Online Tithing for Churches: 7 Ways to Increase Participation

Tithing has always been a crucial part of church life. Giving is an act of faith, an expression of gratitude, and a way for believers to take part in the work of Jesus Christ. But as fewer people carry cash or write checks, churches have had to rethink how they approach giving. Enter online tithing.

Digital giving has made generosity more accessible than ever. A church member can donate from anywhere, whether they’re sitting in a Sunday service or watching from home. And yet, many churches still struggle to get their congregation fully engaged with online tithing. Some people hesitate to switch from traditional giving, while others simply don’t know it’s an option.

But churches that embrace online giving tools are seeing growth in generosity. Research suggests that churches using digital giving platforms see a significant increase in recurring donations last year, with automated giving rising as much as 20% in some cases.

So how do you increase participation in online tithing for churches? How do you encourage your church members to embrace digital giving and make it part of their routine?

In this post, we’ll walk through seven strategies to help your church strengthen its online giving efforts, increase overall donations, and create a culture of generosity that fuels ministry growth.

1. Educate your congregation about online giving

For many church members, tithing is second nature. It’s something they’ve done for years by dropping cash or a check into the offering plate. But as churches move toward digital giving, some people hesitate. They may worry about security, assume there are high fees, or feel that online tithing is less spiritual than giving in person.

Education is key. Church leaders should teach both the biblical foundation of generosity and the practical benefits of online giving. Scripture is filled with examples of faithful giving, from the widow’s offering (Mark 12:41-44) to the early church sharing resources so that “there were no needy persons among them” (Acts 4:34).

At the same time, churches need to address practical concerns. Online giving is secure, efficient, and often leads to increased generosity. The more you educate your congregation—through sermons, social media, blog posts, and even short videos—the more likely they are to embrace it.

2. Make online giving accessible and user-friendly

If your online giving platform is clunky, confusing, or buried somewhere on your church website, people won’t use it. Churches need a giving experience that’s simple, intuitive, and available on multiple devices.

That starts with choosing the best online giving platform for your church, one that works seamlessly on both desktop and mobile. More than half of online donations are made on mobile devices, so if your church giving tool isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re missing out.

Offering multiple ways to give also makes a difference. Some church members will prefer giving through the church app, while others might find text-to-give more convenient. QR codes on bulletins, screens, and offering envelopes can bridge the gap for those who aren’t sure how to start.

And don’t forget to guide first-time givers. Clear instructions, whether through step-by-step tutorials, video walkthroughs, or announcements from the stage, remove barriers to participation. When people know exactly how to give, they’re far more likely to do it.

3. Normalize digital giving in worship services

For many churches, the offering moment is a sacred time. But if giving is only framed as something that happens through physical collection plates, digital donors may feel left out.

Church leaders can normalize online tithing by actively acknowledging it during worship. A simple mention—“If you give online, take a moment to reflect on your generosity as we worship”—keeps digital donors engaged. QR codes posted on the backs of pews or text-to-give instructions during the offertory can also encourage participation.

Some churches have seen success by incorporating digital giving testimonies. When a church member shares how recurring donations through a church app helped them stay consistent in their giving, it can inspire others to do the same. Research shows that 49% of churches that emphasize online giving in their services experience an increase in overall donations (One Church Software).

The goal isn’t to replace traditional giving but to create a culture where online tithing is seen as just as meaningful and intentional as dropping cash in the plate. When digital giving is woven naturally into the fabric of a church’s worship experience, more people will feel comfortable using it.

4. Offer recurring giving options

One of the simplest ways to increase church giving is by encouraging recurring donations. When church members set up automated giving, they don’t have to remember to give every week—it happens automatically, creating a steady and reliable source of financial support for the church.

Recurring donations benefit both the giver and the church. For individuals, it’s a way to remain faithful in tithing, even when they miss a Sunday service. For the church, it provides financial consistency, allowing ministry leaders to plan ahead with greater confidence.

