your congregation. Contact us today to explore our free trials and discover the best options for your church’s needs.

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