What % of church goers tithe?

[JohnDB]

Full 10%

About 80-90%

Fairly simple to figure out.

Look at a 5-10 mile area around a church at the neighborhood. Then the average home price. Then figure the annual salary needed to buy such a home.

That will give you some average numbers to work with.

Multiply the number of active member families against the salary average and then figure 10%.

Then look at the annual church budget.

And you will find that most people give to the church.

There are ALWAYS some fudging numbers. Some give but not necessarily their whole 10% to the church. They support missionaries abroad or various charitable organizations.

My household splits it's giving. Half to foreign missions and half to the church we attend....and that's because my church is heavily involved with local altruistic projects and domestic missions. (As well as international missions)

But one glance at the budget and you can see that most people in attendance on a regular basis are giving.....

Not that it really matters as to the "who gives what" but when it comes time for big expensive projects....your decision to vote in favor or against needs to be colored by the budget already in existence.

If you have most in the congregation giving...and someone comes up with a project that is going to increase the church budget to 125% of annual....then you vote "no" because your church can't afford it.

You try to keep expenses within 90-95% of receipts/contributions. (As well as accounting for 3-5% growth)

Fluctuations happen due to new factories or jobs in the neighborhood or closing factories/jobs. And then there's things like natural disasters where extra money is needed. Where you can just about count on at least one natural disaster each year....some savings and contingency funds are usually the recipient of unused emergency funds. (The floods always come....not a question of if but when)

 

[shittim]

Same here brother, if we offer ourselves to be His hands and feet here, He will take us up on it!
Seems to me when sharing testimonies and being around that spiritual atmosphere increases the frequency.
I'm serving as power of attorney for a lady, was having trouble, needed a brokerage, found one, left 2 messages, no csall back, showed up and spoke with a young man, Holy Spirit manifested, I imparted, he received Holy Spirit, I am still in touch and minister more.
Our God knows the end from the beginning and knew at the Creation we would meet in His name that day.
Thank you so much for sharing, and I look forward to more.
bless you my brother!

 

[DeanM]

A pastor I respected told me to give what you felt good about giving.

 

[Edward429451]

About 80-90%

Fairly simple to figure out.

Look at a 5-10 mile area around a church at the neighborhood. Then the average home price. Then figure the annual salary needed to buy such a home.

That will give you some average numbers to work with.

Multiply the number of active member families against the salary average and then figure 10%.

Then look at the annual church budget.

And you will find that most people give to the church.

There are ALWAYS some fudging numbers. Some give but not necessarily their whole 10% to the church. They support missionaries abroad or various charitable organizations.

My household splits it's giving. Half to foreign missions and half to the church we attend....and that's because my church is heavily involved with local altruistic projects and domestic missions. (As well as international missions)

But one glance at the budget and you can see that most people in attendance on a regular basis are giving.....

Not that it really matters as to the "who gives what" but when it comes time for big expensive projects....your decision to vote in favor or against needs to be colored by the budget already in existence.

If you have most in the congregation giving...and someone comes up with a project that is going to increase the church budget to 125% of annual....then you vote "no" because your church can't afford it.

You try to keep expenses within 90-95% of receipts/contributions. (As well as accounting for 3-5% growth)

Fluctuations happen due to new factories or jobs in the neighborhood or closing factories/jobs. And then there's things like natural disasters where extra money is needed. Where you can just about count on at least one natural disaster each year....some savings and contingency funds are usually the recipient of unused emergency funds. (The floods always come....not a question of if but when)

Wow, that's interesting, John.

When I first started tithing after I moved, I didn't know any churches in Columbus! I had been living in Colorado for the last 30 years. So I just payed tithes on the spur of the moment to get them paid. Any of God's children or ministries. One time, I had just finished a side job and had collected, and it wasn't Sunday so most churches were closed. But I seen some guy mowing the grass at a church, and he had that maintenance man for the church look to him, so I pulled over and quickly figured the tithe & offering and struck a a conversation with him. You work here? Is it a good church of the Lord's people and He said yes so I pulled out my cash and said, Can I give my tithes to you and let you hand it in? And he looked at me like I'm stupid but he said yes so I gave it to him.

Here in Ohio, I still don't have a church, but I live in a sort of depressed area and it isn't hard to look at someone and see that, they need money.

