How to introduce digital tithing to your church

These days, most people don’t carry much cash. They pay bills online, split dinner with friends using mobile apps, and tap their phones at the grocery store checkout. So it’s no surprise that the way people give to their churches is shifting, too.

That’s where digital tithing comes in.

Digital tithing simply means giving to your church through a mobile device, website, or other electronic tool. It’s about offering your congregation a secure, convenient way to practice generosity in an increasingly digital world. Whether someone sets up a recurring gift through an online giving platform or donates via text giving on a Sunday morning, digital giving meets people where they are.

And that’s a good thing. Because when giving becomes easier and more consistent, ministry can move forward with confidence. Below are some practical steps to help your church introduce digital tithing in a way that feels natural, thoughtful, and aligned with your mission.

1. Understand what digital tithing is

Let’s start with the basics.

Digital tithing refers to any kind of online giving or electronic giving that happens through tools like a church giving platform, mobile app, website giving, or kiosk giving. Common options include:

• Giving through your church website or mobile app
• Text-to-give using a short code
• Scanning a QR code to donate
• Setting up recurring donations with a debit or credit card

Beyond convenience, digital giving offers added benefits:

• Built-in security features for peace of mind
• Easy access to giving history
• Options for automated recurring giving
• A more accessible experience for younger givers and new members

2. Get leadership on board

Before you introduce a new giving tool, make sure your pastors, elders, and finance team are aligned.

Start with open conversations about both the logistics. Some leaders may have concerns about how technology fits into worship or stewardship. That’s understandable. Listen carefully and share how online tithing doesn’t change the heart behind giving—it just creates more ways for people to participate.

3. Choose the right tools

Not all online giving platforms are created equal. Look for a solution that’s built with churches in mind.

Key features to consider:

• Mobile giving experience that works across devices
• Easy-to-use admin dashboard with access to donor information and reporting
• Simple setup for recurring gifts
• Integration with your church app or church management software
• Top-tier security

Pushpay, for example, is a trusted church giving software that offers all this and more. If your giving option feels like it was built for a bank, it might be time to explore one made for ministry.

4. Communicate clearly with your congregation

Once your team is ready, share the news with your church family.

Start with a Sunday morning announcement. Then follow up with:

• A detailed email
• Posts on social media
• A walk-through in your mobile app
• A banner or landing page on your website

Make it clear this is an option, not a replacement. Be transparent about how it works, why it matters, and how people can get started. Walk them through the donation process step-by-step.

5. Make onboarding easy

Even tech-savvy people appreciate a little guidance.

Create a how-to video or invite people to stay after church for a live demo. Set up a booth in the lobby with volunteers ready to help folks give for the first time or set up recurring donations.

Use this moment to show how their donation directly supports ministry—from kids’ classrooms to fundraising efforts for things like building projects.

6. Lead with vision, not just logistics

Giving is a form of worship, it isn’t simply a transaction. A response to the grace we’ve received in Jesus Christ.

As you introduce digital tithing, remind people why they give in the first place: to love their neighbor, serve the body, and support the gospel. Connect the dots between digital tools and ministry stories. Share testimonies of what generosity is making possible, both inside your church and in your community.

When giving is rooted in vision, people lean in.

7. Evaluate and encourage

After launch, keep an eye on adoption rates. Look for where people are getting stuck and provide support.

Celebrate milestones like the first 50 recurring givers, or a record number of online donations in one month. Publicly thank your congregation and highlight how their generosity is making a difference.

Regular updates and honest encouragement keep the momentum going.

Final thoughts

Digital tithing isn’t about chasing trends or replacing tradition. It’s about accessibility. It’s about removing friction so people can be faithful stewards, however they choose to give.

If you’ve been holding off, maybe this is your next step. Because giving to the church is really giving through the church—so the work of the gospel can keep going.

Looking for a digital giving solution that’s built for churches like yours? Explore Pushpay’s giving platform today.

DISCLAIMER: this content has been generated, at least in part, by artificial intelligence.