4 Ways to Inspire Giving During the Thanksgiving Season

It’s almost too bad that the Christmas season follows so closely on the heels of Thanksgiving. After we sit around the table and acknowledge what we’re thankful for, we barely get the food put away before we head to the mall to get the best deals possible on new gadgets and clothes.

Thankfully, November also kicks off the season when people are at their most generous. Americans do more charitable giving during the holidays than they do at any other time of the year.

Here are four ways that you can inspire more giving in your church during Thanksgiving:

1. Talk about giving as an act of gratitude

In 2 Corinthians, Paul writes:

“He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God” (2 Cor. 9:10–12 ESV).

God desires to enrich us so that He can not only meet our needs, but so we may overflow in generosity. When we give to others in Jesus’ name, the thankfulness for our generosity is given to God—and not to us.

Passages like this one are powerful because they call us to see ourselves as blessing conduits. We receive, in part, to give. In that giving, we glorify God.

2. Hold food and clothing drives

When we’re focused on our gratefulness for his blessings, the needs of others stand out in stark contrast. The holiday season is an opportune time to draw attention to the needs of the community and spur your congregation to meet them.

Not only can you pull together to fill the pantries of your city’s hungry, but your church can make sure that all the children in your community have enough warm clothing to get through the winter months.

3. Remember what God has done for the church this year

What has God done in your church this year? Has there been growth? Conversions? New ministries? It’s important to take some time at the end of the year to recognize and thank God for all that He’s accomplished in your community this year.

As you worship Him for what He’s done, you can look forward to building upon His accomplishments in the upcoming year. This season can be the perfect time to reflect on the work that has been done and take offerings for the work that your church is called to do.

4. Solicit testimonies of thankfulness

Spend some time in November inviting church members to share what God has done in their personal lives, too. Ask people with stories to email you throughout the week.

During the coming weeks, schedule brief testimonies during the service. If people aren’t comfortable speaking in public, they may still be open to sharing in a video. Hopefully, there are too many good stories to share during a service. You can always share testimonies on your social media channels as well!

Counting Our Blessings and Paying Them Forward

We have a lot to be thankful for. Taking time to remember our blessings can engender a corporate spirit of generosity.

Start With Generosity is a collection of real-life stories from people just like you about how generosity played a major role in their lives and testimonies. You’re sure to find at least a handful of encouraging stories that you can share with the people around you at home or over a friendsgiving dinner. Click here to download a free copy of Start With Generosity today.