Offering Talk Set-Up

The offering talk is an opportunity to pause and reflect on what Jesus, through the generosity of His people, is enabling us to do—for each other, for our neighborhood, and for His glory. It applies just as much to those giving in the plate as it does to the majority who give online.

1. Create a Moment

Prepare a 1–2 minute talk around one of the following:

• A story about what the church has accomplished in its physical space
  Example: “We’ve made great progress on our storefront building…”

• A story about what the church has done for its members
  Example: “This month, we were able to send Jaaz to Mongolia on his mission trip. Here’s something he said to me before he left…”

• A story about what the church has done in the neighborhood
  Example: “This summer we hosted three weeks of kids’ camp for the children and youth of Poe Mill.”

• A personal testimony—a time when you gave to the ministry or received from someone who ministered to you.

• A Bible verse or passage about giving.

• A conviction or realization that you have recently had about giving—i.e. “We can give in more ways than just financially, we can also give out of our time, or our energy.”

2. Connect the Dots

After your short talk, tie it directly to the givers—both those giving in person and online.

This could mean:

• Telling them their giving made something possible.

• Encouraging them to claim Jesus’ promises to his people who sacrifice for his kingdom.

• Challenging them to notice and meet needs around them.

• Celebrating the Spirit’s work in making them willing and generous.

Example: “The neighborhood doesn’t change after one big event, it changes over time as we faithfully give out the gospel. Faithfully giving out the gospel is backed up by our people faithfully giving what Jesus has laid on their hearts. Your faithfulness is changing the neighborhood.”

3. Clarify the Process

Take 30 seconds to explain what will happen:

“Our ushers will now pass the plate. If you’re new here, please don’t feel pressured to give—you are our guest. If you’re not able or ready to give, there’s no pressure at all and always let us know if there’s anything you need that we can give to you. If the lord is leading you to give, you can place your gift in the plate as it passes or give online in various ways at griggschurch.com/give.”

[on some weeks there will be a “Ways to Give” slide to reference at this time]

4. Close with Thanks

End with one or two sentences thanking the congregation for their generosity.

5. Pray

Think through your prayer ahead of time. Pray that Jesus would use the offering for His glory, for the good of the church, and for the blessing of our neighborhood.