Does your Church send letters asking for money?

[Keli]

Ours doesn't send letters to our homes but they do have a business meeting once a year at which they pass out a form for each member to fill out which lists all the things the church supports ie., missions, unwed mother's home, children's orphange, food banks, youth programs, etc. and asks how much you think you will be giving in the course of the next year and what areas you would like to support with those funds.

They need this info in order to plan the church's finances for the next year.

 

[Tink&SquirtsMom]

I think it is good for people to know that the church depends on it's members to be able to keep going and to give them an idea of what it really costs to keep a parish running.

bold emphasis mine

The only problem is that God doesn't pay the heating bill or fix the leaking roof.

Not to call these posters out but if I heard these comments in my church I'd be tempted not to give there (and I work with finances for my church too). The God who created the world (without you sending in your piddly check) absolutely does NOT need our money to keep our churches going. God can raise up the poorest church and bankrupt the largest most giving church in seconds if He saw fit. The church does not depend on its members, it should depend on God. God does pay our heating bill by convicting people to give, or creating miracles because it all comes from God and belongs to God, no matter whose hands deliver it. I saw this with my own eyes, when my tiny church at my last home needed a bulding (rent was crazy expensive), but a chuch buying a property in Silicon Valley during the internet boom was UNHEARD of. The asking price for the property we got was over 5 million. We got them to GIVE it to us. We got a company to GIVE for no money a 5 million dollar property to a church in Silicon Valley during the dotcom boom when properties were selling at least 20% OVER asking. They even paid closing costs. Can you imagine having the balls to even call in and present that offer (um we'll pay you nothing and you'll take it) but they felt God was telling them to ask for that property. If that isn't God providing for His church I don't know what is.

Tithing isn't about paying for things God can't pay for, its about showing God (in a way that is honestly a little painful... who doesn't want to hold onto their money), that He is first and that we recognize that everything we have comes from Him and thank Him for that by giving back to him. It helps us keep our priorities straight, and allows him to show us the ways he can bless us when we do.

I really struggled with this recently at my church. Another start up small church without a building (we have a small office building and meet at an elementary school). I felt I was being called to give my money to a cause in Kenya, that God has really placed on my heart (was there in July and will be back next month). However (because I work with the incoming finances) I knew we were one of the largest regular givers at our church and that our church would really hurt without the money. I prayed about it and felt God ask me why I was being unfaithful, why I was holding onto the concept that it was my money that was doing these things and not Him. I began sending my tithing to the cause in Africa, stopping at my church and when i did tithing at my home church immediately rose up and covered what we had been giving (and no one knew we had decided to do this). God took care of my church still and used the experience to remind me that these things come from Him, not me.

BTW, back on topic, none of the churches I have chose to attend as an adult (non-denominational, fully Bible based) have ever sent out letters, besides the one the government requires to prove how much tithing you gave for tax deduction purposes.

 

[Pigeon]

I don't mind an annual letter that goes over the church's budget, showing how much it costs to run the church. (It does cost money, and I don't mind supporting it.)

However, some churches take this way too far for my tastes. We recently left a Methodist congregation, in part, over this. They would have an entire MONTH of "stewardship" drive. Every service had a sermon and extra speakers devoted to trying to make people feel guilty about not giving enough. What really ticked me off was that they would do this despite whatever other events were taking place, such as baptisms and confirmations. So, the kids had to have a special moment for them devoted to begging instead, and this was also the impression of the church presented to guests.

The worst part of it was that this was a fairly well-to-do congregation.

 

[HamTown]

Pigeon I'm sorry you had a bad experience. As a Methodist, we also have "stewardship month" (the only time all year we hear about money from the pulpit). Our sermons did not solely focus on financial giving (although in our last congregation we did have that) but on using your gifts and talents in many ways. Gifts of financial means are an important part of church planning. By September, the finance committee has created a budget for the next calendar year. Having a pledge drive allows the committee to see if they have set realistic goals for the next year. In our case, we had to cut approximately $40K from the proposed budget (approximately 8%). Most of that money was earmarked for parsonage upkeep and renovations. Our parsonage is almost 50 years old and very little has been done to it over the years. We did have to replace the heating and air this year (10K) because the system completely died. Was the church prepared to do this? Not really. It consumed the entire maintenence budget. So repairs will have to wait. You can't postpone paying salaries or heat bills.

God does provide. But being good stewards of those gifts is an important aspect of responsibility. Knowing that you can pay your bills and salaries until the end of the year shows love to your employees and vendors. There are some years when you collect more money than you need to pay all your bills. That creates wonderful opportunities for mission and evangelism that were unexpected. But most years, you just about break even.

