Church Giving Could Change the World, So Why Isn’t It?

Nearly every church in America passes an offering plate during Sunday service. It is a beloved tradition in many congregations. You probably give money to your church every week. You’re a tithing superstar! But not every churchgoer gives as much as you.

What Happened to 10 Percent?

As a churchgoer yourself, you know all about the 10 percent tithing policy. But do most people actually donate that percentage of their income to church?

Unfortunately, the answer is no. Most do not. In fact, overall church giving is on the decline:

In 1968, church members donated an average of 3.1 percent of their income

In 2010, the number lowered to 2.4 percent

Giving decreased even more in 2011 to 2.3 percent (Empty Tomb)

Why? Many people forget to bring cash or a checkbook to church. They show up without the very things that go into the offering plate during service. Cash and checks are things of the past. No matter how much they love your church community, sometimes people just forget.

Fixing the World’s Biggest Problems

An uptick in financial offerings would do a world of good. According to an article in Relevant Magazine, low tithing numbers cost churches $165 billion per year. What if all American Christians began tithing 10 percent of their income? This level of church giving would have a huge impact:

In five years, $25 billion could relieve global hunger, starvation and deaths from preventable diseases in five years.

$15 billion could solve the world’s water and sanitation issues.

Just $1 billion could fully fund all overseas mission work.

That still leaves over $110 billion. Can you picture a world free from hunger? Can you imagine having enough clean drinking water for the entire population? How about never seeing another commercial about starving children?

Churchgoers have the power to make it happen. They simply have to give.