Five Barriers to Giving

May 5th, 2025
by Jim LaDoux

Every church faces obstacles when it comes to financial generosity. Some members fear letting go of money, while others lack clarity about where funds go. Still others simply haven’t been invited to give. Naming these barriers honestly allows churches to address them with compassion and creativity. By tackling the obstacles head-on, stewardship leaders can open new pathways for members to participate in generosity.

BARRIER 1 - Fear of Scarcity

Preach abundance regularly.
Share testimonies of God’s provision.
Offer financial education workshops.
Model generosity as leaders.

BARRIER 2 - Lack of Trust

Share clear financial reports.
Tell stories of impact, not just numbers.
Ensure transparency in decision-making.
Have respected leaders endorse stewardship efforts.

BARRIER 3 - Unclear Vision

Communicate how giving fuels mission.
Align stewardship with the church’s vision statement.
Highlight specific ministry outcomes.
Show photos/videos of impact.

BARRIER 4 - Inconvenient Giving Options

Provide multiple giving platforms (online, text, envelopes).
Encourage recurring giving for consistency.
Train members on digital tools.
Make giving part of worship (not just announcements).

BARRIER 5 - Lack of Invitation

Personally invite members to give.
Create first-time giver campaigns.
Send thank-you notes that encourage ongoing participation.
Regularly remind members that generosity is discipleship, not just fundraising.

5 Questions for Stewardship Teams

How can we track progress as barriers are reduced and generosity increases?
Which barriers to giving seem most prevalent in our congregation?
How have we already addressed these barriers, and what has worked?
Which strategies could we implement in the next six months?
How might we personalize our approach to different groups (new members, long-time givers, youth)?

Closing Thoughts

Barriers to giving are not dead ends — they’re opportunities for pastoral care and creative leadership. By addressing fears, building trust, clarifying vision, and making giving accessible, churches can remove obstacles and free people to live generously.

Posted in 8 | Grow Your Giving
Posted in giving, generosity, stewardship