Why saying “Thank you” is important

If asked, many people who give money to our churches would say there’s no need to say thank you. But is that a reason not to? Most thriving nonprofits recognize the importance of two simple words, “Thank you!” Network for Good, a technology-enabled donor advised fund, has researched the value of saying thank you to donors and offers these findings on why it’s important:

• Survival: The number one reason that donors stop supporting a nonprofit is because of the way they were treated by the nonprofit.
• Success: Your gratitude helps bond a donor to your cause.
• Differentiation: Most nonprofits are terrible at expressing gratitude. If you’re good, you stand out.
• Manners: Saying thank you often and well is simply the right thing to do.

These same principles carry over to why church leaders should express gratitude to those who contribute financially to the ministry of their churches.

In his book, “Ask, Thank, Tell,” Pastor Charles Lane identifies some ways to acknowledge this gift of giving and express appreciation for those who embody it. He suggests the church should nurture a culture of thanksgiving. This goes back to the gift of exhortation.

First, gratitude should include all the ways people contribute to the ministry of the church – including financial generosity. The amount of one’s contribution is not as important as the fact that people participate in this practice as instructed by scripture (1 Corinthians 16:1-4).

Second, we should start by thanking God for the gifts we receive, which is probably the easiest expression of gratitude to express.

And finally, we should thank those who recognize that gifts from God aren’t to be hoarded but are to be passed along. It is good and appropriate to thank those who give financially to your ministry, as well as those who volunteer time and specific skills needed by the body.

Thank people in a general way in corporate worship and personally through notes and individual conversations. Saying thank you is a courtesy we learn as children, and we typically are good at expressing, except to financial givers in the church. There certainly are cautions to be considered as we move into what may be new territory. But keeping silent on this matter of expressing thanks for financial gifts doesn’t reflect good practices either.

For more information on best practices for thanking donors, contact your Everence Stewardship Consultant.