The Presbyterian Global Fellowship's Outbox blog highlights a study claiming giving in U.S. churches is hyper-focused on serving those who are giving instead of supporting others and mission. I'm one of the crazy few who love to give to the church and mission organizations, so I'd like to comment on a couple findings.
"The average U.S. congregation member gave 2.56 percent of personal income to the church in 2004"
It's sad to see this down so low. I wonder how many get behind in their giving to the point where the feel they just can't make it up in light of end of the year expenses. I've been in this boat the last couple years and have had to bite the bullet one way or another to fulfill my commitments. This year, my wife and I finally went with the direct deposit to assure all of our commitments are met on time and that we give of our first fruits. I really didn't want to take the automatic deposit route so that giving would be a more active and sacrificial manner, but it's a tool we now have which enables us to live more faithfully. As a final note, I wonder if they count giving to non-church ministries in this statistic. I don't tithe unless you include the non-church ministries support.
"A separate survey of 34 U.S. denominations shows that churches spent an average of 2.1 cents per dollar of donations on overseas missions. The Episcopal Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Presbyterian Church (USA) and United Church of Christ all checked in at less than a penny."
I'm just saddened to hear our denomination has fallen to this place. My hope and prayer is that we will remember the rich tradition of mission of the Presbyterian church.
As long ago as I can remember, my parents gave me a quarter to put in the Sunday School offering every week. It was strange to see giving as a gift in a spiritual gifts inventory I recently took, but I can't help but see it's roots in that practice. I'd encourage all parents to try the same and look forward to teaching my children that way.
What does all this have to do with mission? The budgets really aren't that high. Individuals can be sent on international trips for less than the cost of the average TV or a couple video game systems. If we truly examine our finances and our priorities, I strongly believe we'll find more than enough resources. One encouraging note is that Myers Park Presbyterian church is in the middle of a capital campaign for a new building. They hope to raise around $25 million, but the inspiring part is their commitment to raise another $25 million to give to mission. I'm pleased to know their mission pastor, Bob Breed, who has also become a regular New Wilmington Mission Conference attendee. I hope many others will be inspired by their example.
P.S. - I'm fortunate my wife, Jill, is very supportive and very much convicted to tithe as I am. I should really replace each I in this post with we.