According to Gallup, the average U.S. adult is expected to spend $785 on Christmas gifts this year. As many have budgeted for spending this season, you’ll want to consider how that may affect your church. Consider presenting options so your congregation can donate to those in need; one you may want to check out is Red Envelope Compassion, which resources orphans in Northern Asia.

Another thing you’ll want to begin thinking about is whether you’ll ask your fellowship to fund the church, too. In Influence’s “Fourth-Quarter Focus”, church planter Mike Santiago says he strategically asks during the holiday season. “People are the most generous between Thanksgiving and Christmas,” Santiago says. Each year, he challenges his congregation to contribute to a single, tangible goal.

It’s important to start thinking about these behavior patterns now, so you can prepare your congregation to spend wisely.