By Andy Gustafson
Associate Conference Minister for Stewardship & Financial Development
Scientists know that in fact, happy cows do give more milk.
(Scientist Live: Happy cows produce more milk)
Researchers in charitable giving know that happy people give more generously.
(The Christian Post: Happy People More Likely to Give, Survey Finds)
Here are some other things we know about giving:
- People who believe their faith has something to say about money and generosity, give significantly more than people who do not connect faith and finances.
- People happily give to change lives. They give reluctantly to budgets.
- The number one reason people give is because they were asked. People give more when an amount is suggested. They are more likely to give if they are asked personally by a person they respect.
- It makes people happy to be thanked. People who are personally thanked for their gifts of time, talent and treasure are more likely to renew and increase their giving the next time they are asked.
- People give to institutions they trust. It makes a giver happy to know that their gifts are used well, and that there is financial transparency and accountability.
Ultimately, true happiness comes from serving others (research proves this - MSN: Do Good, Feel Good!)
The best advice for increasing giving in your congregation is to be a place where people have an opportunity to serve others, within the congregation, in the community or in the world. A church filled with servants is a happy church indeed!
Author
Andy Gustafson
The late Andy Gustasfon served as the Associate Conference Minister for Stewardship and Financial Development from 2004 to 2014.