Engaging Older Church Members With Mobile Giving

As technology advances, many make the incorrect assumption that older generations are incapable of keeping up. They jump to the conclusion that seniors have no interest in using modern devices, mobile giving apps, or the internet. But as it turns out, that conclusion is false.

Seniors Are More Tech-Savvy Than You Think

You might be surprised by how many older adults already use modern technology on a regular basis. According to Pew Internet Research:

77% of older adults have a cell phone

59% of seniors use the internet

Among older adults who use the internet, 71% go online every day or almost every day

Older Adults Do More Church Giving

Church congregations tend to be full of senior members. These loyal parishioners also tend to be very loyal givers, and they are capable of much more than putting cash in an offering plate.

Members who have the most disposable income to invest in their church are also more likely to use today’s technology. 90% of seniors with an annual household income of $75,000 or more go online. If you make a mobile giving app available to this group, your church giving could reach record heights.

But how can you convince them to use mobile church giving technology? Will they be willing to move away from the offering plate?

Educating Seniors About Mobile Giving Is Key

People who didn’t grow up with mobile phones and giving apps need a little extra help to learn the ropes. Pew Internet Research‘s study found that:

Only 18% of seniors feel comfortable learning to use new technology on their own

77% reported they need someone to walk them through the process

The only thing standing between your older church members and church giving is a little education. They are willing to learn; you simply have to take the time to help them.

Demonstrate your church giving app for your senior parishioners. Answer their questions. Once they get the hang of the new technology, the rest is history.