Dean recently asked about the way we handle offerings in our weekend services. Here's a previous post he'd read and referenced:
Because our weekend services are designed to communicate with clarity to people who have little to no church background, I'm often asked:
What about the offering? How do you receive it considering those in the room who are new to church?
This is a great question. Our mission is about "helping people take their next step toward Christ... together.". That's their next step. And it's a step. Often people new to church or new to church again, have had to climb over a significant barrier: "All the church wants is my money." It's a great step that they've gotten to a church service. Their next step may be coming back next week - not giving an offering!
I'd provided a link to watch the service - which you can do any time (you'll see the most recent service any day of the week) at GCCwired.com. Just follow the link to view the service. In the event you can't access the link or don't have time, here's the basic communication we provide most weekends.
We want to give you an opportunity to give now as we receive the offering. All over this room there are people who have decided to give their tithe and offerings from their own resources today. Many of us are committed to the on-going work of this church to reach people in our community and around the world - from Granger to downtown South Bend to southern India. We want them to know how much they matter to God.
Now, if you're new here today, please keep your wallet in your pocket or purse; we didn't invite you here to get your money. We simply wanted you to hear that you matter. So, as the ushers come, please drop your comment card in the bag provided and we'll all enjoy (this song or media) together.
The wording may vary a bit week to week, depending on teaching about the offering from the message theme and who the speaking pastor/host is, but our communication generally follows this gist. Again, the point is to invite people who have chosen to give to do so generously, without pressing those who are new guests.
Thanks for the question, Dean.
What do others of you do in your church to make sure the offering isn't a distraction or stumbling point for your new guests?
