Quote:
Originally Posted by obriencp
You keep records and base financial decisions on past averages. The accountant can track peoples' giving for tax purposes, but if the Pastor doesn't know who specifically gives what, then they cannot ever show favoritism or be accused of such. I think I said it before on this thread that if 90% of what comes in goes towards salaries and bills, then the church isn't doing its job. I think half or more needs to be spend on outreach, clothing drives, donating to food banks, helping those in need, missionaries, etc. Some lending institutions want to know what kind of membership there is, but that could also be figured on a Sunday attendance average. Over time, numbers remain constant, grow (thank the Lord), or shrink (pray about what's wrong). What comes in won't change that much as people are creatures of habit.
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I agree with you also on what church finances should go to, but unless the givers first give enough to cover its over head(which should be minimal) than I guess is it cannot give. That is why I am advocating generous systematic giving. It amazes me how so many think that if they have a need they should call their local church, but yet most of the time the great majority don't want to generously give into this storehouse in order for it be able to help anyone.
Preachers who even say the word tithes are labeled greedy, but most of the people calling them greedy look to them to reach out and give in the communities. I think there are people wrong on both sides. I just want to be numbered with those who are following God and letting his spirit lead my life.