Every Sunday, just about every church in America takes an offering. They make it a part of their time together for two primary reasons: it is an act of worship and it probably reminds people to give, so in theory more people give.
I’ve always hated the offering time though. Very rarely is it something I look forward to.
I don’t like it if I’m out in the seats because I prefer to give online, so people whose eyes wander probably think I don’t give.
And I don’t like it when I’m on the stage because it usually creates an unnatural break of momentum.
Usually the offering time comes right before or after the message so there is a somewhat awkward transition from a music set of 4 or 5 songs, then an offering, and then a talk.
But rather than simply hate on the offering time, the people I work with who help plan our weekend gatherings have come up with some alternative ideas that help the offering continue the momentum and feeling of the gathering.
- Play and sing a special song especially tied to the topic of the day.
- Play more than one congregational song, which allows people to re-engage.
I’m curious for those of you who have opinions and/or have helped plan church gatherings…
What have you done with the offering time to not make it such an unnatural break of momentum?
