As the economy continues to struggle, most American houses feel the pinch, including God’s house. Still, more people tend to look to churches and nonprofit organizations for help during tough economic times. That means many of these ministries of help are being called upon to do more with less.
In light of the current economic downturn, a study released this month by the Barna Group, a private, non-partisan, for profit organization, explored how charitable giving has changed over the past two and a half years. Seventy-seven percent of Americans reported being personally touched by the state of the economy. About 28 percent said they were affected in a “major way.” These percentages remained about the same during the past 15 months, according to the study.
Accordingly, 30% of Americans have reduced their giving to church. Barna’s research project included studies done in November 2008, January 2010, and April 2011. Among those whose church giving declined, 24% stopped all giving to churches, according to the most recent study. Seventeen percent decreased giving by 20% or less; 7% by 20% to 45%; 17% by half; and 12% by more than half.
The church leaders’ favorite givers in church are those who tithe. They are those who give at least 10% of their income to the church. But there are less of those faithful givers these days. Over the past decade, the rate of tithing remained relatively stable, hovering between 5% and 7%, according to the Barna Group. But the current national rate of tithing is down to 4% of the adult population.
Church leaders must be careful how they respond to reduced giving to the Lord. Of particular concern to me are some of the high pressure tactics being used by some TV preachers to get more viewers to increase their giving. Some of these ministers give Christianity a bad name. I have certainly seen a significant increase in telephone and letter campaigning from a couple of ministries I have supported in the past. I have to assume that the return on investment into these intense campaigns is making such zealous efforts worthwhile.
Similarly, at the local church level, in an effort to increase giving, pastors must be careful to not make the message of tithing and giving their main focus. I have been in worship services where the financial appeal is about as long as the sermon. It is understandable that local churches need money to do the Lord’s work. Yes, even He has to pay. But predatory, self-serving, and manipulative schemes aimed at increasing cash flow have no place in the house of God—not even during an economic slump.
Copyright © 2011 by Frank King. All rights reserved.
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