Encourage and Celebrate Generosity in December
2020 has been a challenging year for the local church. Congregations have boldly responded in the midst of pandemic restrictions.

In the name of Jesus Christ, you have found new ways to care for the vulnerable and the needy in your communities. You have acted with kindness and sought justice. You have adapted to online worship and found new ways of communicating with and supporting your faith community.
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In the final month of this challenging year, your congregation has the opportunity to encourage and celebrate faithful generosity. Consider one or two of these actions in the coming weeks:

  • Add another way for people to give to your ministry by Advent, i.e. text-to-give, online giving through electronic fund transfer or a giving app. Introduce new giving options in all church communications and worship.

  •  Be intentional about your offering time during online worship. Clearly state “why” faithful people give (gratitude, expression of discipleship, mission of the church) and the choices for “how” to give.


  • In worship include 30-second “thank yous” from those who have benefited from the church’s ministry and financial support, i.e. a youth group participant, Michigan Conference leaders, a missionary, a local outreach, a choir member. Think internal and external. Celebrating and thanksgiving directly from those who benefit is a testimony to making a difference in the world AND making a difference in the world is a key motivator.

  • Intentionally celebrate generous acts of the congregation with words, pictures and/or videos in worship and church communications.

  • Move the “give” button on your church’s website to the top of the home page and include all the ways that people can give on your giving webpage, including the church address.

  • Use your church’s Facebook page to post how to give, celebrations of generosity and inspirational quotes about generosity. Post 4 – 5 times per week.


  • In enews, email or written letters include testimonies and thanks for the generosity of congregation members. Send recorded testimonies of generosity or written statements from congregation members.


  • Email or Mail a request for a offering targeting a specific ministry of the church

  • Respond promptly with a personal thank you note to those who use a new way of giving, first time givers and/or those who give beyond a regular commitment

  • Become familiar with resources offered at our website.
Helping Faithful People Live Generous Lives
1.888.451.1929