When I was still a young scoundrel I was in a tight spot financially and one of my friends said that church will help you, so I said ok and went and sat through a service and then talked to staff about getting some help and I had an application for financial assistance handed to me, here fill this out...

So I did and it was the gosh darndest application for financial help that I had ever seen before. How long have I been attending there, how much have I tithed to their church this year? and all sorts of nonsense like that. (I thought this was a church?) I let it play out to get their answer and they turned me down for helping me. No big deal, I'll live.

And I thought about it later, is that what everyone who gets help from a church has to do to get help? Wow. So I decided that I can help people out on the street and save them time and frustration of them finding their way to the church and all the red tape, if I just gave it to people who needed it directly. How much for the homeless guy with a sign? Well, how much tithes am I paying? I have freaked some homeless folks out before with what I handed them.

You can't give a guy 5 bucks to eat with nowadays. You can
t eat for less than a 20, lol.

My wife used to say, he'll just go buy alcohol with it so no. And I have used that, but got over that. Even alcoholics need to eat like we do everyday. I don't give people money with stipulations. I helped him, if he buys alcohol with it, that's between him and God.

Do you think it is ok to pay tithes on the street directly to people in need? Or is that some sort of lack of protocol? (Does God recognize those tithes?)
I think yes. What say you?

 

[Bob-Carabbio]

8.5% gross is still, a lot!

No argument there - in my case a little over $400 a month (including Missionary support). The guideline is 2 Cor 9:6,7). On the other hand I have all I need for myself, and plenty to share with my family. God's provision has been constant for over 50 years.

 

[shittim]

I have found it true thattghose who tithe do better that those who retain 100%.
Tithing is for us, not for Him, He can mke gold from rocks.
We need to tithe to break our grip on that which is temporal and thus unfruitful.
blessings

 

[Edward429451]

Indeed, we can't out give Him. I believe I have missed opportunities He has given, how do you prevent that?
blessings

By not disobeying the Spirit when He puts it on your heart to stop and help that guy or girl. And do not go against what your Conscience says because Conscience is a function of the spirit, and the Holy Spirit bear witness (talks to) our spirit so our spirit always knows the right thing to do.

When we go against our conscience, it hardens our heart.

 

[JohnDB]

Wow, that's interesting, John.

When I first started tithing after I moved, I didn't know any churches in Columbus! I had been living in Colorado for the last 30 years. So I just payed tithes on the spur of the moment to get them paid. Any of God's children or ministries. One time, I had just finished a side job and had collected, and it wasn't Sunday so most churches were closed. But I seen some guy mowing the grass at a church, and he had that maintenance man for the church look to him, so I pulled over and quickly figured the tithe & offering and struck a a conversation with him. You work here? Is it a good church of the Lord's people and He said yes so I pulled out my cash and said, Can I give my tithes to you and let you hand it in? And he looked at me like I'm stupid but he said yes so I gave it to him.

Here in Ohio, I still don't have a church, but I live in a sort of depressed area and it isn't hard to look at someone and see that, they need money.

When I was still a young scoundrel I was in a tight spot financially and one of my friends said that church will help you, so I said ok and went and sat through a service and then talked to staff about getting some help and I had an application for financial assistance handed to me, here fill this out...

So I did and it was the gosh darndest application for financial help that I had ever seen before. How long have I been attending there, how much have I tithed to their church this year? and all sorts of nonsense like that. (I thought this was a church?) I let it play out to get their answer and they turned me down for helping me. No big deal, I'll live.

And I thought about it later, is that what everyone who gets help from a church has to do to get help? Wow. So I decided that I can help people out on the street and save them time and frustration of them finding their way to the church and all the red tape, if I just gave it to people who needed it directly. How much for the homeless guy with a sign? Well, how much tithes am I paying? I have freaked some homeless folks out before with what I handed them.

You can't give a guy 5 bucks to eat with nowadays. You can
t eat for less than a 20, lol.

My wife used to say, he'll just go buy alcohol with it so no. And I have used that, but got over that. Even alcoholics need to eat like we do everyday. I don't give people money with stipulations. I helped him, if he buys alcohol with it, that's between him and God.

Do you think it is ok to pay tithes on the street directly to people in need? Or is that some sort of lack of protocol? (Does God recognize those tithes?)
I think yes. What say you?

