Receive Free Monthly TeachingQuestion:
Receiving an Offering
Are there any techniques or mechanics that I should know to be more effective when I receive the tithes and offerings from the congregation? No one has ever really taught me “how” to receive an offering, and it seems there should be principles that I could benefit from. I don’t want to hype or pressure people, but neither do I want to feel backward or apologetic in receiving the offering. Are there any tips seasoned pastors could share that will help me be more effective?
Responses:
Rev. Ed Horak
The practical mechanics of taking up an offering are very important, but nevertheless secondary to establishing a 'culture of giving' in a church. If there is no 'spirit of giving ' in the church then no amount of good technique will make up.
Having said that, here are some practical tips for taking up the offering:
- Make sure the people are seated during the whole offering: they can't write checks or fill out envelopes, etc. whilst standing up.
- Give them enough time to do all that you ask. Practice your timing if you have to.
- Consider using a 'branded,' easily recognizable overhead projection each week to highlight the scripture and 2-3 bullet points you are basing your brief exhortation on.
- Use a variety of scriptures, not just 2-3 favorites, throughout the year to cover the vast number of stewardship principles that the Word of God covers.
- Get people to come into agreement for God's blessing on their giving by getting them to declare out loud a faith confession that connects to what you have just shared as an exhortation.
- Give ushers the instruction to collect the offering and either show / make your announcements while the buckets, bags, whatever are being passed.
- As far as establishing a 'culture of giving' in your church consider the following:
- Make it 'flow naturally' with the rest of the worship experience. Giving is worship to the Lord and should never be apologized for. If you yourself are a worshiper and giver, then God will back what you say and do at offering time. You will have credibility with both Him and the people. (Remember you only get opposition from people who are not givers themselves.)
- If someone else receives the offering, make sure they are vetted by you and seen by the congregation as trusted and accountable... and that they stick to keeping it short and sweet. Coach them not to see it as their big moment to pour out volumes of scripture that overwhelm people.
Generally you can promote a culture of giving by:
• Establishing Bible reasons for giving: always use a scripture as your foundation.
• Exposing the vision: people give towards something they can see the church is aiming at doing. (Maybe once a month talk about or show a clip of an aspect of the vision during offering time. Tie it directly to their giving and support.)
• Exhorting with a testimony of the fruit of the ministry: say once a month - a clip, a projected photo with explanation... whatever. (So every two weeks you will alternate with a testimony segment or vision segment. Keep it sort and punchy.)
• Establish a 'worshipful tone' to the offering by directing it to the Lord in prayer, music, a worship song whilst collecting it…
• Equipping your people through other means at other times with resources on financial matters: books and cds at the bookstore / table; classes on stewardship / small group for job seekers / people struggling with debt / website articles.
In short, get 'past the hump' of being somewhat uncomfortable about talking about money in church: make it normal to do so, and be sure to let your people know that your church is giving out too: to the community, other ministries, missions etc... at least a 'tithe of the tithe.'
One last point, in these economic times, remember that Jesus watched (and thus accepted her offering) as the poor widow woman gave her two mites. Giving is the gateway to receiving God's blessing even when things are tight. He knew that, and so must we.
Pastor Jim Herring – Fort Worth, TX
Ministers seldom struggle with vision. We struggle with accumulating enough resources to fund the vision! Our faith in God and skill in receiving offerings directly affects the fulfillment of our vision.
Why is receiving offerings so challenging?
- Lack of training. Most of us were not trained or taught to receiving offerings. The average minister will receive over 3,000 offerings during the course of his ministry. It is these very offerings that will determine the fulfillment of his dream.
- Fear of being perceived as a money grubber. Many ministers of the Gospel fail to teach their people what the Word of God says about money, generosity, and debt. We should all take our cue from the Master. He was not afraid or intimidated to speak about money, possessions, generosity, or wealth (Luke 6:38, Luke 16:10-13, Matthew 23:23). He knew we needed it!
- Lack of biblical information. Some ministers have trouble receiving offerings because they have not studied what the Word of God says about financial things. According to Crown Financial Services, there are 2,350 verses in the Bible dealing with money and possessions. In order to teach what the Bible says, we must=2 0first know what it says.
- Despising the offering. Before you skip over this one, let me define “despise” from a biblical perspective. “Despise” means “to treat as trivial or insignificant”. Many ministers treat the offering as insignificant by not spending time preparing to receive it. We spend time planning the service and preparing to preach, but not much thought is given to receiving the offering. In addition, we can “despise” the offering by rushing through it during service to get to the “more important” stuff.
- Failing to realize giving is worship. When the people give, they are obeying God’s command and demonstrating their love toward God.
- Failing to understand the benefits your people will receive. The Bible promises that God will bless those who give (Malachi 3:10, Luke 6:38, 2 Corinthians 9:6)! When you receive God’s offering, you are giving people the opportunity to obey God and be blessed.
What are some tips to receiving an offering?
1. Passion
First, you need to get excited about giving and receiving. If you communicate with a lackadaisical attitude, your people will give that way. We can be passionate when receiving the offering because people will obey God, people will be blessed by God, and people will help fulfill the Great Commission.
2. Prepare
Take time to prepare and share some biblical principles concerning finances with your people. There are plenty of good books that you can draw from. As you share God’s Word with your people, they will know what God wants and faith wil l grow in their heart.
3. Proclaim
Make sure that you proclaim what their giving is producing! What happens as a result of their giving?
- People are being saved!
- People are receiving healing!
- People are being20 delivered!
- Disciples are being made!
- Leaders are being developed.
- Teenagers are being transformed!
- Children are learning the Word of God!
- Missionaries are being empowered to preach the Gospel!
4. Preacher
It seems best if the head of the ministry is the main one who receives the offering. People often connect with the head leader the best. In addition, he is able to articulate his vision better and clearer that anyone else.
5. Picture
The main reason that we give is because we love God and we want to obey His Word. However, the Bible also promises that those who give will be blessed. It is good to remind your people of the blessings involved because of their obedience. What are some of the promises givers can appropriate?
The windows of heaven will be opened for the giver! Malachi 3:10
God will pour out blessings upon the giver! Malachi 3:10
The giver will receive “good measure, pressed down, and running over.” Luke 6:38
The giver will be blessed in the city and in the field. Deuteronomy 28
The Lord will command His blessing on the obedient giver! Deuteronomy 28
Whatever the giver sows, he will reap! Galatians 6:7
6. Praise
God’s Word works! As people are blessed because of their giving, make sure to celebrate it with the congregation. Last year a man in our congregation received a seventy percent raise. We all shouted the victory and I reminded everyone that God is no respecter of persons! He desires to bless all of His obedient children!
In conclusion, God has called us to accomplish great things for His Kingdom. However, great things cost M-O-N-E-Y! The Gospel is free but it is not cheap. Let’s exercise our faith in God and develop our skill in receiving offerings so that we can advance the Kingdom of God in the earth!