As for the "well to do congregation", the most generous givers are very rarely the most wealthy.

 

[Val]

We have weekly envelopes that they send out every couple of months, as well as the yearly pledge cards for the diocese and the parish. Since our kids go to the school we are "mandated" to give a minimum of $25/wk and MUST have our envelope counted at least 45/52 weeks a year or we lose our parishoner status (yes, there is a committee that keeps track, several of our friends have lost their parishoner status)......we also are mandated to sell $500/year in lottery tickets or they add it on to our tuition. Since our new pastor came a couple of years ago we have gone from being an "all inclusive" parish to a somewhat elite parish- Kids must have the newest sports equipment, uniforms, etc., the best band for lifeteen, etc.....and he cut our adult choir. No more music at any of the masses except the youth mass. If you have lots of $$$ to give then the priest is your best friend. If you don't-well, might as well forget any attention. I do lots of grant writing for the school and parish- bring in many thousands of dollars a year in grants, but we don't "give" enough out of pocket- so we are on the "bad parishoner" list! We are on the verge of changing parishes and putting our youngest 2 kids back in public school....hate to do it, but not sure I like the "values" they are learning!

 

[luvmarypoppins]

No our church doesnt do that. They do send out letters and updates during easter, christmas and thanksgiving. An envelope is enclosed but its up to you to give or not give. Each week they publish at church what is given, just a total amount. My dh counts the money and he is not allowed to tell me who gives what, some people only have the gift of themselves to give and that is o.k. too. Sometimes its a good week and sometimes a not so good one, not making the budget amount needed weekly. We have a business meeting twice a year and adopt a budget once a year after looking at the years income and expenses.

 

[Allison]

bold emphasis mine



Not to call these posters out but if I heard these comments in my church I'd be tempted not to give there (and I work with finances for my church too). The God who created the world (without you sending in your piddly check) absolutely does NOT need our money to keep our churches going. God can raise up the poorest church and bankrupt the largest most giving church in seconds if He saw fit. The church does not depend on its members, it should depend on God. God does pay our heating bill by convicting people to give, or creating miracles because it all comes from God and belongs to God, no matter whose hands deliver it. I saw this with my own eyes, when my tiny church at my last home needed a bulding (rent was crazy expensive), but a chuch buying a property in Silicon Valley during the internet boom was UNHEARD of. The asking price for the property we got was over 5 million. We got them to GIVE it to us. We got a company to GIVE for no money a 5 million dollar property to a church in Silicon Valley during the dotcom boom when properties were selling at least 20% OVER asking. They even paid closing costs. Can you imagine having the balls to even call in and present that offer (um we'll pay you nothing and you'll take it) but they felt God was telling them to ask for that property. If that isn't God providing for His church I don't know what is.

Tithing isn't about paying for things God can't pay for, its about showing God (in a way that is honestly a little painful... who doesn't want to hold onto their money), that He is first and that we recognize that everything we have comes from Him and thank Him for that by giving back to him. It helps us keep our priorities straight, and allows him to show us the ways he can bless us when we do.

I really struggled with this recently at my church. Another start up small church without a building (we have a small office building and meet at an elementary school). I felt I was being called to give my money to a cause in Kenya, that God has really placed on my heart (was there in July and will be back next month). However (because I work with the incoming finances) I knew we were one of the largest regular givers at our church and that our church would really hurt without the money. I prayed about it and felt God ask me why I was being unfaithful, why I was holding onto the concept that it was my money that was doing these things and not Him. I began sending my tithing to the cause in Africa, stopping at my church and when i did tithing at my home church immediately rose up and covered what we had been giving (and no one knew we had decided to do this). God took care of my church still and used the experience to remind me that these things come from Him, not me.

BTW, back on topic, none of the churches I have chose to attend as an adult (non-denominational, fully Bible based) have ever sent out letters, besides the one the government requires to prove how much tithing you gave for tax deduction purposes.

I respectfully disagree. A church does need its members. We are a community. Without the members there would be no church.

