Tell me more: requests for information
Simple literature helps us respond well to requests for information and growing generosity.
Some response forms will come back with requests for information, usually regular giving, Gift Aid or leaving a legacy. People want information but responding well is more than a simple transaction.
Get personal
A giving pledge or a request for information about giving can represent a subtle but important shift in the relationship of the giver to their church and in their personal faith. It’s treasure and heart territory (Luke 12:34). We may never know the story behind the request but we honour it with a prompt, personal response.
Where possible, try to arrange a personal visit to folk who request information. Don’t just catch people chatting over coffee in church - unless you’ve agreed that with them. Unless there’s little choice do resist the temptation to email. Responding well is about appreciation of the giver. It’s about the value of personal relationships. We can’t do this in a rushed encounter at the church door.
A word of caution. Never try to save time by adding requested information to your thank you letter. Let your thanks, be thanks.
Good to go or roll your own
The literature resources on the Prepare to Respond page offer both generic ‘plug ’n play’ leaflets and customisable templates created in Canva so that churches can create bespoke information leaflets. On custom leaflets remember to include the name and contact details of relevant church officer. Once created the electronic files can be uploaded to the church website. Leaflets are as follows.
The Parish Giving Scheme: the most efficient and effective way to give regularly to your local church, including automatic Gift Aid claims at no cost to the individual or the church.
Standing Orders: the best option for churches not registered with the Parish Giving Scheme
Gift Aid: an introduction to Gift Aid and a Gift Aid declaration form
Legacy giving: simple information for anyone considering leaving a gift in their Will to their church
You may come across others ways to give regularly. The most obvious are weekly envelopes, used by nearly half (47%) of respondents to the 2025 Anglican Giving Survey (unpublished data). Less so than open plate giving, envelopes are still vulnerable to shifting patterns of church attendance and the declining use of cash. They are not recommended for new, regular givers. A small number of people use effective and helpful charitable giving accounts (Stewardship and CAF). Some use payroll giving which works especially well for higher rate tax-payers.
Overflowing grace
This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. (2 Cor 9:12).