Did you know that that the average protestant church member gives away about 2% of their income to the church?
Another statistic shows that the median protestant (person in the middle if lined up smallest percentage to largest) only give 0.62% of their income to the church.
For most people the reason for this has less to do with their wealth or income and more to do with intentionality and regular systematic giving.
Over the course of a year, $1 per day comes to a gift of $365, which for about 35-40% of Americans would be significant growth in their giving to the church.
The average Starbucks coffee costs $2.75. This amounts to over $1,000 if one is purchased every day of the year.
Regular, systematic giving can help all of us become more generous.
We get overwhelmed when we think about larger numbers like $1,000. However, most of us can find $20.00 per week.
“When I first got married, I didn’t think my giving was very important to the life of the church.
After all, we were just starting out, had a new mortgage, lots of expenses, and did not really have much money. Then, we started by giving $15 per week. It felt like a lot to us. I do not think we could have written a check for $780, but we could give the church $780 annually by doing it as $15 per week. We have grown this amount every year over the last 27 years and it is through the discipline of regular gifts that are automatically deducted from our bank account that the amount doesn’t overwhelm us.”
Anne B.
As you think and pray about your generosity this year, consider how systematic giving may help you become more generous.
In Christ,
Senior Pastor Chuck Harris
Place God First in Your Budgeting and Spending
Many experience difficulty giving generously despite the desire and pledge to do so, because they attempt to give from what is left over at the end of the week or month rather than from first fruits, from all they have received.
The simple practice of placing God and The Church first in budgeting and spending has helped many to experience joy in their giving.
When you do this, you are giving from all that a good and loving God has provided. And you are practicing stewardship, understanding that you are but a temporary trustee of what God has entrusted to you.
