TL;DR
Turning visitors into faithful givers starts with connection. OnlineGiving.org’s 4-step pathway—Connect, Cultivate, Inspire, Invite—helps churches build relationships that lead to lasting generosity. Engage well, tell impactful stories, and make giving easy.
Meet Sarah, a first-time guest who might become your church’s next faithful giver—if you follow the right steps. Picture Sarah, a new visitor who loves your church’s worship but hasn’t connected with many people or given financially. What’s missing? Engagement. With church involvement declining, inspiring generosity is tougher than ever. Yet, research shows engaged congregants give up to three times more. At OnlineGiving.org, we’re not just a giving platform—we’re an engagement solutions company. Our four-step pathway—Connect, Cultivate, Inspire, Invite—turns visitors like Sarah into faithful givers. Here’s how to build relationships that spark lasting generosity with our tools.
Step 1: Connect – Make the First Impression Count
Every donor’s journey begins with a single moment—a warm handshake, a compelling social media post, or a friendly text. This first connection is your chance to make someone feel seen and valued. Research shows people are more likely to engage when they feel personally welcomed, a principle called reciprocity. A meaningful first impression sets the stage for everything that follows.
So, how do you connect effectively? Start with in-person hospitality: train your greeters to offer genuine smiles and follow up with visitors after services. Host inclusive community events, like a family game night or a local service day, to draw newcomers into your church’s orbit. Digitally, leverage OnlineGiving.org’s text marketing to send personalized welcomes. For example, after Sarah visits, a simple text like, “Sarah, we’re so glad you joined us! Save the date for our community picnic!” keeps her engaged.
Social media is another powerful connector. Share stories of active members to create “social proof,” showing newcomers they’re joining a vibrant community. OnlineGiving.org’s chatbot can automate follow-ups, ensuring no visitor slips through the cracks. Making every first impression count lays the foundation for deeper engagement.
Step 2: Cultivate – Foster a Sense of Belonging
A first connection is just the beginning. You need to cultivate a sense of belonging to move someone toward giving. People give to communities they feel part of, a concept rooted in social identity theory. When Sarah feels like she’s not just attending your church but belongs to it, she’s far more likely to contribute to its mission.
Cultivating belonging requires intentional relationship-building. Invite newcomers to small groups, Bible studies, or volunteer opportunities where they can form real connections. For example, ask Sarah to help with a food drive—she’ll meet others and see your church’s impact firsthand. Regular communication is key: use OnlineGiving.org’s email or text tools to share updates about your church’s work, like how your youth program reached 50 kids last month. These updates remind people they’re part of something bigger.
Don’t overlook hybrid engagement. To include remote members, host events that work both in person and online, like a streamed prayer night. OnlineGiving.org’s custom form builder makes creating sign-up forms for groups or events easy, streamlining the process. By fostering belonging, you create a community Sarah wants to support—not just with her time but with her generosity.
Step 3: Inspire – Tell Stories That Move Hearts
Now that Sarah feels connected and part of your community, it’s time to inspire her to give. Inspiration comes from showing the tangible impact of generosity. Emotional storytelling is your most powerful tool here. Behavioral science tells us that people give when they feel empathy, imagining the difference their gift will make.
Craft stories that make your mission personal. Instead of saying, “We need funds for our outreach,” say, “Your support helped Jane’s family find hope after a house fire.” Share specific, vivid examples—maybe a video of a family receiving aid or a photo of kids at your summer camp. Post these stories on your giving page, social media, and newsletters. OnlineGiving.org’s platform lets you customize your giving page to feature these stories, tying every donation to a real outcome.
Don’t just focus on big gifts. Show how small contributions add up: “A $10 gift provides a Bible for a child.” This approach makes giving feel accessible and meaningful, reminding us that every donation, no matter how small, makes a significant impact. By sharing stories that tug at the heart, you inspire Sarah to see herself as a partner in your mission, ready to take the next step.
Step 4: Invite – Make Giving Simple and Compelling
The final step is to invite Sarah to give—and make it effortless. A clear, compelling invitation turns inspiration into action. Behavioral science shows that simplifying decisions (a concept called choice architecture) increases the likelihood of giving. Even inspired people won't follow through if the process is confusing or cumbersome.
Your invitation should be bold and direct: “Join us in changing lives—give today!” Offer multiple giving options to reduce barriers. With OnlineGiving.org, you can accept donations via web, mobile, text, or even cryptocurrency—over 14 methods in total. This variety ensures that everyone, regardless of their preferred method, can contribute to our mission. Promote recurring giving to make generosity a habit; a simple prompt like “Set up a monthly gift to sustain our mission” can boost retention.
Customize your “Give” page to reflect your church’s heart. Include a clear call to action, a story of impact, and a seamless interface. OnlineGiving.org’s secure platform builds trust, ensuring donors feel confident. By making giving simple and compelling, you turn Sarah’s inspiration into a faithful gift.
Bringing It All Together
The engagement pathway—Connect, Cultivate, Inspire, Invite—is a roadmap to transform strangers into givers. It’s not about chasing quick donations but building relationships that inspire generosity over time. Each step builds on the last, creating a cycle of connection and giving that strengthens your church.
The pathway—Connect, Cultivate, Inspire, Invite—counteracts the trend of declining engagement. OnlineGiving.org’s tools power every step. Don’t lose another Sarah—call (615) 206-4000 or email support@onlinegiving.org for a free demo today. Start on your pathway to faithful generosity now.
The Stewardship Coach
How does your church welcome visitors into meaningful connection and faithful giving? It's possible with 4 simple steps: Connect, Cultivate, Inspire, Invite.
— Online Giving (@onlinegivingorg) May 8, 2025
Faithful Generosity Starts Here: https://t.co/ds1fhveznS pic.twitter.com/LtFluP87sg
1. https://stewardshipjournal.com/an-interview-with-ron-sellers-3/