Stop doing it if you have been doing it.

There are usually several rescue/homeless charities in every city of some size. They provide housing, showers, meals and clean clothing for homeless.
Homeless people are very difficult to do what is right by. Giving them $$$ is usually the worst thing to do to them. It WILL usually keep them homeless moreso than help them get off the streets.
(I have personally done work with the homeless)

What if I told you that the money you gave a homeless person enabled them to sexually assault an innocent child? (Which happens very often).

This is a very real problem with the homeless. Here in the USA we have the wealthiest homeless of anywhere else in the world. We also have more charities assisting the homeless than any other nation.
Recreational drugs are a big PORTION of the problem. Not all of it but they are definitely a contributing factor....same with alcohol. Neither of these things in themselves are the root of the problem but they do contribute to making the solutions more complicated.

Throwing money at the homeless is what most people do. It's "clean" and requires only a moment of time. (Time being the much more valuable commodity)

What we need are people willing to get "down and dirty" with them to pull the willing ones out of their state of living.

Meaning mentoring, counseling, and befriending each one on an individual level. Finding out the root cause of how they gave up on life and themselves to land where they are and then get them to use what brains they have left to escape the streets. Of course they will lie, cheat, assault, and steal to obtain anything resembling a resource....so extreme caution is required. And that is what SOME of these homeless missions are equipped to provide...but not all. Especially ones funded by our Federal Government. Those are some of the least helpful. The privately funded ones are all said to be "mean" or "unkind" or "too rigidly strict"....but in truth they aren't. There are not many homeless that really want off the streets...until they do.

 

[shittim]

Just watching stuff about bullying, the more a child is bullied th less empathy they have when older, Bryan Kohlberger was bullied.

 

[Edward429451]

There are usually several rescue/homeless charities in every city of some size. They provide housing, showers, meals and clean clothing for homeless.
Homeless people are very difficult to do what is right by. Giving them $$$ is usually the worst thing to do to them...What if I told you that the money you gave a homeless person enabled them to sexually assault an innocent child? (Which happens very often). .

Of course I would feel bad for the child, but I would not pull that guilt into mine own heart. We are not supposed to judge by appearances and we are to be led by the Spirit. Now the Holy Spirit plays a big part in all of this, and Holy Spirit doesn't urge me to turn around for every homeless person I see to give them money. Sometimes He does. So sometimes I do and sometimes I don't.

And I wouldn't want to have my money I gave to them go for alcohol or drugs, however, the word says, give to the poor. It did not say unless they are an alcoholic or whatever. Even alcoholics need to eat every day.

There's one guy who sits in a wheelchair outside a bar with a sign that says, not gonna lie, I need a Beer...I have never been given an unction to give that one money, but I gave some to the homeless girl. She needed it. If they misuse the money I give them, they will have to answer to God, what did you do with the money I sent to you through my servant? That's not my business, Brother.

Throwing money at the homeless is what most people do. It's "clean" and requires only a moment of time. (Time being the much more valuable commodity)

What we need are people willing to get "down and dirty" with them to pull the willing ones out of their state of living.

Meaning mentoring, counseling, and befriending each one on an individual level. Finding out the root cause of how they gave up on life and themselves to land where they are and then get them to use what brains they have left to escape the streets.

Do you think that everyone who is homeless is a drug addict or alcoholic out there doing evil?

No my friend. Circumstances happen. I have worked my entire life. I never had to lie to get a job and I never had to steal to get ahead. I was homeless for 2 months! When I moved to Ohio under command from the Lord, I landed at my Brothers place, and he was living with his daughter. I pitched in more than my share and cooked goodies for her kids, which they loved, because she don't cook. Now she rakes her Dad across the coals and basically takes a lot of his money. I gave more than what was fair and the day I told her no to more, she got mad and kicked me out. Told her dad (my Brother) to put me out now! He said no. So she kicked us both out. We started staying in a Walmart parking lot with other homeless people living in their vehicles. I had plenty of camping gear from Colorado so I made the most of it and it wasn't all that bad. Me and my brother spent so much time together, that I basically led him (back to) the Lord in Walmart parking lot...and the Lord blessed us and I got a job and worked a few weeks to save money and rented us our own place, so everybody ok now.

