TL;DR
Stop treating the Easter offering like an afterthought. It’s a powerful act of worship and a chance to inspire generosity. Instead of apologizing for it, plan it with purpose: cast a clear vision, tell a compelling story, make giving easy (especially for guests), and always say thank you. A well-executed offering moment can grow giving—and deepen discipleship.
Churches across America are making last-minute plans to maximize attendance this Easter. Yet, too often, churches fumble the opportunity to maximize giving by either downplaying or apologizing for taking up an offering.
It’s time to change that.
The Easter offering shouldn’t be an afterthought, an interruption, or something we apologize for. It’s worship. Purposefully planned, it can fuel life-changing ministry, engage new givers, and deepen discipleship.
Why do so many churches downplay or even avoid taking up an offering on Easter? They incorrectly fear that any talk of money will drive the crowd they have worked hard to attract away. We have found that taking thirty to sixty seconds during a worship service to teach the value of the offering will dramatically change the outcome of the offering.
Here’s how to position your Easter offering to inspire—not repel—your congregation and guests alike.
1. Stop Apologizing for the Offering
We’ve all heard it: “Guests, don’t feel any pressure to give.” While well-intentioned, that language sends the wrong message. It implies that giving is awkward, even shameful.
Let’s be clear: Giving is an act of worship. When we apologize for it, we devalue what Scripture calls us to embrace.
Instead, try this:
“Today’s offering is a chance to join in what God is doing through this church. If you’re visiting, there’s no obligation—but you’re welcome to participate in this moment of worship if you feel led.”
That simple shift moves the moment from awkward to invitational.
2. Reframe the Conversation
People aren’t turned off because we talk about money—they’re turned off by how we talk about it. Guilt-based appeals fall flat. Budget pleas sound self-serving. But telling a compelling story? That moves people.
Here’s how to reframe it:
- It’s not about money. It’s about mission. People want to be part of something bigger than themselves.
- It’s not about obligation. It’s about obedience. Generosity is part of discipleship, not a side hustle.
- It’s not about you. It’s about lives being changed. Let them see that their gift funds real ministry with eternal results.
You don’t need a sermon to do this—just an intentional minute or less during the service that casts vision clearly, concisely, and compellingly about the importance and impact of the offering.
3. Plan It Like You Plan Everything Else
The best offerings are planned offerings. Don’t wing it. Map it out just like your sermon, worship set, and children’s activities.
Ask:
- Who will lead the offering moment?
- What story will you tell?
- What will your online audience see?
- How will you make giving easy?
Have a lay leader share a short, powerful testimony. Show a short video. Use a verse like Malachi 3:10 to highlight the blessings of obedience. A well-prepared offering shows intentionality and reinforces that giving is part of worship, not a break from it.
4. Cast a Specific Vision
People don’t give to fund your general budget—they give to fund impact. If you want generosity to grow, connect giving to stories of transformation.
Say something like:
“Because of your giving, 50 students went to camp last year. This Easter, we’re praying for 75. Your gift today can help make that happen.”
Or:
“Every dollar today helps us launch our new ministries like our outreach to single moms in our city.”
The more focused your “ask,” the more inspired the response. A vague appeal falls flat, while a vivid vision invites partnership.
5. Make It Easy to Give
The easier it is to give, the more people will give. Equip your church with digital options: text-to-give, QR codes, and mobile apps. OnlineGiving.org offers more than ten secure and simple ways to help people confidently give.
Especially on Easter—when guests are present and online engagement spikes—you want zero friction in the giving process.
6. Say Thank You—and Show Results
One of the most powerful post-Easter moves you can make is to send a timely thank-you. Research shows that thanking first-time givers within 48 hours makes them four times more likely to give again. That’s a 400% increase with one email or handwritten note.
OG partners see 80% of their receipts after a donation is given and opened. We encourage our clients to personalize their receipts, turning them into powerful thank-you notes. We encourage them to use that follow-up email receipt to link their giving to impact:
“Thank you for your gift of $_______________! Because of generous donors like you, 73 people gave their lives to Christ on Easter Sunday.”
“Thank you for your gift of $ ______________! Your gift is helping us send teens on mission this summer.”
Receipts are not just financial records; they are opportunities to express gratitude and show the giver’s contribution’s impact, encouraging future giving.
Here is a post that shares more about the power of receipts: Send Giving Statements That Inspire Generosity
Final Thought: Stop Thinking Offering, Start Thinking Opportunity
Don’t view the offering as a financial transaction—it’s a discipleship opportunity. It’s a chance to shift people from passive observers to active participants in God’s mission.
This Easter, stop apologizing and start inspiring. Plan it out, cast the vision, tell the story, make it easy to respond, and say thank you.
Do that, and your Easter offering won’t just raise dollars—it’ll raise disciples.
We would love to show you how OnlineGiving.org can help you maximize your offerings using our industry-leading platform and tools. Contact us today at (615) 206-4000 or email support@onlinegiving.org.
The Stewardship Coach
Easter is a big Sunday—make every moment count.
— Online Giving (@onlinegivingorg) April 15, 2025
Your offering moment can spark generosity, tell your church’s story, and change lives. Here’s how to make the greatest impact: https://t.co/xFex6Oa4B1 pic.twitter.com/4afO8hTJzr
