TL;DR
Generosity doesn't begin with a donation—it begins with engagement. Before people give, they need to feel connected, valued, and part of something meaningful. This article explores how micro-engagements—small, intentional interactions—build relationships that lead to long-term generosity.
You'll learn:
- Why people give because they feel involved
- How disengagement directly affects giving
- What small actions (like a quick text or digital form) can create lasting impact
- Why storytelling is more powerful than marketing
- 5 simple ways to start boosting engagement today
If your current giving platform isn’t helping you connect with people, it’s time for a change. Engagement is the engine—giving is the result.
The Role of Engagement in Church Giving
What if the key to unlocking generosity in your church isn’t a better giving platform, but a deeper connection with your members? As Stephen Ballard, co-founder of OnlineGiving.org, puts it: “We are an engagement solutions company with the best processing platform in the industry.”
That simple yet profound statement from Stephen Ballard cuts to the heart of what truly fuels generosity in today’s church environment. Before churches can receive financial gifts, they must first build relational bridges. Engagement isn’t a byproduct of giving—it’s the engine that drives it. That vision drives a powerful truth: generosity starts with engagement, not transactions.
Why People Give (and Why They Don’t)
For years, churches have focused on optimizing their giving platforms, refining donor pages, and promoting recurring giving—all essential steps. But we often miss a critical truth: people don’t give to what they don’t feel connected to.
Ron Sellers of Grey Matter Research puts it plainly:
“Evangelicals with full spiritual engagement are about twice as likely to give to charity or ministries outside a church as those with low or no spiritual engagement. They’re nearly three times more likely to give to church than people with lower or no spiritual engagement.”
Engagement is the difference-maker. Before someone donates, they must first believe in the mission, feel involved, and feel seen and valued. That’s where micro-engagements come in.
The Small Moments That Spark Big Generosity
Micro-engagements, the small yet significant actions that foster relationships and trust between a church and its members, are crucial in fostering generosity. These could include:
- A personalized thank-you message within 24 hours of attending a service.
- A midweek text checking in after a prayer request.
- A digital sermon note with a follow-up question.
- A custom form to join a Bible study or express interest in volunteering.
These touches may seem minor in isolation, but collectively, they form a web of connection—a sense that “my church sees me, values me, and knows me.”
When People Drift Away, Giving Goes With Them
According to recent studies, fewer Americans are actively involved in local churches. This disengagement correlates directly with a decline in giving. When members feel distant or disconnected, they are less likely to view the church as a meaningful vehicle for their generosity.
That’s why OnlineGiving.org was built not just as a payment processor but as an engagement solutions platform that also processes the giving that engagement fuels. The technology isn’t just about moving money; it’s about connecting hearts.
What One Church Did to Turn Easter Into an Outreach Engine
One example of this principle in action is Seacoast Community Church in Charleston, SC. Using tools provided by OnlineGiving.org, they initiated over 500 spiritual conversations during Easter—conversations made possible through digital outreach and engagement, not just announcements and bulletins.
“We understand the importance of engaging people beyond a simple hello at the door,” writes Ballard. “We are Christians dedicated to helping the Church reach more people.”
Why Storytelling Will Always Outperform Marketing
Church leaders often feel uneasy when they hear the word "marketing." It can sound like selling or self-promotion—neither of which align with the heart of ministry. But here's the truth: your church doesn’t need better marketing. It needs better storytelling.
Marketing tries to capture attention. Storytelling creates connection.
Marketing explains features. Stories reveal purpose.
Marketing seeks a transaction. Stories spark transformation.
People don’t give to a church because of a polished campaign—they give because they’ve seen and felt the impact of its mission. That’s what makes storytelling so powerful. It invites people into something real, something eternal.
Ask yourself:
- What stories are we telling?
- Are we showing people why their giving matters?
- Do they see lives being changed and ministries being mobilized?
If they don’t hear the story, they won’t see the need. And if they don’t see the need, they won’t be moved to give.
Start Here: 5 Ways to Reconnect and Reignite Generosity
1. Thank First-Time Visitors Immediately – Email or text within 24 hours to thank them and invite them back.
2. Follow up on Prayer Requests – Assign someone to follow up with a quick call or text within the week.
3. Customize Sermon Notes – Users can digitally take and save sermon notes.
4. Use Custom Forms – Make it easy for people to sign up, ask questions, or express needs.
5. Tell the Story – Use your platform to share wins, changed lives, and ministry impact. People give when they see the purpose.
Does your online provider help you engage your congregation, or are they only interested in processing your money? If not, then it’s time to contact us at (615) 206-4000 or email support@onlinegiving.org.
A Final Encouragement
If your giving strategy isn’t producing fruit, it might be time to stop asking for gifts—and start engaging hearts.
At OnlineGiving.org, we help churches go beyond transactions to create meaningful connections that naturally lead to generosity.
Whether it’s through custom forms, sermon follow-ups, text engagement, or digital touchpoints, we’re here to equip your team to disciple, connect, and grow giving the right way.
The Stewardship Coach
