Changing the Landscape of Giving💲: How Millennials & Generation Z Outshine Older Donors in Giving to the Church

I've heard it so many times, "the world is going to hell in a handbasket," or "this next generation is so disengaged that the church is in danger."

Let me tell you, my friends, in my world, that's just not true.

Giving to the church is just one example of how things are changing.

We, the Church, are experiencing a significant shift, and it's being led by Millennials and Generation Z, two generations aged 25 to 40 and 9 to 24, respectively.

Contrary to misconceptions about their financial capabilities, these younger generations are proving to be remarkably generous in their support of religious causes, specifically churches.

According to a recent study by Barna, Generation Z is responsible for 34% of all church tithes, while millennials are contributing an impressive 42%.

These numbers matter, not just because they represent church budgets, but because they reflect the hearts and lives of those who want to see positive change happen and God's Kingdom come.

To understand the impact of Millennials and Generation Z on church giving, let's first explore their generational characteristics and average salaries. Millennials, born between 1981 and 1996, are now in their late 20s to early 40s. The average salary for this age group varies based on education and experience, but research shows that it ranges from $40,000 to $70,000 annually.

On the other hand, Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012, are the young adults and teenagers of today. As they enter the workforce, their average salaries are still forming, but many earn between $20,000 to $40,000 per year.

Contrasting this with baby boomers, who were born between 1946 and 1964, the differences become evident. Baby boomers, a generation renowned for their philanthropy, are currently giving 30% of all church tithes. While they have a history of being generous donors, the data suggests that millennials and Generation Z have surpassed them in their commitment to supporting religious organizations.

As a reference point, let's delve into the generational years and average salaries of baby boomers.Baby boomers, now in their late 50s to late 70s, have witnessed significant economic growth throughout their lives. With average salaries ranging from $50,000 to $100,000, they have played a crucial role in philanthropy over the years.

Barna's most recent study offers compelling insights into the giving behaviors of millennials and Generation Z. Surprisingly, these younger generations are contributing significantly more to church tithes than their older counterparts. Millennials, with their strong sense of purpose and faith alignment, are generously giving 42% of all church tithes. Not far behind, Generation Z contributes a remarkable 34%.

This is consistent with what I see and hear as I spend considerable time with Millennials and Gen Z, including some of the best and brightest young leaders in the church today. I am in rooms with hundreds of younger church leaders, and what I hear consistently is a deep love for the church. And a desire to be generous givers to God’s work in the church and beyond.

We are not looking at overall dollars, beacause based on the above data, the younger generations aren’t making as much, but as a whole they are giving more. The question that must arise then is, does your ministry encourage their particiaption in giving. beucase they are giving somewhere, the hard reality is it just might not be towards your church, and if isn’t not, the question is why?

My encouragement to you.

The increasing generosity of millennials and Generation Z is profoundly encouraging for the church.

It demonstrates that the younger generations have a sincere interest in supporting religious causes and are actively investing their financial resources to make a difference. This trend signifies a continuation of the spirit of giving and a dedication to building and sustaining communities of faith.

The church can leverage this growing commitment by fostering an inclusive and engaging environment for millennials and Generation Z. By recognizing their desire for transparency, authenticity, and impact-driven initiatives, religious organizations can create compelling avenues for giving and active involvement.

Three Suggestions for Increasing Church Giving

Increasing church giving among Millennials and Generation Z requires thoughtful approaches that resonate with their values and aspirations. Here are three key suggestions to achieve this:

1. Make the act of giving easy:

In the digital age, simplicity and convenience are essential.

Churches should adopt user-friendly online platforms to facilitate seamless donations. Mobile apps, text-to-give options, and secure payment gateways can encourage young adults to contribute effortlessly, without the hassles of traditional methods. Simplifying the process will appeal to their tech-savvy nature and encourage regular engagement. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been on a website ready to check out, and as soon as the process wasn’t easy, I avoided it altogether. Churches need to make the action of giving as user friendly and easy as possible, with digital giving options as a must.

2. Talk about the "Why":

Consistent communication about the purpose and impact of giving is crucial. Instead of focusing solely on the "how," churches should emphasize the "why" (Power of Why) behind their financial support. During weekly services or through social media, share compelling stories and real-life examples of how their donations have positively transformed the ministry, the church, and the broader community. New Life Church in Colorado Springs, CO does an incredible job at this! Take a minute and watch their sermon. This approach helps establish an emotional connection, enabling Millennials and Gen Z to see their contributions as catalysts for change.

3. Finally, Encourage Sacrificial Giving and Discipleship:

To deepen their commitment, churches can encourage young adults to embrace the idea of giving until it hurts. This involves challenging them to sacrifice financially, and fostering a spirit of generosity that aligns with their faith journey. By intertwining the concept of giving with discipleship and trusting in Jesus, churches can highlight the spiritual growth that results from a sacrificial approach to giving. This deeper understanding of stewardship and reliance on God strengthens their connection to the church's mission, fostering lasting and meaningful engagement in the act of giving.