The Offering Time without an Offering Plate
Ever since COVID, many churches have done away with the traditional offering plate.
In addition to COVID, it’s awkward passing a plate when nothing goes in it. And, as our congregations age, it’s physically difficult for some folk to hold and pass the plate.
Now, in its place (maybe) there’s a gift box in the back of the sanctuary and/or a QR code posted in the bulletin or projected on a screen.
Right on! That’s all well and good.
However, I’ve visited a few churches recently where it seems that getting through the offering as fast as possible during worship is the name of the game.
In one church, as I recall – and I kid you not – it was “This is the offering time and let’s sing the Doxology.” Yes, it was that fast. I felt a little whiplash.
No explanation of why I should give.
No explanation of how I should give.
No explanation of where I should give.
This is particularly important for the visitor or second-time guest who is unfamiliar with your (mysterious-to-them) culture. The bulletin had a QR code, but it was clear that it was for insiders too, a missed opportunity to explain, even ever-so-briefly, why someone should give to that congregation.
I’m not necessarily advocating for the return of the offering plate. That’s not the answer. It has its own set of issues.
But give this some thought:
Visualize how you do the offering (both during the service and through your bulletin) from a first-time guest’s point of view – don’t be nonchalant about it.
Explain why giving is important.
Explain how people can give.
Keep telling your story and how the offering makes ministry possible.
Then, sing that Doxology with all your heart.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Photo credit: Caleb Oquendo @ pexels.com
###Cesie Delve Scheuermann (pronounced “CC Delv Sherman,” yes, really) is a Stewardship Consultant for the OR-ID Annual Conference. She is also a Senior Ministry Strategist with Horizons Stewardship – helping with capital campaigns and encouraging more generosity. For 25 years, while working as a volunteer and part-time consultant, she has helped raise millions of dollars for numerous churches and non-profit organizations. She knows there are lots of versions of The Doxology – but here’s a particularly beautiful one.
You can reach Cesie at inspiringgenerosity@gmail.com, at CesieScheuermann.com, or at cesieds@horizons.net. Want to schedule a meeting? She’s got you covered!
Schedule a meeting now.
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