I have asked the administrative team in our staff to give me some figures that would give us a picture of what percentage of the congregation is supporting the church budget through their tithes and offerings.
The reason for such an analysis is to discover the financial potential of our church and so that we can pray accordingly. We know God's potential is bigger than our human potential but it helps to know where the gap might be.
In order to get a good idea of this, we need a two-dimensional picture. On the one side, we need to look at contributions from members and on the other at contributions from those who actually attend. These two areas have a big overlap. In other words, there are many members who are regular attendees and vice-versa. However, there are also members who do not attend and attendees who are not members. So all these segments need to be considered in looking at this contributions picture.
In 2010, the average annual contribution was $1,971. Using this average as a benchmark, we discovered the following for 2010:
- 26% of Calvary members gave more than the average contribution;
- 24% of Calvary members gave less than the average contribution;
- 50% of Calvary members gave nothing
Since, it could be said that many of those who are members are not regular attendees and therefore may not contribute, it is also important to combine membership and attendees. In 2010,
- 22% of all contributors gave more than the average contribution;
- 33% of all contributors gave less than the average contribution;
- 45% all attendees gave nothing
*It must be noted that this reflects only budget contributions and not designated offerings, also it does not reflect 12:45 service offerings since they were given through a designated fund in 2010.
While it may be said that these percentages fair better than most churches, we also know that there is still potential for growth in giving at Calvary.
We don't believe in trying to get people to give with guilt-driven approaches. However, we can do the following:
- pray for God to touch people's heart so that they will discover the joy of giving
- teach from the pulpit and through ABF's about financial stewardship
- continue to provide "Financial Peace" education where we teach people how to get out of debt
- seek God's provision first and trust Him
We expect great things from God in 2011 and we commit to seeking his face. We trust that he will provide and we pray He will do so through his people.
Thanks Pastor Julio for sharing these eye-opening figures. The Bible is very clear on how we should handle tithes and offerings. I see no Biblical evidence that would excuse believers from tithing. In fact if we follow the example of the new testament Church (Acts 2-4), we should really be giving much more than a tithe. I agree with Julio's prayer points... let's pray that all of our hearts would be softened in obedience to our Lord.
ReplyDelete-Darin Burrell
Pastor thanks for sharing. Pointing out as well that a few families left our church late spring prior to your call as well as few left late summer, early fall. No doubt an impact on our giving. Botom line is that God keeps it simple for us, unfortuantely, we can make it difficult. The point about that some give none, well need to stop scratching my head over this. No doubt God's work is only limited,delayed by "HIS divine partnership here on earth." Thinking I will take a page from what John Piper shared several years back on prayer and encouragemen in prayer. He prayed and wrote," Lord, cause your wor to run and be glorified in the ministries of our church and in the missions we support. I pray In Jesus' name. Amen." It takes eight seconds to say.-Bobby byrnes
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments and the encouragement!
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