Mass attendance and giving often go hand in hand. When one increases so does the other, and vice versa. Just like the end of the year is known for an uptick in gifts and guests, the summertime is notorious for a decrease in attendance and giving. After all, summer is the peak vacation season, and that’s one reason this time of year is dubbed "the summer slump."
July is one of the hardest months for churches. Over50% of people plan on taking their vacation in July, compared to 30% in Juneand 35% in August. Of course, during those months when giving andattendance takes a dip, you’ll want to ensure it doesn’t hinder the mission ofthe parish. To help you combat this summer slump and further the parish’s mission,here’s how to inspire giving and attendance – even during the peak vacationseason.
Encourage Recurring Giving
Recurring monthly givers donate 42% more ayear to the church versus those that give one gift at a time. Missing 1 or 2 giftsin the summer can really add up and impact the parish, and it’s often notintended. Even the most faithful giver can forget to tithe during vacation orwhen their family from out of town is visiting.
Throughout the peak vacation season, pepper in friendly reminders about your recurring giving program. The giver simply sets the frequency of gifts and the amount, and then it is sent to the parish automatically. The more parishioners sign up for the recurring giving program, the easier it is to financially forecast for the parish and increase giving in the summer.
Engage with Parishioners Online
It can feel natural to disengage with vacationingparishioners. But, don’t lose touch with them just because they’re traveling.Summer is the ideal time to ramp up your online efforts because it allows youto stay connected with everyone in your parish, regardless of where they are.
First, access an online giving platform so that peoplecan tithe straight from their computer, phone, or tablet. Then create a planfor engagement throughout the summer. Here are a few ways that you can inspireand reach parishioners when they’re away.
• Share pictures on social media and your website of your parish actively helping the community
• Add the MinistryOne app to your ParishSOFT software to provide homilies, videos, and other media for people on-the-go
• Send an email invite for a special event scheduled as people return from vacations
Don’t forget to include a link to your online givingoptions. When you stay in front of your parish family online, it helps remindthem of their spiritual connection with giving. And you’ll want to make itincredibly easy to donate when that feeling is ignited.
Host Community Outreach Events
Community outreach events are an excellent way toincrease mass attendance. While active parishioners are away on vacation,you’ll have more time to inspire new guests to visit. For kids, plan eventslike a School’s Out Celebration, Vacation Bible School, or an ice cream party.For the family, host a barbecue or outdoor movie night. Invite the wholecommunity to attend by sharing the event on social media and your website. Youcan also send personal invitations via email.
But don’t just host events, attend them as well! Take aminute to research your community’s calendar and get groups of parishionerstogether to sign up for activities like charity walks. Lead by example andvolunteer at places like assisted living facilities and soup kitchens. Beingout in the community helps spread the word about the parish’s mission.
This summer let ParishSOFT Giving provideonline giving features and resources to help your parish inspire giving andattendance! Simply call 866-930-4774 x6 or email at parishsoftsales@parishsoft.com to learn more.