The key is making it easy. Your church giving platform should have a simple, user-friendly process for setting up recurring donations. Demonstrate how it works with step-by-step guides, short instructional videos, or even live walkthroughs during a service. Some churches have seen success by holding a “Recurring Giving Sunday,” where they walk people through the process and celebrate those who commit to consistent generosity.

Testimonials can also be powerful. Hearing from a fellow church member who found recurring giving to be a game-changer for their generosity can encourage others to do the same. When people see how simple and impactful automated giving is, they’re more likely to make it part of their routine.

5. Communicate the impact of giving

People give more when they know their donations are making a difference. One of the most effective ways to increase online tithing for churches is to consistently show the impact of generosity.

That means going beyond general statements like, “Your giving helps support our ministry.” Instead, share specific stories. Show how church donations funded a mission trip, helped a struggling family, or supported a local outreach program. Use real numbers and real testimonies. Churches that regularly communicate financial impact see higher engagement in digital giving.

Use multiple channels to keep people informed. Email updates, social media posts, and video testimonies all help reinforce the message. Some churches create short “Giving Impact” videos where pastors or ministry leaders share updates on how donations have been used. Others highlight these stories during offering moments in service.

Transparency also matters. Churches that publish annual reports or provide regular financial updates tend to build trust with their congregations. When people see where their money is going—and the lives it’s changing—they’re more likely to give, and to give consistently.

6. Incorporate online giving in church events and campaigns

Giving doesn’t just happen during Sunday services. Church members are often inspired to give during special moments, whether it’s a holiday offering, a missions fundraiser, or a church-building campaign. Making digital giving an integral part of these moments ensures that generosity isn’t limited to those in the room.

Special campaigns are a perfect opportunity to highlight online giving. For example, a church planning a community outreach project could create a dedicated giving page where people can donate specifically to that cause. QR codes on promotional materials, text-to-give options, and announcements during services all help drive engagement.

Seasonal giving opportunities, such as Giving Tuesday or end-of-year donations, also present a chance to encourage online tithing. Many churches see a surge in generosity during these moments, especially when they make it easy to give online.

The goal is to create multiple on-ramps for generosity. Whether it’s through a church app, mobile giving, or a dedicated fundraising effort, offering digital giving options at the right moments helps ensure that every church member has an opportunity to give no matter where they are.

7. Follow up and show gratitude

Generosity thrives in an atmosphere of gratitude. When church members give, whether it’s a one-time donation or a recurring tithe, they need to know their contribution is seen, valued, and making an impact. A simple thank-you can go a long way in encouraging continued generosity.

Churches can automate thank-you emails through their church giving platform, but personalization makes an even bigger impact. A handwritten note, a quick phone call from a pastor, or a personal email to first-time donors can make people feel truly appreciated. Studies show that donors who receive a thank-you message within 48 hours are four times more likely to give again (Nonprofits Source).

Another way to reinforce a culture of generosity is by celebrating milestones. Whether it’s recognizing an increase in recurring donations, reaching a fundraising goal, or highlighting how online giving has supported a ministry initiative, these moments remind people that their giving matters. Some churches even create an annual “Generosity Sunday” to celebrate the collective impact of their congregation’s giving.

Churches that express gratitude well will see deeper engagement, stronger relationships, and a greater willingness to give.

Conclusion

Online tithing has changed the way churches approach generosity, making it easier than ever for people to support their local church. But simply having an online giving platform isn’t enough. Churches must be intentional about how they introduce, encourage, and normalize digital giving.

By educating church members, making giving accessible, incorporating it into worship, and communicating the impact, church leaders can create a culture where generosity thrives. Encouraging recurring donations, integrating online giving into events, and following up with gratitude further reinforce participation.

The key is to take small, intentional steps. If your church hasn’t emphasized digital giving yet, start by introducing it in sermons or updating your church website with clear instructions. If you already have online giving in place, look for ways to simplify the process, communicate impact, and thank your donors more effectively.

Now’s the time to strengthen your church’s giving strategy. Explore your church’s online giving options, discuss next steps with your leadership team, and make sure every church member has a seamless way to participate in generosity.