ENCOURAGING our communities to give to our churches has never been more important than it is now…
An increasing number of churches are offering online worship to retain a pattern of prayer while simultaneously ensuring they connect with their worshipping communities.
As we get to grips with life – and worship – in the coronavirus age, it’s becoming increasingly imperative for churches to ensure they can receive donations in an online form.
In short, this process needs to be facilitated both for those who are used to giving by cash and for those who may be new to church and want to find ways to support ministry in a way that is accessible to them.
But how can online worshipping communities best be encouraged to donate?
The Diocese of York has recently published some extremely helpful videos on the best ways for churches at this point in time – the first of which is entitled “Receiving Online Donations: Basic Principles”.
Sammi Tooze, Generous Giving Adviser in Diocese of York, explains: “Churches rely on the generosity of their communities to enable their mission and ministry.
“Whilst our church buildings are closed and we are unable to receive cash offerings, it’s important that we offer alternative ways for people to give.
“Online giving is a really good mechanism to enable one-off donations or to act as an alternative for people who would normally donate cash regularly.
“Recommended platforms are safe and secure to use and many are able to claim Gift Aid on your behalf.”
The video details these recommended platforms as well as highlighting how best to write an appropriate “message” to convey what that giving is enabling missionally, among other invaluable guidance.
The Diocese of York has also published several other videos, including one entitled “Using the Offering during Online Worship”.
Sammi explains: “In normal practice, the offering is the most visible and tangible expression of our giving as Christian people, and our offering practice should reflect this.
“On a practical level, including the offering during online worship will help to remind people that resourcing our churches’ mission and ministry is vitally important now as it ever has been – and on a discipleship level, allows our Christian communities to continue to offer ourselves as an act of faith and expression of our love of God.”
In the video, Sammi details some ideas for churches to include the offering during online worship.
To view both of these videos, click here: https://dioceseofyork.org.uk/generosity-stewardship/resources/video-resources/
For other advice on giving, generosity and sustainability during our period of lockdown, click here: https://dioceseofyork.org.uk/generosity-stewardship/generous-giving-during-covid19/
