Don’t let generosity go unnoticed. Gratitude matters.
Everyone enjoys having a gift given or an effort made acknowledged and remembered. The truth is that we are not always intentional about expressing our appreciation to others—and this is especially true at church.
It is important for our spiritual health—and studies now confirm, for our physical and mental health—to give and receive thanks.
1) The Quarterly Statement
Most congregations send a statement of giving at the end of each quarter (if you don’t—strongly consider doing so). Often, this is just a page with numbers: year-to-date giving, year-to-date anticipated giving (pledge), and any special offerings or gifts.
But don’t just send the numbers.
Send that information with a cover letter that starts with “thank you” and goes on to say what their giving is making possible. Tell your mission story. Remember to use your good letterhead and envelopes, as well as a first-class stamp. Your donors are worth it.
2) The Pledge Confirmation Letter
If you do an annual campaign, you likely receive commitment cards, estimate of giving cards, or pledge cards from your regular contributors. After you have processed these cards, the financial secretary should send a letter of confirmation indicating what the church understands their commitment to be for the coming year—and how that money will be received (i.e., $5,200 per year @ $100 per week).
That letter verifies their pledge, but it can also say “thank you” and specifically name a ministry that you anticipate will take place in the coming year that their gifts will support.
3) A Handwritten Note
It is no secret—I will open a hand-addressed envelope with a first-class stamp ahead of every other piece of mail.
The note can be written in response to a special gift and be sent by someone who represents how that gift was used. For example, the youth group received a special offering for their mission trip. If you donated to that, wouldn’t it mean a great deal to receive a thank-you note from a young person who went on the trip?
It does not need to indicate an amount—just gratitude for the support that gave them a life-changing experience.
4) An Email for General Appreciation
This can come from the pastor. The email itself does not need to give amounts or speak beyond generalities—but simply to indicate that “I know you support the church financially, and I just want to thank you.”
It should go on to list a ministry or activity that benefits from financial giving. You can also use this format to thank people for their time or participation in an event or ongoing program—it does not just have to be about money.
5) The Social Media Shout-Out
Use social media to make gratitude visible. Share a photo or story celebrating something your congregation has accomplished and thank the people who helped make it possible. Tag individuals or partner organizations when appropriate, or send a personal message of thanks.
Public appreciation celebrates generosity while also telling the story of your congregation’s ministry and impact.
Bonus: A Gathering of Gratitude
Offer a “self-selected” party or gathering for all who contribute. Invite everyone to come. Simply indicate it is a thank-you event for the people who support the work of the church.
People who give of their time, talent, or treasure will show (self-select), and you are not offending anyone—people make the choice to participate.
Do this as simply or as elaborately as you like—from punch and cookies to a special concert, or even a night at a local party center or neighborhood pub. Do what feels right for your context. (You might even seek to underwrite the event through one of your generous donors, so there is no cost to the church from its regular budget.)
Remember
Everyone loves to hear the words “thank you.” It makes them feel valued and affirms their place in community.
It only takes a moment—and its impact will be felt for a long, long time.