What Church Giving Data Reveals: Participation Is Up, But Something Is Missing

Stewardship Leader Podcast

<p style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Key Takeaways </p><p style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Giving is finally outpacing inflation, providing encouraging news for churches.</p><p style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Participation in giving is increasing, particularly among Millennials and Gen Z.</p><p style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Younger generations are giving more frequently, but their average gifts remain significantly smaller than those of previous generations.</p><p style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The greatest challenge facing churches today is not fundraising—it is stewardship discipleship.</p><p style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Most churches lack a comprehensive discipleship strategy that helps people grow from first-time givers to generous disciples.</p><p style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Fifty percent of people who gave in 2022 did not give again to the same church by 2025, revealing a significant retention challenge.</p><p style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Many churches excel at welcoming first-time guests but fail to acknowledge and encourage first-time givers.</p><p style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Churches need a shared theology and common language around stewardship, tithing, offerings, and generosity.</p><p style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Financial stewardship should be taught consistently, not just during annual giving campaigns.</p><p style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Stories of generosity should reflect every stage of the giving journey, not just large gifts from wealthy donors.</p><p style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Security and contentment are discipleship issues that directly influence generosity.</p><p style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Churches must intentionally disciple younger generations if they hope to sustain future ministry.</p><p style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Dependence on a small percentage of high-capacity donors continues to increase and presents a long-term risk.</p><p style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Stewardship conversations are ultimately about heart transformation, not simply meeting a budget.</p><p style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Resources</p><p class="" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mortarstone Website - <a href="https://mortarstone.com/">https://mortarstone.com/</a><br />Get the Annual Giving Report - <a href="https://mortarstone.com/annual-generosity-report-landing">https://mortarstone.com/annual-generosity-report-landing</a></p><p class="" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Learn about the Christian Stewardship Network<a href="https://stewardologypodcast.com"> - https://www.chri</a><a href="https://www.christianstewardshipnetwork.com/">stianstewardshipnetwork.com/</a><br />Become a CSN member - <a href="https://membership.christianstewardshipnetwork.com/" target="_blank">https://membership.christianstewardshipnetwork.com/</a></p><p style="white-space: pre-wrap;"></p>

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