How much do you give?

[amyhughes]

Two data points, from people I know (not myself)... not reflected in the poll (since I only get to vote once ). Both are Jewish synagogues. Both in the $1000-$2500 range (per family, both are families of four, and both involve some level of religious education included). Both are "charges". Having grown up Jewish, it was a bit of a surprise to me to learn that churches (Christian and non-Christian) don't "charge" for membership, and equally a surprise to me to learn that churches get such large donations (as indicated in this poll) and also that they collect donations during services. Is my Jewish experience typical or atypical?

I guess in a certain aspect we are "charged" a bit. We have a recommended tithe once our children enter the school.

We do take up offering during church, or they can deduct it weekly, monthly or quarterly via auto draft. It is actually part of the Catholic mass, and has been at every church I have ever gone to save for the seminary masses. It is an offering that is collected by the ushers, then brought forth and put at the foot of the altar so that as a parish we came together to give these donations to see the church's work(s) continue. Whether that be the school, helping the poor, helping our sister parish in Haiti, etc.

 

[Mikelly1221]

We are not charged at our church. It would be a surprise to me to hear of churches who charge their members.

I really dislike talking about how we give. To me, it's just such a personal thing, really between me and God. But, in the spirit of the thread, I use 10% as the minimum and go up from there as I'm able. I also give in my time in teaching, working in the nursery, etc.

I was talking to a guy I used to work with who was very anti-organized religion. He and I were talking about how churches collected so much money and I said I couldn't speak for all churches, but our church budget is public knowledge within our church and members approve the budget annually. Money goes to our programs as well as the light bill, pastor's salary, building upkeep, etc. He was surprised that that was where the money went. With all the church scandals of the 80's & 90's I guess I can't blame him.

 

[KirstenB]

We pledge around $1300, but add to it for mission supplies, special projects, etc. Our church (Episcopal) asks that you fill out a pledge form during a stewardship drive. The pledge form contains both monetary pledge, plus the volunteer activities you're willing to commit to. You're free to adjust the pledge if you incur a hardship during the year, but the pledge itself helps the church set a budget for the next year. There is no charge to be a member of the church. Our treasurer is the only person who views the pledges. Our priest prefers not to know what each person contributes financially.

 

[punkin]

Two data points, from people I know (not myself)... not reflected in the poll (since I only get to vote once ). Both are Jewish synagogues. Both in the $1000-$2500 range (per family, both are families of four, and both involve some level of religious education included). Both are "charges". Having grown up Jewish, it was a bit of a surprise to me to learn that churches (Christian and non-Christian) don't "charge" for membership, and equally a surprise to me to learn that churches get such large donations (as indicated in this poll) and also that they collect donations during services. Is my Jewish experience typical or atypical?

Synagogues charge almost universally. Of course, if you can't afford it, there are ways around it. Also, membership dues do not include other donations, like for being called to the torah, sponsoring kiddush, donating to Rabbi's discretionary fund, Kol Nidre appeal....Did I forget that there's almost always a separate building fund? How about paying for Hebrew school? That's why we have no money.

I have no idea about churches. They seem to be doing OK. After all there are so many of them.

 

[ead79]

Two data points, from people I know (not myself)... not reflected in the poll (since I only get to vote once ). Both are Jewish synagogues. Both in the $1000-$2500 range (per family, both are families of four, and both involve some level of religious education included). Both are "charges". Having grown up Jewish, it was a bit of a surprise to me to learn that churches (Christian and non-Christian) don't "charge" for membership, and equally a surprise to me to learn that churches get such large donations (as indicated in this poll) and also that they collect donations during services. Is my Jewish experience typical or atypical?

At every Christian church I've been a member of, there has been no charge. Giving 10% of your income (the tithe) is encouraged since it is a directive of Jesus. Tithes are collected during services (a plate is passed around), and people can also give online if they'd prefer. In terms of large donations, I suppose that many of them come from people giving 10% of their income, as well as from people giving above and beyond that amount.

I have a question about building funds. I noticed several posters mention that they would not give to a building fund. Is there a reason you feel that way? Our church is beginning a building campaign, and I don't have a problem giving so we can add on to our facility and accomodate more people, but I know that some folks feel differently. Just curious as to why if you don't mind sharing.

 

[slo]

I give as much as we can, and every year I increase it.

