Giving is declining and to reverse this trend you need to know the 5 reasons why churches are struggling to meet their budgets. It is true that last year giving to religion actually increase by just over 1%. Yet the trends overall the last twenty years shows that giving to the church as a percentage of American’s disposable incomes is dropping. At that current rate of decline by the year 2050 Americans will only give 1% of their disposable incomes to the Church. At that point in time hundreds and thousands of churches will go out of business. Why is this decline happening? I have found five major reasons why. Here is why most churches fall behind in giving…
They wait too late to do anything. Here is my rule of thumb for being behind. If you are currently now more than two weeks offerings behind budget you need to take action NOW! This is especially true if your fourth quarter is not historically strong. Waiting too late is one of the most common mistakes churches make impacting their ability to be fully funded and meeting their budget needs. Don’t wait until it is too late!
They ignore giving trends. Do you know your giving trends? Most church leaders don’t. You should know how you stack up giving wise with the same period last year. You should know which quarters are your strongest and which are you most challenged. Knowing your trends is a huge part in combating any giving decline. You can’t fix what you don’t know is broke!
They are overly optimistic. Maybe next Sunday’s offering will be better. After the summer giving will increase. Are you saying those kinds of things? I believe in praying it in but my mantra is, work hard and pray harder.
They think momentum is perpetual. If giving is strong now don’t assume it will always be that way. With 10,000 Baby Boomers a day turning 65 and entering into retirement your giving will decrease as this key donor group makes less. Today’s success does not guarantee tomorrow’s success.
They lack a plan of action. Do you have a plan to increase giving and givers? I do! If you don’t have a plan you are planning on failure. I have helped hundreds of churches increase giving and avoid the declines that most churches are seeing. Let’s get started today with a plan of action that WILL keep you fully funded.
There is not headache like not being fully funded. For as little as a $1 a day I can help you make budget. Contact us today to find out how our plans can be your plans!
Mark Brooks – The Stewardship Coach