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The Daily Catalyst

Why Church Giving Problems Aren’t About Money

Why Church Giving Problems Aren’t About Money

Word Count: 343 – Est Reading Time: <2 Minutes

What’s Up:
Most churches are terrified to talk about money … and it shows every Sunday. Here’s the reality: Your church giving problems aren’t about the money. It’s about presentation.

So What:
Church leaders complain about low giving while making the offering an afterthought. If you don’t believe it matters, why would your people?

The Point Is:

Benevolence Isn’t Free
The community turns to the church for help … but struggling churches can’t afford to say yes. Financial health is ministry capacity. Period.

Living on Dead People’s Money
Too many churches are cashing checks from long-gone saints. When that money dries up, so does your ministry footprint.

Offering Time Is Dead Air
Churches either skip it entirely, mumble something forgettable, or trot out a tired guilt trip. None of it inspires generosity.

Tell a Better Story
People give to impact. Show how last week’s offering changed a life. Inspire trust, not obligation. And Pastor … quit dodging the topic.

And … ?

It never fails to amaze me how disconnected the average church is from the reality of fundraising. I’ve sat through services where the offering is nothing more than a silent shuffle of plates … or where the only words spoken were a budget report better suited for a board meeting. What would it take for churches to realize that no one gives because of spreadsheets? That no one’s motivated by guilt-driven redactions of Malachi?

Hospitals raise billions because they tell stories of healing. Universities build new buildings because they share stories of transformed lives. But the church? We whisper about the offering like it’s an interruption. If you want people to give, you have to give them a reason. That starts with showing the difference last week’s gifts actually made. And pastors, let’s get real: your congregation is already thinking about money. It’s time you joined the conversation. Teach financial wisdom. Celebrate results. And lead with courage.

Action!
Schedule a free Get Growing Conversation to discover how the Growing Church Network helps churches move from scarcity to sustainability: Book now.