But that's only one personal account...not everyone will buy alcohol with panhandling money and not all homeless people are evil. That's between them and God. With the prices and economy thru the roof lately, I am sure that other people are victims of circumstance also. And yes, they need money.

I am not set up to house, mentor, or counsel homeless people. Good on ya' that you are skilled in those areas. But all I can do is help and sow seeds like a farmer. God will water it and give the increase!

 

[Edward429451]

Just watching stuff about bullying, the more a child is bullied th less empathy they have when older, Bryan Kohlberger was bullied.

I have two brothers and when we were in junior high school we had some bullying problems. They'd gang up on us and ive one or more of us a hard time, but we knew that neighborhood and would go out together all of us and wound up catching them one at a time and beating them up real good. They didn't like that but over time we got enough of them that they all knew we would fight, and hurt them. So they stopped bullying us and we all pretty much became friends, lol.

But one time before we became friends I remember all of were cur=tting thru the park and there was a basketball game going on over there but I don't really see any (bullies). And then they spotted us and the entire basketball game broke up and they all began chasing us! We prolly had 20 kids chasing us 3 brothers.

Now I don't know if it affected my empathy at all? But one thing I can say is that, after I grew up and began walking with the Lord, I did start reacting to different situations in ways that I never really have before. So the Lord is changing my heart over time and it is enough to be noticeable to me. Like, I have never been the guy who weeps watching a movie. My wife used to but that was time for me to crack some off color joke and intentionally not be empathetic (wise guy). But then one day I did weep during a movie for the first time. It was my first time watching the Passion of the Christ. That movie hit me hard. I got embarrassed and I was alone, lol. That wasn't me, was it? And He is still changing my heart even more and I find myself having more compassion to people and empathy, and it brings peace to my spirit and I understand more than I ever did before. Being compassionate and helping people isn't about, I command you to go do good works. It isn't like that. The truth is, it creates more healing and fortitude of spirit inside of us and is what is it? Spiritual growth, taking on the Lord's character, that is what it is really about.

You know, I bet there is commerce in heaven, but no currency! Not all grow food only farmer types and others live in the city and work in the city, administration and courts and all that. So those people have to buy their food from the farmers, and they will, prolly even during the 1000 years Millennial reign of Christ on earth too. You go to the store and they give you whatever you need. (You can't out give God) so people at the store which need something will be blessed with the item(s) for no currency. No charge as we know it.

The currency is love. And God is love. So after they bless you at their store, God blesses them in return! That's just pretty much speculation for me but, I think it's right.

There's clues about this in the OT, how they used to allot the land and portions to the people. How many in your family and so forth. Along those lines.

 

[JohnDB]

Of course I would feel bad for the child, but I would not pull that guilt into mine own heart. We are not supposed to judge by appearances and we are to be led by the Spirit. Now the Holy Spirit plays a big part in all of this, and Holy Spirit doesn't urge me to turn around for every homeless person I see to give them money. Sometimes He does. So sometimes I do and sometimes I don't.

And I wouldn't want to have my money I gave to them go for alcohol or drugs, however, the word says, give to the poor. It did not say unless they are an alcoholic or whatever. Even alcoholics need to eat every day.

There's one guy who sits in a wheelchair outside a bar with a sign that says, not gonna lie, I need a Beer...I have never been given an unction to give that one money, but I gave some to the homeless girl. She needed it. If they misuse the money I give them, they will have to answer to God, what did you do with the money I sent to you through my servant? That's not my business, Brother.



Do you think that everyone who is homeless is a drug addict or alcoholic out there doing evil?

No my friend. Circumstances happen. I have worked my entire life. I never had to lie to get a job and I never had to steal to get ahead. I was homeless for 2 months! When I moved to Ohio under command from the Lord, I landed at my Brothers place, and he was living with his daughter. I pitched in more than my share and cooked goodies for her kids, which they loved, because she don't cook. Now she rakes her Dad across the coals and basically takes a lot of his money. I gave more than what was fair and the day I told her no to more, she got mad and kicked me out. Told her dad (my Brother) to put me out now! He said no. So she kicked us both out. We started staying in a Walmart parking lot with other homeless people living in their vehicles. I had plenty of camping gear from Colorado so I made the most of it and it wasn't all that bad. Me and my brother spent so much time together, that I basically led him (back to) the Lord in Walmart parking lot...and the Lord blessed us and I got a job and worked a few weeks to save money and rented us our own place, so everybody ok now.

