Friends, there’s more good news. A recent Washington Post article, Singing is good for you, even if you’re no Beyoncé promoted the health benefits of singing.

Guess who does communal singing at least once a week? Yesiree – every single person who is sitting in a chair or pew during worship.

In the midst of all the doom and gloom, your church just might have “what the world is longing for.” That is the hopeful message you can give to a country and a culture that is flailing about.

One of the primary things that encourages people to be generous is gratitude. I don’t mean some slavish over-the-top-bordering-on-insincere kind of appreciation; I mean the kind of thank you that comes straight from the heart.

Let’s face it. It’s not easy to preach about money. You’re nervous that someone will call you on the carpet for “talking about money all the time” or someone will be offended (yet again) by your message. I get it. Between politics (well, in some congregations) and sex, money is one of the three big taboos in the church.

Here’s the good news:
 
Americans were more generous in 2024.
 
In 2023, giving by individuals, foundations, corporations, and bequests equaled $557 billion.
In 2024, giving by those same groups equaled $590 billion – up 8.2%.

As people who believe all things are sacred – including our history – we must be about telling our whole story, even if it’s unpleasant. Even if we are not proud of it. Even if it causes us embarrassment.
 

Everyone wants their pastor to succeed.
Everyone wants their congregation to be thriving and vibrant.
 
To make this a reality requires generosity of spirit, time, and yes, financial resources…
 
So go ahead, give your pastor permission to talk about the spiritual discipline of giving.
 

Collecting stories can feel like an overly formal process. But it doesn’t have to be. My guess is that you are hearing stories of change and transformation frequently - you just need to tune in to them.

Summer is a season to remind people that the work of the church continues – even if you take time off for a well-deserved vacation.

Bottom line – it takes a little effort and planning, but the impact of a thank you video is memorable.