Church Finance and COVID-19

During this period of COVID-19 cancellations and social distancing mandates, an important priority for church leadership will be encouraging membership to continue tithing and steady giving. While we recognize that some of our members will be hard hit financially by this difficult time, others continue to be employed by working remotely and can be asked to share their blessings. 

Concise and transparent communication with congregations is a must during this time, with a hard bottom line that a church still needs steady funding to continue advancing the gospel message, and to care for those who might be dealing with unexpected job losses, closed businesses, etc..

Leadership must get the word out, by any means, that even though the physical church building may not be in use for weekly gatherings, mission work and gospel advancement continues. Other means of giving must be addressed in letters, email, social media posts, etc. Even if it is just a simple listing of your church address for members to mail in their tithing gifts. 

If your church does not have some form of online giving or electronic debit/crediting, the CRCNA is providing a way you can route donations from your congregants through the denomination.

Or, if you want to set up your own online giving, find a church or two that is doing this well. Reach out and ask them for their advice on how they got this done, the partners they chose, etc. Learn what process works, what software is available and the costs involved. 

Here are a few resources for churches to keep funding going during this challenging period.

• Building a “Giving Friendly” church [article]

• Electronic Giving and YOUR Church [article]

• Online Giving Option for Churches [article]

• Downloadable Template for EFT set up brochure

• Pre-Authorized Remittance (PAR) Brochure (for Canadian churches)

• The Bridge App "give" function (for Canadian churches)

The following excerpt was provided by The Timothy Group.

Here are some valuable takeaways and action steps for you to consider with your church members.

1. Be Real. 

Paul was transparent about his struggles. He expressed that he was “under great pressure, far beyond his ability to endure so that he despaired of life itself” and even “felt that he had received the sentence of death.” Perhaps you haven’t reached this point, but some in your family are feeling anxious.

1. Trust God. 

We experience tough times to stretch us beyond our limits. God wants to teach us to stop leaning on our own understanding and rely on him. As you communicate with your church members, express your confidence in the Lord’s plan and encourage them to walk by faith with you.

1. Share Hope. 

These uncertain times exhaust you and your church members emotionally, physically and spiritually. They need reassurance of God’s lovingkindness. Paul emphasized, “He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us.” God is faithful and always provides a way out so that you can stand up under every trial you face (2 Cor. 10:13).

1. Pray. 

Paul appealed to the body of Christ to pray for him. They weren’t just his financial supporters; they were his ministry partners. Share about how you are facing COVID-19 and ask them to pray that this will open many opportunities for you to share the Prince of Peace with those who lack peace.

1. Give Thanks. 

Paul teaches that we should “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thes. 5:18). When Paul faced his thorn in the flesh, the Lord reassured him that, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9). Paul responded with confidence, “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong” 2 Corinthians 12:10.