How (Not) to Cultivate Cheerful Giving in Your Church:A Critique of Lifeway's "5 Ways to Grow Cheerful Giving”

As I was preparing to write a blog post aimed at helping small churches grow without having to resort to begging, borrowing or worse, I stumbled upon a video by Lifeway Christian Resources titled "5 Ways to Grow Cheerful Giving in Your Church." Todd McMichen, the presenter, kicked things off by quoting 2 Corinthians 9:7, where Paul encourages believers to give as they have decided or purposed in their hearts—not grudgingly, reluctantly or out of necessity; because "God loves a cheerful giver."

As the video progressed, the five steps McMichen outlined weren’t just disappointing—they bordered on unbiblical. What he offered was essentially a playbook of tactics for manufacturing feel-good moments designed to loosen purse strings.

Tactic 1: “Cheerfulness Begins in the Parking Lot"

Todd suggests creating an atmosphere of cheerfulness and joy from the moment people arrive at church—through clear signage, well-maintained grounds, easy parking, and smiling greeters. While a welcoming environment is important, inducing manufactured joy and cheerfulness feels like emotional and psychological engineering, doesn’t it?

Tactic 2: "Start Worship with Uplifting Songs"

His second tactic is to choose songs that are uplifting rather than somber, allowing joy to flow naturally and helping congregants shift their focus from their worries to Jesus' love.While uplifting songs have their place, this ‘mood management’ tactic seems more like clever manipulation than true ministry, right?

Tactic 3: "Model Positive Energy and Language from the Stage"

Todd encourages worship leaders, speakers, and those giving announcements to create an environment filled with encouragement and positivity. Again, there’s nothing wrong with being positive, but this “stage-managed positive energy” feels reminiscent of the megawatt smiles of charming televangelists.

Tactic 4: "Share Stories of Generosity in Action"

This “strategic storytelling” tactic involves highlighting how giving impacts the community, supports missions, and transforms lives. While sharing tangible outcomes of generosity is good, it risks becoming an emotional manipulation tactic if the goal is simply to inspire more giving.

Tactic 5: “Gratitude Gambit"

Finally, Todd suggests thanking donors profusely—whether during worship, leadership meetings, or staff gatherings. Gratitude is crucial, but when used as a strategy to increase donations, it becomes a hollow tactic rather than a sincere expression of thanks.

McMichen promises that these tactics will significantly increase cheerful giving within six months. However, while they might fill coffers, they run the risk of turning the profound act of giving to God’s work into a Pavlovian response to a well-curated atmosphere. This approach to giving is among the most superficial and unbiblical I’ve encountered.

The Biblical Perspective : Paul’s Playbook

In contrast, the Apostle Paul's approach in 2 Corinthians 9:7 offers an authentic model. Paul wasn't trying to choreograph cheerfulness through uplifting songs, staged positivity, or flattery. His playbook offers us a way to encourage giving without resorting to manipulation:

Transparency:

Clearly communicate specific needs and purposes. Provide necessary background information, as Paul did when he explained that the offering was for the saints in Jerusalem.

Acknowledge & Commend:

Recognize past generosity and willingness to participate in God’s work, as Paul acknowledged the Corinthian church’s readiness and how their generosity had inspired the Macedonian churches and others.

Practical Reminders:

Encourage planning and preparedness without coercion or manipulation. Paul’s reminders ensured the Corinthians wouldn’t be caught off guard when the time came to give.

Direct Requests:

Be straightforward in your request. Don’t beat around the bush. Encourage people, like Paul, to give what they have decided in their hearts—freely, willingly, and cheerfully.

Emphasize Rewards:

Giving towards God’s work is not an expense—it is an investment in God’s kingdom with everlasting returns. Those who sow generously will reap generously—both now and forever.

Paul’s message in 2 Corinthians 9 isn’t about using tactics to open tight fists; it’s about being transparent, acknowledging willingness and past generosity, being prepared to give, and emphasizing that God loves and blesses cheerful givers.

True cheerful giving springs from regenerated hearts, responding to the kingdom work with genuine, cheerful generosity. While worldly tactics might boost short-term donations, only an approach rooted in biblical principles fosters lasting, joyful giving that pleases God.