Give thanks for generous giving
It is important to practice good stewardship of both our regular givers and more occasional supporters. Thanking those who give, and taking time to show how their offerings and donations are used, involves everyone in the church's ministry and mission, bringing blessing and encouraging confidence and further joyful giving. Your congregation should consider the following practices for thanking donors and regular givers:
- Thank-you emails: If your congregation uses an online giving page, it may be possible to send thank-you emails automatically. Alternatively, you can designate a church volunteer to be in charge of thanking givers.
- Annual letters: Send an annual letter to your regular givers detailing how much they have given, how much Gift Aid has been received and how their offering has been used
- Explain how offerings are used: Dedicate time during a service, or space in a newsletter, to provide a breakdown of how total offerings are used to support the church
- Highlight good work of the church: Use your church's website and other platforms to highlight the good work your church does to inspire people to give. Make sure they know that this giving is a ministry in itself.
- Regularly highlight the importance of donations and offerings: When sharing good news publicly, make it clear that the work is only made possible through the offerings and additional donations.