How to Launch a Recommendation Program at Your Church (Without It Feeling Like Sales)

Launching a recommendation program at your church does not have to feel like an Amway meeting. The best church programs frame it correctly: members are already spending money on home services, travel, and local businesses. A recommendation program simply routes a percentage of that existing spending back to the ministry — with zero additional cost to the member. Here is how to present it, set it up, and make it work. *Last updated April 2026. Guide developed with input from church leaders in Houston, Las Vegas, and Chicago.* --- ## Why Churches Are Uniquely Positioned Churches have three assets no business can buy: 1. **Trust.** Congregation members trust their church leadership more than any brand, influencer, or platform. 2. **Community.** 100-5,000+ members who already share recommendations with each other. 3. **Regular gathering.** Weekly touchpoints to communicate, educate, and distribute materials. ## How to Present It to Your Congregation ### The Wrong Way "We signed up for a program where if you buy stuff through our link, the church gets money." This sounds transactional and makes members feel used. ### The Right Way "We found a way for the church to benefit from spending you are already doing — with zero extra cost to you. When you need a plumber, a restaurant for date night, or vacation activities, use our church recommendation page first. A portion goes back to our ministry programs." ### The Sunday Morning Script (2 minutes) "I want to share something our leadership team is excited about. We have partnered with a platform that lets our church earn a small percentage when members use trusted local businesses and travel services. This costs you nothing extra. You are already hiring plumbers, booking hotels, and eating at restaurants. If you do it through our church page, a portion comes back to fund [specific ministry program]. The QR code is in the bulletin. Scan it once and you are set for 30 days." ## Step-by-Step Setup ### 1. Sign Up as a Church (5 minutes) One church leader signs up at recommended.app. Choose a slug like your church name: recommended.app/r/grace-community-church. ### 2. Customize Your Page (10 minutes) Add locally trusted businesses your congregation already uses. If Elder Johnson runs a plumbing company, add them. If Sister Martinez has a catering business, feature it. Mix in travel and experiences for variety. ### 3. Create Materials (15 minutes) - **Bulletin insert:** QR code + "Support Our Ministry Through Your Everyday Spending" - **Lobby poster:** Place near the coffee station or welcome desk - **Email to congregation:** Explain once, include the link - **Small group leaders:** Give each leader a talking point to share ### 4. Announce on Sunday (2 minutes) Use the script above. Keep it brief, specific about which ministry it funds, and emphasize it costs members nothing. ### 5. Monthly Update (30 seconds) "Our recommendation program generated $X last month toward [ministry]. Thank you for using it." Public updates keep engagement high. ## Projected Earnings by Church Size | Church Size | Active Users (20%) | Monthly Earnings | Annual | |---|---|---|---| | 100 members | 20 | $200-600 | $2,400-7,200 | | 250 members | 50 | $500-1,500 | $6,000-18,000 | | 500 members | 100 | $1,000-3,000 | $12,000-36,000 | | 1,000+ members | 200+ | $2,000-6,000+ | $24,000-72,000 | Assumes each active user generates $10-30/month in commissions from normal spending (home services, travel, dining). ## What Churches Use the Earnings For Based on church leaders on the platform: - Youth group trips and camp scholarships - Benevolence fund (helping members in crisis) - Building maintenance and mortgage - Mission trips and outreach - Community food pantry - Music ministry equipment ## FAQs for Church Leaders **Is this a multi-level marketing scheme?** No. There is one level. Members use the link, the church earns a commission from partner businesses. Nobody recruits anybody. Nobody pays anything. **Do members pay more?** No. Prices are identical whether they use the church link or go directly. The commission comes from the business or platform, not the member. **Is this legal for a nonprofit?** Yes. Affiliate commission income is classified as unrelated business income (UBI). Consult your church accountant, but most churches under the $1,000 UBI threshold owe nothing additional. Larger churches may need to file Form 990-T. **What about tithing concerns?** This is not a substitute for tithing. Frame it clearly: "This is supplemental income from spending you are doing regardless." --- ## Related Resources - [10 Church Fundraising Ideas →](/blog/church-fundraising-ideas-2026) - [Join as a Church Leader →](/join/pastors) - [Referral Earnings Calculator →](/earn/calculator) - [2026 Local Referral Income Report →](/blog/local-referral-income-report-2026) - [Community →](/community)