How can you nurture better giving habits in your congregation? Successful financial appeals are spiritually sensitive and respect the perspective of givers. Here are some tips about knowing what motivates giving.

• People give to many things for a variety of reasons. Few have a well-planned or consistent giving strategy. Some give on impulse. Others are more cautious. Different kinds of appeals are effective with different types of givers.
  
  
• All people want to make a difference. They will give to what they value.
  
  
• Remember that people – especially younger generations – give to support mission, not institutions or budgets. Everything you communicate about giving should stress ministry, not maintenance.
  
  
• Emphasize giving as a joyful response to God’s generosity, not an obligation. Don’t make church gifts “one more bill to pay” – a bill that can be skipped without late fees, penalties, or the need to catch-up.
  
  
• Talk to members about opportunities for giving. Most people never give more because they are not asked with compelling reasons to do so. Don’t be afraid to lift up the opportunities and needs of the church, but always in a way that emphasizes mission.
  
  
• Share information freely about the wonderful things giving makes possible. Use announcements to remind people of the impact they are having. Bulletin boards featuring how the church is in mission are good reminders to a congregation. Websites offer ways to tell the church’s story and to interpret stewardship and giving.
  
  
• Nurture relationships. People give to persons and organizations where they feel a connection. Church leaders should listen carefully for clues about issues of importance to church members.
  
  
• Congregational vitality is key to giving. Whatever increases member involvement and participation will help giving. Involve as many as possible in the church’s ministries.
  
  
• Appreciate that faithful giving is a fruit of spiritual maturity. It takes time and much nurture to develop.
  
  
• Say “thank you” often.
  

These practices are from "50 Ways to Encourage Faithful Giving,” part of the Lewis Center’s popular 50 Ways to Build Strength series that provides practical, actionable strategies for improving ministries that are vital to church growth. These resources are available at www.churchleadership.com/resources/50_ways_to_build_strength.htm.