Church giving is changing.
People give differently than they did just a few years ago. Attendance patterns look different. And expectations around digital access continue to grow.
The 2026 Annual Church Giving Report highlights clear trends that help church leaders understand what’s happening—and what to do next.
Below are the key insights every church leader should know:
Digital Giving Increases Participation and New Donors
More people are choosing to give digitally through online platforms, recurring gifts, and mobile tools. Among churches reporting increased giving, 57% saw digital giving grow, while only 31% saw growth in cash and check giving. Convenience is driving this shift.
People manage most of their finances digitally. When churches provide simple, secure giving options, participation stays steady, and recurring gifts help create more consistency over time.
Digital options do not replace in-person giving; they strengthen it. When in-person and digital giving work together, churches create flexibility for every generation.
Churches offering multiple digital methods see even stronger results. Many churches now provide:
- Online giving (62%)
- Recurring giving (44%)
- Mobile app giving (43%)
Churches that offer digital wallets, recurring giving, and livestream giving were nearly 2x as likely to report increased giving.
Accessibility plays an important role. Nearly 9 in 10 churches report that people face barriers when giving online. When giving options align with how people already manage their finances, participation and long-term engagement both grow.
Clear Communication Increases Participation
People respond when they understand impact.
When church leaders clearly explain how giving supports ministry, outreach, and day-to-day operations, participation increases. When communication is vague or infrequent, engagement declines.
Churches that communicate regularly about giving see stronger results.
Churches that talk about giving at least monthly were 1.7x more likely to see new donor growth. At the same time, 1 in 5 churches report avoiding direct conversations about giving.
How giving is framed also matters. Churches that emphasize giving as an act of worship and transparency in how funds are used are more likely to see increased generosity. Transparency drives participation, and people give more confidently when they understand where their giving goes and how it makes a difference.
Churches that invest in clear communication, intentional discipleship, and inviting participation often see both engagement and generosity grow together.
Structured Stewardship Drives Growth
Churches that approach stewardship intentionally tend to see stronger results than those that treat it as seasonal. A structured approach includes consistent communication, simple digital giving options, and regular opportunities for people to engage in generosity.
Consistency matters. When giving is only addressed occasionally, participation can decline. When stewardship becomes part of the rhythm of church life, engagement grows.
Churches that communicate clearly, encourage recurring giving, and make generosity simple often see stronger participation and more consistent support.
Nearly two-thirds of churches using Ministry Brands Giving reported an increase in giving based on the report data. The takeaway is simple: the right systems help fuel consistent generosity.
What Church Leaders Should Do Next
The 2026 Annual Church Giving Report does more than present data. It points to action.
Church leaders start by reviewing participation, digital adoption, and giving trends within their own church. Ask questions like:
- Are we overly dependent on a small group of donors?
- Are we actively encouraging recurring giving?
- Do people clearly understand how their giving is used?
- Are we communicating impact regularly?
Small improvements in each area can lead to meaningful long-term results.
When churches reduce friction in giving, increase transparency, and build consistent stewardship rhythms, generosity grows stronger over time—and the mission moves forward with greater confidence.
Download the Full 2026 Church Giving Report
The full report includes detailed data, participation benchmarks, and trend insights from churches across the country.
If you’re responsible for church finances, stewardship, or planning, this report will help you understand where giving stands today—and where it’s heading.
Download the 2026 Annual Church Giving Report to explore the trends and take your next steps with confidence.
Clear data. Real trends. Practical guidance.
