Are church members more apt to tithe or give larger offerings if they know where

1. 77

   Charluposted 11 years ago

   Are church members more apt to tithe or give larger offerings if they know where the money is going?
   
   Do you think church members are more apt to tithe more money or guests give larger offerings if they know where the money is being spent, and should members have an input as to where that money goes in reference to charities, assisting others, etc.?
   
   
   
   
   
   

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2. 80

   Attikosposted 11 years ago

   Generalizing on this topic is impossible. Hierarchical churches e.g. the Roman Catholic tend to follow the adage that the rights of the people are to pray, pay and obey. Congregational protestant churches e.g. the Church of Christ typically are far more democratic. In them the people of the church are the highest authority, and they lean toward more generous giving when they have full knowledge of how it is used.

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      Charluposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Agreed

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3. 66

   safiq ali patelposted 11 years ago

   This is only my opinion. You have the right to ask where your donations are going. And if you feel even for a minute that there is something illegal going then don't.

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      Charluposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I agree and think that if there is nothing being spent other than money to support the church or those in need then why wouldn't someone want it known. hmmmmm

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4. 82

   Wesman Todd Shawposted 11 years ago

   Well I can't speak for many churches, but I've never been to one that didn't offer complete transparency as to where the tithe or donated money goes.
   
   If someone regularly attends a church, they will surely have meetings about such things.  Of course I've never been to one of those monster mega churches, but even those surely have some announced goals and transparent spending schemes.

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      Charluposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I think that's the way it should be and can't help wonder why someone would say it's not anybodies business.  I think that just sends up all kinds of red flags Your right to offer the complete transparency. Thanks

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   christinekvposted 11 years ago

   I know from personal experience I have wrestled with giving faithfully when attending certain congregations.  One can be hindered in this area if they don't know how the money is being used, and or if there are visions for serving (which requires church finances), or programs in place that an individual does not agree with.  When that's the case, it may make sense to find another church. I've also learned that sometimes though  the issue may not be the allocation of the funds but  rather an honor and trust issue. Might want to check to see if there is a critical spirit at work. since sometimes we many need to.trust that the Lord has put the leaders and visions in place, and we need to honor Him and the authority given to them, by being faithful. This requires seeking God in prayer and receiving discernment. Personally, I'd much rather see funds allocated toward outreach or a new church plant rather than building bigger or better (I think it is hard for the larger churches to know what's really going on and to hold others accountable, regardless of if it's lay people or leaders).

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   1. 77

      Charluposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Great answer, especially when you see so many new churches wanting to get really big, really quick.

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   paxwillposted 11 years ago

   A religious organization that wants to keep its donations coming in must either be transparent, or else market itself to deep-pocketed fools blinded by faith.

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   1. 77

      Charluposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      You hit the nail on the head and the reasoning behind this question.  I was reading about a huge religious organization that donated to a specific worthy charity which turned out be .015%.   I realize the enormous cost of operations but .015% really?

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