This article was originally posted at The Generous Life.

I was in a workshop earlier this week where the presenter highlighted a practice I have noticed but never given much thought to – that of excusing visitors from giving during the offering invitation. I suppose when we ask ourselves whether visitors should be asked to give our initial response is “of course not”. We don’t expect visitors to assume the financial responsibilities of the church, and we would not want to risk offending anyone by suggesting that they have an obligation to give.

Jesse Phillips wrote… In the rush to become "seeker-sensitive," some churches may lose one of the most sublime expressions of worship -- participating in the offering. A phrase that is becoming all too familiar is: "This time of offering is for our members. It is their obligation to take care of the needs of the church. If you are visiting, just consider this service our gift to you. Do not feel obligated to participate."

Are there not reasons to encourage giving regardless of our relationship with the church we find ourselves in?

Phillips continues…As a minister, I am keenly aware of the financial needs of the church. However, when I place my envelope in the offering plate, I do not give in order to meet the needs of the church.

The generous giving that Paul talks about in 2nd Corinthians is not giving in order to meet an institution’s financial needs nor is it giving as an obligation of church membership. Giving is to be an act of worship like any other expression of our faith i.e. singing, prayer, communion, etc. We should no more excuse a visitor from giving then we would excuse them from any other part of the worship service.

Phillips wrote…Every person who enters the house of God should feel encouraged to participate in all parts of the worship experience, including worship through giving to the Lord…I give as an act of worship to the Lord who saved me, called me, and is gracious enough to provide for my family daily.

When it comes to giving, we often miss the point. The workshop speaker noted that giving is much less about what is expected from us and more about what can be expected for us; most notably the joy that comes with being generous.

Phillips insists… when I leave the church on Sunday, I not only want to have worshiped through music, the Word, and commitment at the invitation; I also want to have worshiped in my commitment of giving.

I would urge church leaders to make no distinction of member versus non-member during this part of the service and, instead, invite everyone to participate as they feel led so that they not miss the joy of generous giving.

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Jason leads the fundraising, marketing, and recruitment efforts at Logos Academy; an inter-cultural, Gospel-centered, community school located in York City, Pennsylvania. Jason and his family are active members of the City Church community. In addition to his full-time ministry, Jason routinely speaks to groups about whole-life stewardship, generous living, and effective ministry advancement. You can learn more at The Generous Life.