The Small Church Ministry Podcast 205: Why People Aren’t Giving to Churches (And the Hopeful Shift That Brings Generosity Back) | Church Finance Series (Part 3)
Dec 2, 2025
Exploring the decline in church giving, the discussion reveals that generosity is alive but often disconnected from visible impact. Trust can be rebuilt through transparency and storytelling, reminding congregations of their mission. Laurie emphasizes that modern giving is driven by relationships and clear outcomes rather than obligation. Small churches hold a unique advantage, connecting with their communities in profound ways. Listeners are encouraged to share impactful stories to reignite generosity, fostering hope amidst financial shifts.
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Generosity Is Not Dying
- Generosity is alive and visible outside churches through platforms like GoFundMe and Instagram fundraisers.
- People give where they can see immediate impact and community response.
Visibility Drives Giving
- People prefer relational, story-driven, and transparent giving that shows outcomes quickly.
- Visibility of impact often motivates donations more than institutional obligation.
Hidden Acts Of Local Care
- Laurie describes a church buying diapers and fixing cars for single moms while no one in the congregation knows.
- The ministry was meaningful but invisible, so local giving waned despite real impact.