Giving “Giving” Talks

The Why Behind The What

A giving talk is a short explanation of how the tithing/offering works plus a call to action.

It’s a two-minute talk from a pastor, staff member or volunteer, that sets up the opportunity for people to give, connects the dots for participants, and gets everyone ready for what’s coming next; the opportunity to give.

It’s an intentional, planned moment of explanation in your church service.

Every Giving Talk Must Have:

1. Clear Direction

This isn’t a time for making something up. You need to be clear. This is explaining the how’s to give. Such as passing buckets, phone app, direct deposit, text, etc. The more ways to give the better.

2. A “Connect the Dots” Moment

This giving talk will help you connect the dots and will keep you from making things up on the spot. Sharing a stat, telling a story, or explaining a Scripture passage is a great way to emphasize the offering and connect the dots. 

3. A Call to Action

This is the moment where you tell people exactly what you would like them to do. It’s a clear and specific action step.  Are you passing buckets, taking time for online giving, sending people to a debit machine, etc.?

What Are We Doing?

#1: We ask people to follow the Biblical pattern of being generous.

#2: We make talking about money a normal process of church life without making it an exception.

#3: We lead by example and tell lots of personal breakthrough stories.

#4: We are building disciples, not donors.

#5: We are intentional. Kingdom ministry is funded by people of the Kingdom.

#6: We help people with their personal finances. For example, talks about only spending what you have, limiting credit cards, the spirit of mammon, the spirit of poverty, etc.

#7: We encourage digital giving, not just offer it.

#8: We know the numbers. Keep current on your income, expenses, needs, etc.

#9: We follow up. Thanking first-time givers, large donors, regular donors, and those who switch to online giving, etc.

#10: Someone has to wake up thinking about this. Whether it's a finance director, pastor, or volunteer, someone has to wake up every day thinking about the financial health of your ministry.

5 Reasons Why People Give

1. They see a need. Be ready to share needs, especially for unique opportunities.  

2. They believe in the vision of the organization.

3. They have a relationship with the church/charity/mission

4. They are taught to do it, either by their parents or their pastors.

5. They want to obey God’s Word.

Are your giving talks written to address these five reasons?

Sample Talks

Future Generations

In just a few minutes, we’re going to receive an offering, so go ahead and get ready for that. But as we prepare, I want to share something with you.

Right now, there are [57] elementary kids upstairs learning about Jesus. Our staff is using an amazing curriculum. Volunteers have prepared amazing crafts that teach something. We’re teaching Bible stories to your children that will lay a foundation for what God can do in their lives. See, we’re not babysitting children, we’re helping them follow Jesus.

And your giving makes that possible. Because you give, we’re able to hire a staff, purchase supplies, have a kid-friendly space, purchase curriculum, and teach kids about Jesus. I’m so proud to be a part of a church that takes this part of the mission seriously.

So when you give, I want you to understand that there’s a whole bunch of children who will one day be thankful. Think about that for a minute. Babies and elementary children may not be able to say thanks now, but later in life, they will be so grateful that they were a part of a church where they learned that Jesus makes a difference.  

Maybe you don’t have children, but your giving is equipping the next generation to know and follow Jesus. There are future missionaries over there right now, and your generosity is going to impact the future.

So, as we worship God through giving, think about the future impact of your generosity. It’s making a huge difference. Let’s pray that God will bless what’s about to be given and that He will use it in a big way.

Where The Money Goes
In just a few minutes, we’re going to receive an offering, so go ahead and get ready for that. This is a time when all kinds of people from all walks of life support the mission and vision of this church. But before we do that, I wanted to let you know where the money goes. When you put a dollar in the offering plate, here’s what happens.  

• 46 percent of each dollar/euro/pound goes to pay the staff at this church. We have an incredible staff who leads ministry. They could all make more money doing something else, but they have given their lives to serve Jesus through this church.

• 25 percent of each dollar/euro/pound goes to cover the costs of this facility. God’s blessed us with this amazing place to meet and worship Jesus.

• 27 percent of every dollar/euro/pound goes to ministry. We’re teaching elementary children about Jesus, students are making decisions to follow Christ, people are connecting with groups. We’re helping local organizations, helping people, and helping other churches. Real ministry is happening because you give.

• 11 percent covers the administrative costs of the church. If you research non-profit organizations, you’ll find that this is a really low number. We work hard to keep the admin costs down so we can do more ministry.

So, that’s it. That’s where the money goes. I just wanted you to see how your giving is really making a difference. Our ushers are in place, so let me pray as we bless the Lord by our giving today.

Training Wheels
(Bring a bike with training wheels out on the stage with you.)

How many of you remember your first bike? Was it a banana seat bike? Did it have tassels hanging from the handlebars? Did you have an overprotective father who installed a 10-foot orange flag? Did it have training wheels? 

I learned how to ride a bike with the assistance of training wheels. Amazing little things you attach to the rear wheels that help you balance. You learn how to ride a bike, and as you get better, you remove the training wheels.

When it comes to generosity, I think the Bible talks about training wheels. In the Old Testament, there’s this idea of the tithe. God’s people were to set aside 10% of their income to support the work of the Levites and priests. They were to give the tithe first, before they gave to other things. Here’s one of the verses in the Bible that talks about the tithe:

‘"Bring the whole tithe (tenth) into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.”’ -Malachi 3:10 

In the New Testament, Jesus talked a lot about money. But he taught people that they shouldn’t treat the law like a checklist, but their obedience should reflect their heart. In different letters to different churches, the Apostle Paul talked about generous giving.

I think the tithe is the training wheels of generosity. It’s how we learn to be generous, but it’s not the end. It’s the starting point, not the finish line.

A kid riding a bike with training wheels is okay, but an adult, now, that’s a different story. My hope for you is that you would give generously, out of faith and love. A tithe is a great thing, but it’s a starting point for generosity.

I want to invite the ushers to come forward and get into position because we’re about to receive an offering. This is a time where you can worship God by giving your tithe, or your offerings. Let’s pray, and then the ushers will pass the buckets.