 

[Allison]

We have weekly envelopes that they send out every couple of months, as well as the yearly pledge cards for the diocese and the parish. Since our kids go to the school we are "mandated" to give a minimum of $25/wk and MUST have our envelope counted at least 45/52 weeks a year or we lose our parishoner status (yes, there is a committee that keeps track, several of our friends have lost their parishoner status)......we also are mandated to sell $500/year in lottery tickets or they add it on to our tuition. Since our new pastor came a couple of years ago we have gone from being an "all inclusive" parish to a somewhat elite parish- Kids must have the newest sports equipment, uniforms, etc., the best band for lifeteen, etc.....and he cut our adult choir. No more music at any of the masses except the youth mass. If you have lots of $$$ to give then the priest is your best friend. If you don't-well, might as well forget any attention. I do lots of grant writing for the school and parish- bring in many thousands of dollars a year in grants, but we don't "give" enough out of pocket- so we are on the "bad parishoner" list! We are on the verge of changing parishes and putting our youngest 2 kids back in public school....hate to do it, but not sure I like the "values" they are learning!

I would be changing parishes too. It shouldn't be like that. That would never happen at my church.

 

[CEDmom]

bold emphasis mine



Not to call these posters out but if I heard these comments in my church I'd be tempted not to give there (and I work with finances for my church too). The God who created the world (without you sending in your piddly check) absolutely does NOT need our money to keep our churches going. God can raise up the poorest church and bankrupt the largest most giving church in seconds if He saw fit. The church does not depend on its members, it should depend on God. God does pay our heating bill by convicting people to give, or creating miracles because it all comes from God and belongs to God, no matter whose hands deliver it. I saw this with my own eyes, when my tiny church at my last home needed a bulding (rent was crazy expensive), but a chuch buying a property in Silicon Valley during the internet boom was UNHEARD of. The asking price for the property we got was over 5 million. We got them to GIVE it to us. We got a company to GIVE for no money a 5 million dollar property to a church in Silicon Valley during the dotcom boom when properties were selling at least 20% OVER asking. They even paid closing costs. Can you imagine having the balls to even call in and present that offer (um we'll pay you nothing and you'll take it) but they felt God was telling them to ask for that property. If that isn't God providing for His church I don't know what is.

Tithing isn't about paying for things God can't pay for, its about showing God (in a way that is honestly a little painful... who doesn't want to hold onto their money), that He is first and that we recognize that everything we have comes from Him and thank Him for that by giving back to him. It helps us keep our priorities straight, and allows him to show us the ways he can bless us when we do.

I really struggled with this recently at my church. Another start up small church without a building (we have a small office building and meet at an elementary school). I felt I was being called to give my money to a cause in Kenya, that God has really placed on my heart (was there in July and will be back next month). However (because I work with the incoming finances) I knew we were one of the largest regular givers at our church and that our church would really hurt without the money. I prayed about it and felt God ask me why I was being unfaithful, why I was holding onto the concept that it was my money that was doing these things and not Him. I began sending my tithing to the cause in Africa, stopping at my church and when i did tithing at my home church immediately rose up and covered what we had been giving (and no one knew we had decided to do this). God took care of my church still and used the experience to remind me that these things come from Him, not me.

BTW, back on topic, none of the churches I have chose to attend as an adult (non-denominational, fully Bible based) have ever sent out letters, besides the one the government requires to prove how much tithing you gave for tax deduction purposes.

That's a lovely sentiment and of course you're entitled to your beliefs. I on the other hand fully expect that any church where I'm a member will rely on my financial contribution to keep running.

 

[Chelley00]

I am the bookkeeper for a church. The reason the letters are sent out is to get an idea of the projected income for the church. It would be really hard for you to be able to budget if you had absolutely no idea even an estimated figure of what you would receive for the year. We can't decide to buy a new copier or to buy envelopes without making sure we can pay for it. We rely on God to provide, but those provisions are given from congregation members. Usually when God comes through, it comes in the form of a check from someone from the church

Our church has a stewardship drive once a year, to get an idea of general fund donations. I enter those in and send statements once a quarter to let people know where they stand, because for a lot of people, it's very important for them to know if they have paid their pledges off or not. It's not so we can guilt them in to paying their money or make them feel bad for not paying. The church can usually make up a shortfall from a pledge from other income coming in and NOTHING is ever said to those who don't fulfill their pledge. I'm the ONLY one who knows, and I don't even pay attention to it when I do statements.

There are never any recommendations on how much you should give, no percentages listed or anything. Tithing is a personal decision, and not everyone is in the position to give 10%. I have one older man who sends in $1 cash every week. EVERY WEEK. He usually includes a little note about how he wishes it was more. I caught him one day at the office and told him what his $52 a year could pay for (office supplies, 1/4 a phone bill). That's what it's about. If everyone could at least give $1 a week....