But that's only one personal account...not everyone will buy alcohol with panhandling money and not all homeless people are evil. That's between them and God. With the prices and economy thru the roof lately, I am sure that other people are victims of circumstance also. And yes, they need money.

I am not set up to house, mentor, or counsel homeless people. Good on ya' that you are skilled in those areas. But all I can do is help and sow seeds like a farmer. God will water it and give the increase!

There are homeless missions EVERYWHERE....even for those "under employed" to the point that they can't afford housing.

And unregulated cash is enabling them to perpetrate evil.

You don't give enemies guns and ammunition.
And I've personally witnessed where someone gave a homeless guy money he then used to purchase drugs. He then called a single mom who had an addiction to those drugs. And while she was stoned out of her mind (he was high too) and incapacitated, he sexually assaulted her child becauseshe was passed out. She was an addict...she didn't have the ability to refuse the drugs.
And that is normal behavior for the professionally homeless. They are predators.

You also were homeless but worked diligently to not be homeless. (What is required) You didn't try to "double down" with decisions that would keep you homeless.

Homelessness is a multi faceted problem. Sure you can empathize with homeless....

Drugs are usually involved but are usually NOT the original cause. Sometimes it's depression over losing a loved one. Sometimes it's abuse...sometimes it's something else like abandonment and no ability to self support. All of these things happen....and while homeless, someone shares recreational drugs with them and they feel so low that it doesn't take much to encourage them to do them.

 

[Edward429451]

There are homeless missions EVERYWHERE....even for those "under employed" to the point that they can't afford housing.

And unregulated cash is enabling them to perpetrate evil.

You don't give enemies guns and ammunition.
And I've personally witnessed where someone gave a homeless guy money he then used to purchase drugs. He then called a single mom who had an addiction to those drugs. And while she was stoned out of her mind (he was high too) and incapacitated, he sexually assaulted her child becauseshe was passed out. She was an addict...she didn't have the ability to refuse the drugs.
And that is normal behavior for the professionally homeless. They are predators.

You also were homeless but worked diligently to not be homeless. (What is required) You didn't try to "double down" with decisions that would keep you homeless.

Homelessness is a multi faceted problem. Sure you can empathize with homeless....

Drugs are usually involved but are usually NOT the original cause. Sometimes it's depression over losing a loved one. Sometimes it's abuse...sometimes it's something else like abandonment and no ability to self support. All of these things happen....and while homeless, someone shares recreational drugs with them and they feel so low that it doesn't take much to encourage them to do them.

All I can think is you live in the big city somewhere? NY, LA, chicago somewhere like that where all the psychotic videos are from, lol. I don't see that sort of thing here, yet people are still hungry.

I do live in a small town outside of Columbus where people are still people here, not demons. But even when I was homeless in Columbus, nobody came up offering us drugs. I was the coffee man for the homeless group. I'd give anyone almost a cup of coffee. I saw food being passed back and forth there. Nobody got attacked or anything like that.

So I think that you must be in a big city somewhere, where things are like how you say. If you are in that field dealing with the homeless every day...perhaps it has jaded you somewhat to compassion to people? They still have to eat.

I don't always give my tithes to the homeless. I spoke to the Lord about it because I get the feeling that perhaps I should be doing more for the Kingdom. And He said, if you have no ministry, then you could invest in someone else's ministry which produces fruit that you see. And some other things, so I do that sometimes also. Actually more and more lately. But I still help homeless people sometimes. It's not that hard to tell the homeless drug addicts from the circumstantial homeless.

Plus, the Holy Spirit unction's me to help that one...or no unction so I keep driving. I trust the Holy Spirit. Don't you?

 

[JohnDB]

All I can think is you live in the big city somewhere? NY, LA, chicago somewhere like that where all the psychotic videos are from, lol. I don't see that sort of thing here, yet people are still hungry.

I do live in a small town outside of Columbus where people are still people here, not demons. But even when I was homeless in Columbus, nobody came up offering us drugs. I was the coffee man for the homeless group. I'd give anyone almost a cup of coffee. I saw food being passed back and forth there. Nobody got attacked or anything like that.

