Few churchgoers tithe, study says
Pastor Dale Morgan
Few churchgoers tithe, study says*
By Greg Garrison, Religion News Service
Linda Pateo of Gardendale, Ala., says she and her husband, Robert, try
to give 5% of their income to their church and 5% to Christian
charities, but it's difficult with three children in college.
"I have strong feelings that God expects first fruits," Pateo said.
"Sometimes we fall short. It's something we are all called to do."
A recent poll by pollster George Barna shows that only 5% of Americans
say they tithe, or give at least 10% of their income to religious
congregations and charitable groups.
According to other studies on church giving, congregants give an average
of 2.58% of their income to their churches. That's down from 3.11% of
their income in 1968, according to studies published by Empty Tomb, a
ministry that studies church finances.
"Tithing is in decline," said the Rev. William Hull, a research
professor at Samford University and a Baptist minister. "The older
generation was taught to tithe. It's not being taught very much any more."
Decades ago, the church was a focal point of philanthropy. Now
parachurch ministries, schools and charitable agencies compete for those
dollars, he said.
"The church has been losing market share," said Sylvia Ronsvalle,
executive vice president of Empty Tomb. "That concerns us. There could
be a crisis in the very heart of the church."
Many major mainline denominations are suffering budget shortfalls. "The
churches don't get enough money to send on to headquarters," Hull said.
Donors and local churches may also reduce the amount of money they
forward to denominational headquarters because of disputes over national
church policies on divisive issues, such as homosexuality. "In many
cases it's a boycott," Hull said.
Pateo recalled how tight finances were when her children were in day
care and her salary barely covered the costs. But she believes it's a
religious duty to tithe to her church, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.
"It's not easy," she said. "But other blessings come to you if you are
faithful."