TL;DR
Online giving is no longer a nice-to-have—it’s essential for church growth and financial stability. Churches that offer digital giving see more consistent and generous support. To thrive, churches should:
1. Choose a mobile-friendly, integrated platform like OnlineGiving.org
2. Actively promote digital giving to members
3. Set clear goals for recurring donations
Don’t let outdated methods limit your mission—meet givers where they are: on their phones.
The Digital Offering Plate in 2025
If your church doesn’t yet offer online giving, now’s the time to reconsider—because it could be limiting your impact more than you realize.
A recent report from Faith Communities Today, highlighted by Lifeway Research in their article, “2 Tech Changes That Can Increase Giving”, confirms what many of us have sensed for years: online engagement and digital giving are no longer optional—they’re essential.
The Shift: From 31% to 69%
In 2015, just 31% of churches offered online giving. A decade later, that number has more than doubled to 69%.1.
For churches that have made the shift, the impact is clear:
- About 20% of members now give online
- These donors account for nearly 30% of total giving
Online givers tend to be more consistent, more engaged, and often more generous. The results speak for themselves.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
Today, people pay bills, order food, and book travel—all from their phones. When church giving doesn’t offer the same convenience, it can unintentionally create barriers.
People don’t give when giving is hard. And today, writing a check or finding an ATM can be a hurdle.
This isn’t about replacing tradition—it’s about removing friction and creating pathways for generosity. Online giving provides stability and allows your church to grow—even during summer vacations or weather disruptions.
Three Keys to Make Digital Giving Work
1. Choose the Right Platform
Look for a provider that:
- Integrates with your Church Management System
- Supports recurring giving
- Offers a mobile-friendly experience
- Accepts multiple giving methods (text, Apple Pay, crypto, etc.)
OnlineGiving.org checks all these boxes—and more. Ready to learn how? Call us at (615) 206-4000 or email support@onlinegiving.org
2. Promote It Consistently
Simply having digital giving isn't enough—you need to communicate it:
- Talk about it during announcements
- Add it to screens, emails, and bulletins
- Share stories that show impact
Some members may raise questions or concerns—that’s okay. Address those thoughtfully, but continue leading forward.
2% of something is better than 100% of nothing. Online giving opens the door to gifts that might not otherwise happen.
3. Set a Target for Recurring Giving
Recurring giving is the foundation for financial health. Set a goal (e.g., 50% recurring giving), track your progress, and celebrate wins along the way.
What Giving Looks Like Today
Picture this: Someone is moved by your message, pulls out their phone, and gives in seconds.
No checkbooks. No waiting. Just generosity in real-time.
With OnlineGiving.org, your church can support: text giving, Apple Pay, crypto donations, recurring gifts, and real-time reporting—all from one place.
Bottom Line
Churches that haven’t yet embraced digital giving aren’t preserving tradition—they may be unintentionally holding back generosity.
Technology isn’t a threat to the mission—it’s a megaphone for it.
To thrive in this digital-first world, churches must meet people where they are: in their hearts—and on their phones.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Let’s talk! We’ll show you how OnlineGiving.org can help you grow generosity, increase recurring giving, and serve your members better.
- Call us: (615) 206-4000
- Email us: support@onlinegiving.org
It’s 2025—online giving isn’t optional, it’s mission critical. Discover why the digital offering is the key to consistency, generosity, and growth:https://t.co/xQvC0mWNv0 pic.twitter.com/4Ec4z6CwRK
— Online Giving (@onlinegivingorg) April 7, 2025
