It is no secret that many churches are reluctant to integrate technological solutions into the realm of church giving. Tyndale University recently suggested that 46% of church leaders discourage the use of technology as a resource during services or to promote church growth. Among the number of reasons leaders use to discourage the use of technology, one claim targets a particular section of the church membership above others: “Our older church members won’t know how to use it.”
Is this really a fair claim? Or even a solid reason to cut off all growth in a particular arena of the church? According to a recent study from barna.org, one third of Millennials do not find the church relevant – and a key factor in this disconnection of the church is the lack of the propensity to accept changing technologies. The reality for many churches is that, if they refuse to adapt and adopt new technologies, they may be missing out on the potential to grow in the future.
Online giving, social pages and websites may seem like a leap for many churches. And though many members of the GI Generation (those seniors aged 76 and older) are reluctant to join the droves of online users, there are still members of the older demographic who are interested and willing to learn how to utilize online resources.
Boomers ARE Tech-Savvy
Did you know an estimated 93% of Baby Boomers research their purchases online before they buy? This statistic makes sense when considering the technological strides Baby Boomers have made over previous generations. The development of the PC computer, the design of the first car phones (which later became cell phones), satellites, and even the integrated circuit are all innovations created and perfected by the Baby Boomer generation. The impact of the Boomer innovations ripples into current tech updates, and as upgrades improve, the Baby Boomer generation has proven their versatility in adapting to these changes.
They Spend Money Online
To say that Boomers and older church members are not capable of utilizing an online giving platform for your church is simply false. According to research from addage.com, though Baby Boomers only account for 25% of the population, this generation is responsible for 40% of online spending. The average annual spending of this demographic is $2.3 trillion, 70% of which is discretionary income. In order to tap into the spending and giving power of this audience, many marketers are mixing traditional media efforts with digital media. Has your church taken the same measures?
Keep It Clear
Though many Baby Boomers and the older members of your church may be willing to explore online options, if your church’s options are not easy-to-use, you risk turning away a casual visitor who may have converted into an online contributor. To help ease the transition to an e-giving platform, like the one offered by NCS Services, it is necessary to offer a seamless way for all users, not just Baby Boomers, to access it. Start by making the link to e-giving or online donations prominent on your webpage. If you send out email communication, be sure to add a link to these materials, as well. The more easily accessible your online giving platform is, the more likely this tech-savvy generation will be to use it.
Don’t be left out when it comes time for the members of your church family, Baby Boomers included, to give to your organization. Offering the solutions your church members need to tithe is the first step toward ensuring financial success in your organization.
