How would you take tithes/offering?
 

As many know I am planting a church later this year.

I have been doing alot of thought on how we are going to do various things.

Offering during a service is actually a area that I am sensitive about since I have seen many things over the years I dont care for.

I was thinking of putting tithes/ offering boxes next to the doors as they come in and out.

One of my friends tells me offering marches are the way to go.

I'll open it up and would appreciate others sharing what strikes them as the right way (I would especially appreciate pastors chipping in with advice).

Re: How would you take tithes/offering?
 

I hate offering marches. If you aren't giving you sit there conspicuously alone. If you decide not to look that way you pretend to get in the march to give

Re: How would you take tithes/offering?
 

One more thing..before the pastor tells everyone to "March" have him get off the state, sit on a pew, walk all the way around, drop in some money, then sit down again

Re: How would you take tithes/offering?
 

If you march, mix it up with music, fellowship and greeting... something to avoid the awkward "I wasn't able to give today" moment.

I think offering time is a great opportunity to explain the needs of the church, what the church is doing, etc. Always make it clear that the offering is not intended for guests and that you are just happy to have them.

I think having a donation box somewhere is also a great idea for those who prefer to give conspicuously.

Re: How would you take tithes/offering?
 

I got an idea...wow this is a great one. Have a special tithe offering, have the pastor march around to music holding jar with a sign that reads "will preach for money"...hehe seriously Im kidding, don't get upset guys

Re: How would you take tithes/offering?
 

That may work! I've seen worse gimmicks! :ursofunny

Re: How would you take tithes/offering?
 

Back at IBC I was engaged to a girl from Columbus, OH. We went out to visit Rod Parsleys church while they were having their Dominion Camp Meeting.

We had a 30+ minute pre-offering sermon by Clarence McClendon telling me I couldnt buy a miracle from God and then having the other 29 minutes with stories of how money bought miracles from God. That was my church offering low point in my life. :)

I am told that having a tithing box in a new church is financial suicide since there are no established givers... but I dont wanna be hokey about it. I am kinda split down the middle.

Re: How would you take tithes/offering?
 

Don't be gun shy. You have a need. You aren't a charlatan (I assume). Paul was creative in urging other's about the Jerusalem offering. Offering is worship, it's another way we do that. At the same time, it meets practical needs. A church that is open about it's money, the people will be open with them about theirs (I believe).

Re: How would you take tithes/offering?
 

If you do an offering march, you may NEVER have any established givers. (j/k) Besides, from experience I will tell you that offerig marches can quickly turn into "intermission" or bathroom breaks. :winkgrin

If you say the offering isn't intended for guests, you've just implicated that all members are expected (required?) to give.

One thing that has irritated me was the offering plate passing every service. How many people are paid 3-4 times a week? I don't know any. So why pass the plate that many times?

My last church had a tithe box AND passed the plate. Overkill. Don't go there. I'm currently looking for a church, and visited one this week that had an offering box of sorts-just an open plate. They didn't get much money.

I even knew one man that didn't pass a plate for nearly 9 months after starting a church. People came to him and asked to be able to give. By that point he knew people well enough, and had prayed about it long enough, to be able to do what was best for them.

Your best answer may lay somewhere in the middle of all these and other recommendations, actually. And it will depend on your area and the people who come. If you are giong to a low income area, or an area in economic distress, you may want to try one method. If you are going to a deeply traditional area, another option might be best.

Re: How would you take tithes/offering?
 

Marches are a great way to take up an offering orderly. If you are starting out small, making an appeal for donations and charitable contributions and then leaving a box in front is appropriate.

I think members are implicated to give. It's a gospel thing. Money is a heart issue and an idol as much as any. In that tone, it has been an idol of preachers too, so we fight a PR contest, and want to assure others of our integrity. Money is for practical matters, not for the church leader to live lavishly. Any sensible person expects that to be part of a church congregation.