Do pastors know who gives what?
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That is really going to vary from one congregation to the next.
In churches that I've been involved with, the pastors have no access to those records (or the church bank accounts).
In churches that I've been involved with, the pastors have no access to those records (or the church bank accounts).
absolutely not a secret. when you put cash in the collection basket the colecter notices it & will stay something sooner or later, usually sooner if it's large amounts every week. just like anything anyone does in life, people are going to talk about it.
Only if you want them to.
Read my first post.
Not my business, so I do not spy on others.
All I know is the total each month as reported.
whether deliberately or by accident, someone, sooner or later, is going to know. that' the human way.
In a healthy congregation of that size, the pastors *should* have no knowledge of who gives what, but usually even where they don't know specifics, they have a pretty good idea who gives more and who gives less.
As you can see...
It depends.
Most honest pastors don't look or care...until a particular member begins demanding things of the pastoral staff. (Happens often from members....everything from sermon pointers to music choices to redecorating)
Then they might look to see if you give at all. Or if you give significantly.
Depends. Some keep track of every member's giving. It's not unusual to have online giving. Personally, I much prefer to remain anonymous. It's not always practicable.
Our church definitely offers giving online as well. I was just curious because I’m officially a church member as I submitted my application and will also be baptized in front of the congregation next week. I feel a little bit more pressure to up my giving, even though I don’t know if I can really afford it. With the budget being transparent, I have an idea of what the average member is giving based on the gross revenue number divided by the total number of people which may fluctuate a little bit.
I've given up on church membership. I understand the point, I just don't agree. I was born into God's family. I did not apply for membership to my earthly family and I won't apply to be a member of my spiritual family. It has its drawbacks. I am constrained in what I can say at times, especially where I have serious disagreements on doctrine. So I tend to vote with my feet.
I can live with minor issues. I don't care if a fellowship practices baby sprinkling, for example. Other issues are more important. One place I went a few times has fallen for the worldly woke deception. I'll avoid that place.
K
keepingthingsreal
Guest
Based upon what you have written here, it seems as if the pressure you are feeling is based upon what others may or may not think about you. Just focus on God and what he thinks, and that will alleviate the unnecessary pressure. Just my two mites worth.
Luk 21:1
And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.
Luk 21:2
And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.
Luk 21:3
And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:
Luk 21:4
For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.
I love baby sprinkling....especially if they use ice water so the baby begins crying when wet.
It's not a baptism....it's a christening, a giving of its first name and dedicating the baby to God. That we, the entire church, will create in the child fertile ground for the Gospel message.
That's what it's about...nothing more.
Baptism comes later! When the child chooses for themselves.
Interesting question, and interesting timing...
I know of some churches that will send you a bill for your tithes. That's... Not exactly the spirit of the law, even if it is the letter of the law. Which it's not.
The reason I said interesting timing is, just yesterday at a business meeting our pastor said he has no idea who gives what in tithes. His wife knows because we are a small church and she does the books, but he intentionally avoids looking at it "because I don't want it to affect how I pray for someone."
totally correct. you said that well. just like anything else in this world, sooner or later talk is going to go around who's giving what. at the church i attended back in the 90's, it didn't take long at all for people to know what i tithed. this is no brag but my salary was high + i was earning good money with antiques & playing in a country band.
You can find that information in their By-Laws. They should look a lot like the ones in the New testament.
Only the treasurer and finance committee know, and they only know if you pay by check or in an envelope with your name. The treasurer gives those who have identified themselves an annual statement.
You don't have to give more than what you feel led by the Lord to give. If you're feeling pressured in your current situation to give more than you are able, you might examine where that pressure is coming from. If from yourself, you can examine yourself and the scriptures. If it's coming from the other members or the overall philosophy of that congregation, it's probably time to move on.