15 Ways to Boost Church Giving Without Being Pushy

Most church communicators feel awkward about giving announcements. You don't want to sound like a telethon, and you definitely don't want a guest to feel they were invited for their wallet. The good news is that the most effective giving communication is usually the gentlest: clear, grateful and specific. Here are 15 ideas.

Make it easy

  1. List every way to give in one place. Online, text, app, envelope, in person, by mail. One small box in the bulletin, the same every week.
  2. Put the giving page on a short, simple link. If people have to search your website for it, many won't.
  3. Add a QR code to your bulletin and slide that goes straight to your church's own giving page.
  4. Explain recurring giving. A one-line "you can set up automatic giving here" helps people who forget when they travel.
  5. Keep envelopes available for people who prefer paper, and say so.

Say thank you (a lot)

  1. Thank people before you ask. "Because of your generosity, [number] kids came to VBS this summer" is a thank you and an invitation at once. Use your own real numbers.
  2. Send a year-end thank-you letter with giving statements. Make the thanks the headline, the statement the attachment.
  3. Thank specific givers privately. A handwritten note from the pastor to a first-time giver means a lot.

Show what giving does

  1. Tell one story a month. A short "your giving at work" feature: the food pantry, the youth trip, the roof repair. One photo, three sentences.
  2. Share a simple ministry snapshot. Where the money goes, in plain words and a simple chart. Your treasurer can help you keep it accurate.
  3. Use a progress bar for specific projects. A visible goal (a new van, a mission trip) is motivating and honest.
  4. Invite people to see it in person. Serving at the pantry or visiting the mission partner turns giving into something real.

Keep the tone right

  1. Teach, don't pressure. A short verse or reflection now and then is enough. For example: "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7, KJV)
  2. Release guests from obligation. A simple line during the offering helps: "If you're visiting, please don't feel any obligation. We're just glad you're here."
  3. Be consistent, not loud. A small, steady giving message every week works better than a big, anxious push once a year.

Where to put it

  • Bulletin: the same small "Ways to Give" box every week, plus a story once a month.
  • Slides: one giving slide in the pre-service loop, not three.
  • Social: a monthly "your giving at work" post with a photo.
  • Email: a short note after big moments (Easter, VBS, Christmas) with thanks first.
  • Website: a giving page that explains why, not just how.

What to avoid

  • Guilt language ("we're falling behind and need you to step up").
  • Shaming numbers ("only half of members give").
  • Too many asks at once (building fund, missions and the general fund all in the same week).
  • Burying the "how." If someone wants to give and can't figure out how, that's a missed blessing.

One small change for this Sunday

If you do just one thing, add a clear "Ways to Give" box to this week's bulletin, and pair it with one sentence of thanks. It takes ten minutes and helps every week after.

Want it designed in every size? Our Ways to Give PackComing soon includes giving slides, social posts, stories, a giving card and a bulletin insert, all matching, with space for your own QR code and a project progress bar. Try the free demo first.

All free ideas