Online gift to the church = Mission opportunity

If Matthew, a twenty-something male, makes an online donation to your church, what happens next? Generosity demonstrates trust. Matthew is telling you that he trusts your church enough to make a financial gift. There’s many, many voices calling for his money. He chose to give the church. That’s a big deal.

I recently attended a faith and finance webinar hosted by the Rev. Dr. Sidney S. Williams Jr. Panelists reminded us that “even Starbucks says thank-you!”

Silence makes a poor vehicle for gratitude. How does your church welcome first-time givers like Matthew? Sadly, a tax receipt mailed months later does not count here.

Could someone message Matthew to say thank you for his gift? Now’s the time to share the good news of what God is doing through your church. Are seniors getting phone calls? Virtual Bible studies? The church has an opportunity to gratefully respond to the trust Matthew has demonstrated. Generosity demonstrates trust, and how the church responds to generosity is a mission opportunity.