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Between 1980 and 2020, giving to religious organizations has declined from 60% to 30%. This is not a decline in how much is given. In fact, giving has increased. This is a 30% decrease in the portion that the church receives from overall giving. This is an important distinction for church leaders to make while talking about tithing.
From the pulpit we learn that all we have belongs to God, and we give 10% in thanks for all that has been received. Later the same day and for the rest of the week a dozen calls are received from agencies supporting police, state troopers, firefighters, breast cancer, children’s cancer, autism, international health, disaster relief and more. Church leaders must recognize that not only do they need to teach and model giving, they must also compete for those funds with other charitable organizations.
There are more than 1.5 million nonprofits today. That includes 35,000 new ones formed in 2020. Every year, there are more people in need and more good causes to support. While the United States remains one of the most generous of nations, it also offers an overwhelming number of options for those who share their bounty.
Taken from Horizons Stewardship - 365
Photo by Kyle Glenn on Unsplash
Fight for the Tithe