I wish I could give more, because our church is always in the red, and I feel very badly about that. I often wish I could win the lottery so I can give my church enough to pay there bills for a real significant amount of time.

 

[kydisneyfans]

I am not sure I would attend a church that requires me to pay to attend.

We give roughly 5-7% to our home church, along with volunteering in the children's church, usher program, and greeting program. We also give the church enough to send an underprivieged child to church camp.

We also sponsor a child though World Vision. Total charity is about 10%, excluding time commitments.

That number has steadily increased as our income and financial position has improved. I firmly believe that my family's ongoing financial success is tied to our increased gifts to the lord.

 

[cabanafrau]

Not all Christians believe that Jesus commanded tithing and I honestly don't read the passages where He references it as an endorsement of the practice. IMO He was just attempting to open the eyes of the Pharisees to direct their hearts to behave as God wants us to, rather than go on believing they were righteous because of their tithing.

 

[ead79]

Not all Christians believe that Jesus commanded tithing and I honestly don't read the passages where He references it as an endorsement of the practice. IMO He was just attempting to open the eyes of the Pharisees to direct their hearts to behave as God wants us to, rather than go on believing they were righteous because of their tithing.

Yes, I've heard that. My only question is how they would respond to this statement of Jesus': "What sorrow awaits you Pharisees! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore justice and the love of God. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things." (Luke 11:42). Clearly, Jesus is concerned more with the attitude of one's heart, but given how often He spoke of loving God, not money, and the verse above that upholds the custom of tithing, it seems that it's an important Biblical issue.

 

[brerrabbit]

The idea of being charged is a common belief held by most people. I think that stems from several things. If you are a Scientologist then, you are charged. You pay for your auditing sessions. Since Scientology was awarded church status by the courts then you could consider that this religion (Scientology) charges for membership.

Also Mormon's or the Church of Latter Day Saints doesn't really charge you but the kind of do. I have many Mormon friends and several have told me flat out that to be a member in good standing that each year you have to bring your W-2 or tax return to a Deacon or Elder of the Church and they look at it against your giving for the year. If it's not 10% then you are no longer a member in good standing till you pay the difference.

 

[frndshpcptn]

Synagogues charge almost universally. Of course, if you can't afford it, there are ways around it. Also, membership dues do not include other donations, like for being called to the torah, sponsoring kiddush, donating to Rabbi's discretionary fund, Kol Nidre appeal....Did I forget that there's almost always a separate building fund? How about paying for Hebrew school? That's why we have no money.

I have no idea about churches. They seem to be doing OK. After all there are so many of them.

Our synagogue also charges a yearly fee - we don't tithe at all.

Plus all those extras...

 

[ICF]

Charged??? Okay, that officially calls for my pet peeve smilie: .

I had never heard a church charging people....unless it was tuition to send kids to school there.

 

[maelstrom]

I am an Atheist, and therefore do not go to church.

When my mother dragged me to (Catholic) church when I was younger, part of the opening spiel of the service was to say that the parish is a tithing community and that you are expected to give the FIRST 10% of your income to the church. Nevermind rent, food, car insurance, health insurance, electric bill, etc; you were expected to donate to the church before anything else.

 

[Mikelly1221]

I am an Atheist, and therefore do not go to church.

When my mother dragged me to (Catholic) church when I was younger, part of the opening spiel of the service was to say that the parish is a tithing community and that you are expected to give the FIRST 10% of your income to the church. Nevermind rent, food, car insurance, health insurance, electric bill, etc; you were expected to donate to the church before anything else.

I think that the thought process that comes from that is that as Christians we are to bring our best to God, and the 1st part of our income is the best, rather than the leftovers (I hope that makes sense). Works for me, because if I didn't bring it 1st, there probably wouldn't be any leftovers!

As a Christian, I believe your giving should reflect your heart's attitude, and that's the big problem Christ had with the Pharisees. They made sure the outside looked good but the inside (the heart, the part only God sees) was hateful. Christ called them "whitewashed tombs" and the analogy fits. As gratitude for what Christ has done for me, I want to serve as best I can, and that includes giving to His church.

 

[Mikelly1221]

This is a quote from Matthew 23:23 from the New Testament:

"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former."

That was Jesus rebuking the Pharisees. This was the 1st passage I could think of where a tithe (10%) is mentioned. From this passage, it seems that it was all important to Christ: justice, mercy, and giving.

Sorry, I think I'm hijacking the thread a bit!