If you’ve ever attended a church service, you’ve probably seen it happen—the moment when people are invited to give. Maybe you’ve watched as a plate was passed down the row, seen a QR code flash on a screen, or heard someone talk about “tithes and offerings.” But why do Christians give money to their church?
For some, it’s a long-standing habit. For others, it’s an act of faith. But giving isn’t just about money, it’s about something much bigger. It’s about fueling life change, meeting real needs, and even growing in our faith.
Obligation or Opportunity?
Giving isn’t a requirement to be loved by God. He’s not in heaven waiting to strike down people who give less than 10% of their income to the local church. And giving doesn’t get us premium access to God’s power or a heavenly bank account.
Giving to church isn’t about obligation—it’s about opportunity.
Giving to church isn’t about obligation—it’s about opportunity.
- An opportunity to trust God
- An opportunity to make a difference
- An opportunity to become more like Jesus
The Benefit of Generosity
Jesus was the most generous person who ever lived, yet He didn’t have a bank account, a consistent home, or a ton of possessions. In fact, His ministry was funded by the generosity of several women.
Jesus was generous with His time, energy, and resources, and while He certainly had a difficult life, He was also filled with joy. One reason for His joy was His understanding of this simple truth: it’s more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).
Our purpose in life is to live and love like Jesus, and Jesus was generous. So when we give without expecting anything in return, we become more like Him.
If you feel directionless or wonder what your purpose in life is, try being generous. This doesn’t have to involve giving tithes and offerings at church. You could meet a neighbor’s needs, give to a local food bank, or serve at a nonprofit.
The benefit of generosity isn’t material gain or personal prestige—it’s finding purpose and joy as you embrace your identity as a follower of Jesus.
God Loves a Cheerful Giver
When we give freely, we’re not just helping our church—we’re stepping into the generosity that Jesus modeled. In 2 Corinthians 9:7, the Bible tells us that “God loves a cheerful giver.” That’s because giving isn’t an obligation—it’s an opportunity to partner with God.
But what does it really mean to be a cheerful giver? It’s more than just giving without grumbling. Instead, being a cheerful giver means giving with excitement, joy, and faith because we know giving helps us and others become more like Jesus.
Think about how you feel when you give a meaningful gift to someone you love. You’re less focused on what it costs and more focused on the joy it brings them. That’s the kind of generosity God calls us to—giving because we want to, not because we have to.
5 Ways Giving to Church Makes the Church Better
Giving to the church is one way we can invest in God’s kingdom and trust Him with our finances. Most churches rely on financial support to fund Bible studies, weekend experiences, Sunday school, local charities, global missions, and countless other initiatives. Here are a few ways giving makes church better:
1. It Creates Space for Worship
Imagine walking into a church and seeing flickering lights, a hole in the ceiling, and out-of-order signs on all the bathroom doors. That would be a little unsettling, right?
Churches are spiritual spaces, but they’re physical spaces, too. That means they need money to pay things like rent and utilities. It also means they need to buy basic things like lightbulbs, toilet cleaners, and coffee cups. Those expenses might not sound inspiring, but they all play a part in creating a great experience for people in the church.
Whether it’s a first-time guest or someone rediscovering faith, your tithes and offerings make space for life change to happen.
2. It Helps Local People in Need
Your local church might only meet a few days a week, but its impact can be felt every day. When you give to families in need, local charities, or outreach events, your generosity allows local churches to meet practical and spiritual needs in your community.
Your support turns faith into action, impacting people in ways you might never expect. You may never meet the people you’re helping, but your giving reminds them they’re not alone.
3. It Empowers Global Missions
Your giving doesn’t just stay local—it can also reach across the world. Many local churches partner with missions organizations that provide relief from extreme poverty, support church leaders, and plant new churches.
When you give, you’re not just supporting your church—you’re helping fulfill the Great Commission and bringing the love of Christ to people who desperately need it. You’re helping send missionaries, provide relief, build churches, and spread the gospel to places you may never visit.
4. Supporting Pastors and Staff
Pastors and other church staff work hard to serve, love, and lead their local church. While no one starts working in ministry for financial benefits, they do need a place to live, food to eat, a car to get to work, and all of the other things a person needs for a healthy, sustainable lifestyle. And where do they get the resources to provide for their needs? Often, it’s through tithes and offerings.
When you give, you're providing for the people who’ve committed their lives to serving your local church and your community. Your generosity contributes to their ability to bring their best every day.
Quick side note: You’ve probably heard news stories about infamous pastors who use their ministry for financial gain. They’re the exception, not the norm. We’re wise to do some research on how our local churches use their finances, but it’s safe to say that 99% of pastors aren’t using tithe dollars to buy a fleet of private jets.
5. Giving Impacts Future Generations
When we give, we’re not just impacting today—we’re investing in the future. Many churches use financial support to fund ministries for kids and youth, creating spaces where the next generation can grow in faith.
Think about the impact of a child learning about Jesus for the first time, a teenager finding hope in Christ, or a young adult stepping into leadership. These moments don’t happen by accident. They’re the result of a church community committed to generosity. When we give, we help create opportunities for kids and students to experience God’s love, setting a foundation of faith that can last a lifetime.
So Why Do Christians Give Offerings?
Christians give in church because generosity makes our churches, communities, and world better. It also makes us more like Jesus as we sacrificially give for the good of others.
When we shift our mindset from “I have to give” to “I get to give,” our generosity becomes an act of worship.
So what’s your next step in generosity? Whether it’s tithing, giving your time, or blessing someone in need, take one step today—and see how God moves through it.