TL;DR

Digital giving has overtaken cash and checks in most churches, with tools like recurring giving, mobile apps, and digital wallets shaping modern generosity. Younger generations prefer flexible, tech-driven ways to give, and churches that adapt are seeing higher consistency and growth. This report outlines giving trends, generational behaviors, emerging technologies like AI and crypto, and practical steps to help your church stay relevant, grow generosity, and strengthen financial stability.

Digital Giving in American Churches

Technology is transforming how Americans give, and churches must adapt to meet modern donors where they are—on smartphones, apps, and digital platforms. This report explores the state of digital giving in American churches in 2025, highlighting key trends, generational preferences, and emerging technologies. By understanding these shifts, church leaders can foster generosity, ensure financial stability, and advance their mission. 

Digital Giving Overtakes Cash and Checks

Once rooted in offering plates and checkbooks, church giving is now happening online. According to Lifeway Research, only 14% of churches offered online giving in 2011.¹ That number has now surged to 74% in 2025, based on multiple studies across the sector.²

Why the rise? Digital tools have made giving simpler, more flexible, and more accessible than ever.

• Credit and debit card giving is now the primary method for many congregants.³
• Churches that offer online tithing often report a significant increase in annual giving, some as high as 32%, due to greater consistency and convenience.⁴
• 26% of churches still do not offer online giving, most of them smaller congregations with fewer resources or lower tech adoption.²

These statistics show that digital commerce in America has changed dramatically since 2011, and churches have been forced to adapt. Initially, members could only give through a church’s website. Now, churches need to offer multiple ways for people to give. Churches that haven’t embraced digital tools risk being left behind. 

One reason for the need for change in how we collect gifts is the emergence of Next Gen attendees.

Generational Preferences Shape Giving Habits

Younger generations are driving the digital giving revolution, with distinct preferences: 

• 44% of U.S. adults now prefer digital giving methods, often using mobile apps, websites, or digital wallets.⁵
• 52% of Millennials prefer monthly donations over large one-time gifts.⁶
• 62% of Gen Z donors opt for monthly giving, strongly favoring subscription-style generosity.⁷

To engage younger donors, churches must offer user-friendly digital options. However, older generations still value cash and checks, so a hybrid approach ensures inclusivity. 

Emerging Technologies Transform Giving

Churches are adopting cutting-edge tools to stay relevant and streamline giving: 

• 45% of pastors now use AI to support sermon prep, donor communications, and content creation—an 80% increase since 2024.⁸
• While only 10% of churches accept cryptocurrency, 39% believe it’s strategically important going forward.⁸
• Digital wallet giving (Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.) grew by 120% in 2024, though adoption remains low among smaller churches.⁸

Emerging technologies appeal to younger, tech-forward donors but require investment and education. Churches must balance innovation with simplicity to avoid overwhelming congregants. 

One of the most effective ways is to encourage recurring gifts.

Recurring Gifts Drive Financial Stability

Recurring donations are a game-changer for churches, providing predictable income to support ministries: 

• Donors who enroll in recurring giving contribute 42% more annually than one-time donors.⁴
• In some systems, recurring givers comprise only 22% of the donor base but account for 40% of total donations.⁴

Recurring giving smooths out seasonal fluctuations, helping churches plan with confidence. OnlineGiving.org allows donors to set up recurring gifts, ensuring steady support. 

Practical Steps to Embrace Digital Giving

To thrive in the digital giving era, churches can take these actionable steps: 

• Survey Your Congregation: To tailor your approach, ask members about preferred giving methods (e.g., mobile apps, text giving). 
• Start Small: Test one digital giving option, such as OnlineGiving.org’s text giving, before expanding to crypto or digital wallets. 
• Educate Donors: Host workshops to teach older congregants how to use digital platforms, emphasizing ease and security. 
• Promote Recurring Giving: Highlight the impact of monthly gifts in sermons and newsletters to boost enrollment. 
• Monitor Trends: Use real-time platform analytics to track giving patterns and adjust strategies. OnlineGiving.org provides our partners with this tracking ability.

Partner with OnlineGiving.org

The call to stewardship remains timeless, but our tools are evolving. Digital giving is no longer a trend—it’s the standard. Churches that embrace digital platforms, recurring giving, and emerging technologies are better positioned to inspire generosity and sustain their mission. 

OnlineGiving.org empowers churches with a user-friendly platform that evolves with the times. From text giving to cryptocurrency, our tools include: 

• Real-Time Analytics: Track donor engagement and giving trends via an intuitive dashboard. 
• Multi-Channel Support: Accept gifts via apps, websites, text, or Tap to Give. 
• Flexible and Affordable: Select the perfect plan for your church with no contracts.

The call to stewardship remains timeless, but the tools churches use to support it must evolve. In 2025, digital giving isn’t just convenient — it’s expected.

Churches that embrace digital platforms, recurring giving, and emerging technologies are better equipped to:

• Inspire deeper generosity
• Connect with younger generations
• Sustain long-term ministry impact

At OnlineGiving.org, we walk alongside your team to make this shift easy, secure, and aligned with your mission. From text-to-give and mobile apps to AI assistance and crypto donations, our platform is built to help churches thrive in a digital world.

“OnlineGiving.org’s dashboard is a game-changer. Every update brings new features, from better reporting to crypto integration, helping us connect with donors.”

Let’s talk about how we can help your church grow generosity and simplify giving — together.
Reach out anytime at (615) 206-4000 or support@onlinegiving.org.

74% of churches now offer digital giving — and it's changing how people support ministry. Discover the top trends, tools, and tips for growing generosity in 2025.https://t.co/sfZKEdICTO pic.twitter.com/H8rj7A8Miy

— Online Giving (@onlinegivingorg) June 3, 2025

1. Lifeway Research. “Churches Turn to Electronic Giving.”
https://lifewayresearch.com/2011/04/06/churches-turn-to-electronic-giving-survey-finds/

2. OneChurch Software. “5 Important Online Giving Statistics.”
https://onechurchsoftware.com/5-important-online-giving-statistics/

3. Lake Institute on Faith & Giving. “Giving in Faith Report.”
https://lakeinstitute.org/resource-library/lake-institute/2024-giving-in-faith-report/

4. Carey Nieuwhof. “Church Giving Statistics for 2025.”
https://careynieuwhof.com/church-giving-statistics/

5. Barna Group. “The Rise of Digital Donors.”
https://www.barna.com/research/digital-donors/

6. BetterWorld. “Encourage Monthly Giving.”
https://betterworld.org/blog/asking-for-donations/encourage-monthly-giving/

7. Qgiv. “Giving by Generation.”
https://www.qgiv.com/blog/giving-usa-report-giving-by-generation/

8. Business Insider. “Faith Meets Fintech: How Churches Are Betting on AI and Crypto.”
https://www.businessinsider.com/church-technology-ai-cryptocurrency-bitcoin-2025-5