We also do a missions pledge once a year to give people an opportunity to donate to missions the church supports. Once again I keep track in the computer and send statements, but I don't call people if they don't fulfill their pledges, and I don't tell the pastors that so and so hasn't paid.

I think people need to remember that church's are listed as Not-for-Profit for a reason, because being a daily bill payer at a church, I can guarantee there isn't a profit at all. What comes in goes right back out, and anything extra is put towards helping the community or other missions.

 

[mrsv98]

My former church took two years to find a new pastor when our old one unexpectedly retired. After the new "team" was hired, for the first 6 months (at least) I received a letter asking for money for various things every week. It was a major turnoff and I am looking for a new church. I know there are expenses but being bombarded with requests for money is out of line.

 

[Allison]

I am the bookkeeper for a church. The reason the letters are sent out is to get an idea of the projected income for the church. It would be really hard for you to be able to budget if you had absolutely no idea even an estimated figure of what you would receive for the year. We can't decide to buy a new copier or to buy envelopes without making sure we can pay for it. We rely on God to provide, but those provisions are given from congregation members. Usually when God comes through, it comes in the form of a check from someone from the church

Our church has a stewardship drive once a year, to get an idea of general fund donations. I enter those in and send statements once a quarter to let people know where they stand, because for a lot of people, it's very important for them to know if they have paid their pledges off or not. It's not so we can guilt them in to paying their money or make them feel bad for not paying. The church can usually make up a shortfall from a pledge from other income coming in and NOTHING is ever said to those who don't fulfill their pledge. I'm the ONLY one who knows, and I don't even pay attention to it when I do statements.

There are never any recommendations on how much you should give, no percentages listed or anything. Tithing is a personal decision, and not everyone is in the position to give 10%. I have one older man who sends in $1 cash every week. EVERY WEEK. He usually includes a little note about how he wishes it was more. I caught him one day at the office and told him what his $52 a year could pay for (office supplies, 1/4 a phone bill). That's what it's about. If everyone could at least give $1 a week....

We also do a missions pledge once a year to give people an opportunity to donate to missions the church supports. Once again I keep track in the computer and send statements, but I don't call people if they don't fulfill their pledges, and I don't tell the pastors that so and so hasn't paid.

I think people need to remember that church's are listed as Not-for-Profit for a reason, because being a daily bill payer at a church, I can guarantee there isn't a profit at all. What comes in goes right back out, and anything extra is put towards helping the community or other missions.

Sounds just like my church.

 

[canwegosoon]

Yes and I'm more understanding about it after having spent a few years on church council. It was eye-opening

I think people need to keep in mind that nobody is trying to make any money off of you. It just costs a lot of money to maintain a big buiding with a staff and hundreds of, basically, customers.

The way I see it, every other activity my family is involved with knows that they can expect money from us and they pretty much know how much money they can expect from us. On a smaller scale, for example, scouts know they are going to get $50 from us per year, at least.

On a larger scale, schools also know how much they are going to receive each year and can plan and budget accordingly. And at least the schools are guaranteed that money. Churches have, at best, your "word" on which to plan their budget.

I understand how it might be offensive to people, but you really have to put it in perspective.

I know what you are saying( and I quoted your post but the rest of my comments are not directed to you)...but I cannot stand the constant requests for money. I give what I can every week we go the church. Most times it is 100% of the money I have in my wallet. Do I budget 10% for the Church...no, because I am busy trying to provide for my family and my parents. I realize that churches do need to heat, staff, maintain etc...but you should see my church..the waste is sickening. My DH says it is because we live in a wealthy area, but it is excessive. I hate the fact that our church does not allow outside groups to use their facilities(I was in a mother's of twins group and we could not use a room)...so that didn't help.

Our church sends a yearly letter from the parish, an annual letter from the bishop for a seperate donation, we get weekly envelopes and a record of our donations at the end of the year. Our pastor gave the Time, Treasure and Talent sermons 2 years ago and wanted people to comitt to a specific $ amount they were going to hold themselves accountable to. I felt this was pushing it. We(our church) supports 2 other parishes in the US and 1 international one, plus our parish school. Plus our Disocine(sp) depends heavly on our parish since we have the largest $ of donations.

I personally do not waste money-and have very little discressionary spending. I have gotten my hair cut once in the past 6 months, and cut my childrens hair many times too. I guess to me the topic is a little sensitive since I know that there is no way we can come close to 10%...even though I donate a lot of my time. I wish churches would realize that they could cut back on their expenses too.

 

[Pigeon]

As for the "well to do congregation", the most generous givers are very rarely the most wealthy.