So I think that you must be in a big city somewhere, where things are like how you say. If you are in that field dealing with the homeless every day...perhaps it has jaded you somewhat to compassion to people? They still have to eat.

I don't always give my tithes to the homeless. I spoke to the Lord about it because I get the feeling that perhaps I should be doing more for the Kingdom. And He said, if you have no ministry, then you could invest in someone else's ministry which produces fruit that you see. And some other things, so I do that sometimes also. Actually more and more lately. But I still help homeless people sometimes. It's not that hard to tell the homeless drug addicts from the circumstantial homeless.

Plus, the Holy Spirit unction's me to help that one...or no unction so I keep driving. I trust the Holy Spirit. Don't you?

Nope....because too many times it's been my feelings instead of the Holy Spirit....(succinctly pointed out later)

God is ALWAYS truth. It is not what you want to hear but what you need to hear. And 99.999% of people stop listening to God when He says something they do not want to hear. Especially those from the Charismatic crowd.

Just saying.

 

[Edward429451]

Nope....because too many times it's been my feelings instead of the Holy Spirit....(succinctly pointed out later)

God is ALWAYS truth. It is not what you want to hear but what you need to hear. And 99.999% of people stop listening to God when He says something they do not want to hear. Especially those from the Charismatic crowd.

Just saying.

One does have to be careful. I am with you on that. Because all Christian Brothers & Sisters are guaranteed to have the Lord say things to them, that, they don't like and didn't want to hear! He doesn't do it to me regularly but it sure isn't rare. When a Brother in Christ from a Christian forum called me and gave me God's message to me to give my business to my son, and move from Colorful Colorado to...ohio. Bleh! I didn't want to hear that, but long story short, I obeyed it, and now, 9 years later, I'm glad and thanking the Lord for where I am now. From what I hear Colorado went down the tubes since I left. They went democratic and instituted a bunch of stupid weapon restrictions and all sorts of bad stuff. I'm glad I am in Ohio now. The Lord set me up with a place to live, a house. But he only gave it to me because I did obey Him. Even though my plans were to never move back to Ohio again.

One time I was hearing the still small voice of the Lord and we were talking and so I asked him if He would give me more Discernment and what He said to me was bot what I expected. He said, if you want to practice your discernment, then do it in the faces of people you see, and look for me within them.
I got a feeling that's even deeper than it sounds, it usually is with Jesus! So I'm still practicing it and chewing on it.

 

[Prycejosh1987]

I believe in giving to Gods causes. I used to give 10% every month but i am in a tight spot at the moment, so i give offerings every week. I do believe in supporting Gods works.

 

[Amargosa]

I believe in giving to Gods causes. I used to give 10% every month but i am in a tight spot at the moment, so i give offerings every week. I do believe in supporting Gods works.

Interesting point.

When my wife and I first wed, money was tight. One week I told her that giving to The Lord could not be afforded that week. She (the CFO of our family) said we can’t afford not to. So we gave. Since that time, our family has never been in want. Never without food, clothing, shelter or a job.

“I’ve never seen the righteous forsaken or their seed begging for bread.” Psalm 37:25

We enjoy it when our place of worship has electric lighting, restrooms and a place to sit. All those things cost money. I think the parable of the talents applies to the church today. To whom much is given, much is required. Should a pastor be paid? You understand, I know.

Abel came to God with a better offering than Cain and was accepted. Be like Abel.

 

[shittim]

Seems all who give a tithe do better on 90% that those who retain 100%.

 

[true_believer]

A pastor recently admitted to me that during the early years he was raising a family, he was only tithing 5% of his income.

 

[Aaron56]

I am the father of a spiritual household. Some of my sons tithe. Some do not. It does not change my level of care for them HOWEVER, for those who do not tithe, they have more issues with money and resources than those who do not. It's not a class issue: some with more income struggle with the need for money than those with less income.

With that said, if we travel or eat a meal at a restaurant together I will often pick up the tab. One of my sons, early in our walk, exclaimed "Wow! Usually the people pay for the pastor's meal and you're paying for all of ours." The moment was used to teach him about how the economy of the Kingdom is different than what is often found in Sunday boxes. He was raised in that economy before receiving that he was a son of God in God's house.

Generosity is a quality of our spiritual house. I have learned to lean into opportunities to be generous whenever I can.