Most churches talk about giving when they need it. Budgets are tight, projects need funding, and suddenly, there’s an urgent appeal for generosity. But what if you could inspire generosity before it became an issue?

One of the most powerful tools to encourage consistent giving isn’t a sermon, a campaign, or even an offering moment. It’s a simple, well-crafted email that clearly shows the return on investment (ROI) of generosity.

And this isn’t just a theory. My friends (and client) at Centerpoint Church outside Tampa, FL, send an ROI email every month—and it’s making a huge impact.

Why ROI Matters for Church Giving

People don’t give to fund a budget or keep the lights on. Some (a very limited few) tithe purely out of gratitude, but most people give to fuel a mission.

If your church isn’t connecting the dots between generosity and life change, people won’t see a reason to give. When that happens, giving plateaus—or worse, declines.

A monthly ROI email changes this dynamic. It builds:

✅ Momentum – People see how their generosity fuels ministry.
✅ Trust – Transparency increases confidence in your church’s financial stewardship.
✅ A culture of joyful giving – When generosity is celebrated, people want to be part of it.

When people see what their giving is accomplishing, they’re not just giving—they’re investing in God’s work.

How to Craft an Effective ROI Email

A great ROI email is short, clear, and inspiring. Here’s what it should include:

1. A Story of Impact

People connect with stories, not spreadsheets. Lead with a specific story of life change from the past month.

Examples:

• A family that found hope through your church’s counseling ministry
• A teenager whose life was changed at camp
• A local outreach that made a real difference
• A baptism or testimony illustrating spiritual growth

Example Email Story:
“Last month, our church provided meals for 250 families through our food pantry. One of those families, the Johnsons, told us, ‘This was an answer to our prayers. We didn’t know how we were going to make it through the month, and your church stepped in at just the right time.’ Your generosity made this possible!”

2. ONE Simple Financial Highlight

You don’t need a budget breakdown—just one key number that ties giving to impact.

Examples:

• “Because of your generosity, we supported 10 new missionaries this month.”
• “Your giving helped us send 200 kids to camp, where they heard the Gospel.”
• “We provided counseling for 15 couples struggling in their marriages.”

Numbers should feel like a celebration, not an expense report.

3. A Vision for the Future

Don’t just look backward—cast vision for what’s ahead.

Examples:

• “Because of your generosity, we’re launching a new ministry for young families.”
• “We’re preparing to send our largest mission team ever to serve in Guatemala.”
• “We’re just $5,000 away from fully funding our new community outreach center.”

People don’t give to maintain the status quo. They give to fuel progress.

4. A Clear Call to Action

Every email should include a next step. No guilt. No pressure. Just an invitation to be part of something bigger.

Examples:
✅ “If you want to be part of the impact, you can give today.” [Insert giving link]
✅ “Your generosity makes all of this possible. Thank you for investing in changed lives.”
✅ “If you’ve never given before, this is a great time to start.”

And always encourage people to become recurring givers.

Why This Works

When churches communicate ROI, giving increases. It’s that simple.

People want to know:

• Does my giving really make a difference?
• Is my church using money wisely?
• What’s the impact of generosity?

A monthly ROI email answers these questions before people even ask. It builds trust, strengthens engagement, and shifts giving from an obligation to an opportunity.

Try This for Three Months

Here’s the challenge: Commit to sending an ROI email for the next three months.

✅ Keep it short, clear, and inspiring.
✅ Highlight real-life stories and tangible results.
✅ End with a simple invitation to give.

Then watch what happens. You’ll see:

📈 Stronger engagement
💡 Greater excitement
💰 A more generous church

Because when people see the ROI of generosity, they don’t just give—they invest.

Call to Action

Want to learn more about effective church communication strategies? Let’s work together to create a generosity culture that lasts. ➡ Explore our coaching and consulting options today.

Quotes for Inspiration

📢 “People don’t give to fund a budget—they give to fund a mission.”
📢 “The more clearly people see the impact of their generosity, the more engaged they’ll be.”
📢 “When churches communicate ROI, giving increases.”

Resources for Further Learning

💰 I’m hosting a LIVE CONVERSATION to help you increase giving and engage first-time givers: How To Engage Non-Givers And Significantly Grow Your Budget, THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2025,
at 3:00 PM EST
💡 Article: People Don’t Give To JUST Vision

One More Thing…

At Church Accelerator, we offer consulting, workshops, content, and community to help churches break through barriers and grow their church.

Work with us in the way that best works for you:

✅ RESOURCES: Save 49 hours every month for only $49.

✅ WORKSHOPS & WORKING SESSIONS: Experience our Church Accelerator Workshop, a 2-day process with your core team where we clarify your vision, dream about your future, discover your current reality, and design an actionable plan.

✅ CONSULTING ENGAGEMENTS: Great churches don’t happen by accident. We coach and consult with churches with fewer than 100 attendees to churches with over 10,000 to improve discipleship pathways, communication and preaching, church engagement, and church leadership.

✅ ON-DEMAND EXECUTIVE: Add me to your executive team conversations and get a fresh perspective through a personal partnership.

Starting at just $49 – 🚀 Don’t wait—become a partner today.

Leading WITH You,
Dr. Gavin Adams