This particular church had very little problem raising money for anything, but always put on the full court press.

 

[canwegosoon]

We have weekly envelopes that they send out every couple of months, as well as the yearly pledge cards for the diocese and the parish. Since our kids go to the school we are "mandated" to give a minimum of $25/wk and MUST have our envelope counted at least 45/52 weeks a year or we lose our parishoner status (yes, there is a committee that keeps track, several of our friends have lost their parishoner status)......we also are mandated to sell $500/year in lottery tickets or they add it on to our tuition. Since our new pastor came a couple of years ago we have gone from being an "all inclusive" parish to a somewhat elite parish- Kids must have the newest sports equipment, uniforms, etc., the best band for lifeteen, etc.....and he cut our adult choir. No more music at any of the masses except the youth mass. If you have lots of $$$ to give then the priest is your best friend. If you don't-well, might as well forget any attention. I do lots of grant writing for the school and parish- bring in many thousands of dollars a year in grants, but we don't "give" enough out of pocket- so we are on the "bad parishoner" list! We are on the verge of changing parishes and putting our youngest 2 kids back in public school....hate to do it, but not sure I like the "values" they are learning!

Are you sure you don't live near me???

 

[goofygirl]

Another Episcopalian here, I am glad to say I've never been outrightly asked for a dime.


Once in awhile the bulletin will mention contributing to a fund which will improve and maintain the church's property.

We each get envelopes to put our offerings in. The envelopes have your "member number" on them. This is used by the accountant in recording what you contribute- this way the church can give you a receipt that you can use for tax purposes.

Sometimes I feel like I should contribute more because our parish is small and hurting for money. We can't even afford air conditioning in the parish hall. I talked about my concerns about looking cheap with some people at the church and they told me not to worry and give what I can.

I contribute in other ways too- volunteering for Altar Guild, Coffee Hour, other activities, etc.

 

[Disney Doll]

Nope. If the pastor feels the need, he will discuss the church's financial status, but ti doesn't happen all that often.

Like another poster said, the God thing is great and all, but He doesn't drop cash out of the sky to pay the bills, and like it or not, a church, regardless of the denomination, is partly a business. There is a building, maybe also a school, employees, bills.

I am always amazed at how much folks expect from their church and how little some folks are willing to put into it.

 

[DISUNC]

I still get letters asking for 'hefty' donations & empty envelopes from my church on a regular basis! I havent step foot in the church in 15 years!

 

[Allison]

I contribute in other ways too- volunteering for Altar Guild, Coffee Hour, other activities, etc.

That counts for a lot. It takes a lot of people to get everything done. We have our priest, a secretary that works pretty limited hours and someone to do the cleaning. Everything else gets done by church members. (I'm also Episcopalian.)

 

[Tink&SquirtsMom]

I on the other hand fully expect that any church where I'm a member will rely on my financial contribution to keep running.

Would you do that even if you felt (as I did) that God was calling you to give elsewhere (a church that is transforming hundreds of lives in an area of Africa that desparately needs it that has NO money coming in from its poverty stricken and mostly starving and sick congregation and so far has no overseas support besides a few independent givers who felt called to it such as myself). If you chose to still give to your church, when you thought God was telling you otherwise, would you still be giving to God or would you then just be giving to the Church (buildings, programs, etc), or do you not see a difference?

I honestly do not mean this in a bad way. I am curious as to the POV (for background I recently returned to school as a Bible Theology student at a Christian college and really like learning about all the different philosophies about this stuff as most of the students believe different things and tithe is one of those areas of "controversy"... and i do fully expect some of my own beliefs to change as I delve deeper and learn more... so I do not mean to imply I have it all figured out). I am aware of the different teachings regarding the tithe. The church I grew up in taught you bring it all to the storehouse and the storehouse is your church and only your church. My current church teaches that you bring in the full tithe to the storehouse also, but that the storehouse is anywhere God's work is being done and that you should prayerfully consider where God would have you give, because he may have it for you to give outside of your church... so I am not going against their teachings (or more importantly the Bibles, to my knowledge and understanding) in tithing elsewhere. I don't think one is necessarily wrong (and I can't wait to get to these sections of the Bible in my course work at school to learn more about the Biblical context for the different ideas), but I know my personal experience was that I felt very strongly called to give outside of my church, and when I worried that my church would suffer from that, God met that concern by raising the funds for my church elsewhere as He told me He would. So I do feel I made the choice right for me (and I do still give my time and talent at my local church as well as in Kenya).