In many churches of which I have been a part, I have felt that our goal for the Christmas missions offering was quite low given the number and financial make-up of the congregations. Yet, at the same time, Christmas is a time where people are being bombarded with requests for money from a variety of good causes. Here is my question. What are some sustainable ways we can increase giving to missions while not putting a lot of extra pressure on people to give — especially at a time when finances are often tight already? Here are a few ideas I have come up with:
Ideas to increase Lottie Moon giving:
- Have a pledge drive for missions – have members pledge to set aside money each week/month for the next year (this idea actually came from my “home” church, TRBC — they call it “Love Offering for Jesus”).
- Encourage members to put missions on their Christmas list and commit to give God your best by giving to missions as much or more than the top person on your Christmas list.
- Have a restaurant fast for missions – give up eating out for the month of December and give what you would have spent to missions. (This would work for a variety of things, not just restaurants).
I’m working on building a much bigger list and that’s where you come in. I’m looking for ideas, thoughts or opinions from all of you. What do you think of these ideas? What has worked in your church? What great idea have you wanted to try?
Blessings!
— Todd
