What do you think of the collection plate?

Question

What do you think when you are putting your money in there? Where does it go to, who uses it? Do you see any firm evidence of it going back into the church? If so, give an example of when you have seen your donation being used to improve the church/mosque/synagogue for the good of the parishoners/worshippers/followers

Answer 1

In the church where my wife goes to (catholic church) all the money goes to the priest - the collection is his wages (which probably only pays a couple of hundred pounds per week) and he has to support his family on that money. (his accomadation is paid for but he has to pay all the other bills, etc etc)

Answer 2

When the first church had formed. They tithed and the rich gave up their worldly goods to help the poor and follow God. Then you do what you could for your fellow man and take him in if they were sick or a wanderer, etc. no one had to suffer, unless they were being persecuted by the Romans.
This not possible today, because even churches have to be run like a business if ithey want to survive. So you still have those that mean well and live on the bread line, and do help out their community and those who are racking it in because they can make people feel they have to put into the collection plate, even if it is their last penny.

Answer 3

We see the money from the offering plate going back into the church and the community.

We donate clothing, time and food to the elderly, vaulnerable, needy. We have expanded our community programme and have found there is a larger need locally than ever before.

Our church expansion programme to accomodate growing attendance. We have also seen our once crumbling building have a much needed facelift which has never been done.

Our youth programme has expanded,due to the huge interest by the youth.

Updated equipment for ministry.

And we have an excellent annual report detailing everthing.

Answer 4

According to the Bible, we are supposed to give 10 % of our income to the church, so when I put in my monies, 1) I know I am doing the right thing and 2) It makes me feel good to give to my church because I do see where it is going. Our church is sending a delegation to the Dominican Republic to help restart a church that has failed and to start a school for orphans there. A church is like a business, it needs money to operate, to pay bills, the full time employees, just like any other business. I know that my church uses the monies collected every Sunday to make the worship experience for all who come each Sunday and great one.

Answer 5

It is true the Old Testament law was to give 10% as God had prospered, and my husband and I firmly believe in giving to the Lord's work; please do not misunderstand that fact. But what happened to Grace giving which was taught by the Apostle Paul in the New Testament? Grace giving IS much more than the designated 10% and should include not only your money, but your time and your talents! And the amount is between you and God; not between you and the church treasurer. I believe if true born-again Christians today would practice Grace-Giving, the preachers of today's churches wouldn't have to stand in their pulpits and constantly preach on tithing and giving, and being in danger of a curse of God; they would operate the church on faith and believe that God will meet every need as it arises. But then, the church members would have to follow the Lord in obedience to give as the Holy Spirt leads and many tend to follow in obedience, except when it comes to money issues!

Answer 6

Our church is very open about where the money goes. We support local charities, give money to families in the body of the church who are in difficulty and support a church in the poor country of Armenia. When I say we are 'open,' I don't mean we flaunt it, because that would be wrong, but the evidence is there if anyone wants to see it.

Answer 7

My uncle used to be a warden for our church, after mass he and the other wardens and the priest count the money that has been collects (I have even help out a few times). After it is counted it is place in a sealed bag to be deposited in the bank and the amount collected in noted in the accountancy books. With the money collect we managed to rebuild our church to accommodate the growing parishioners, including rooms for a preschool. While other Church's I have been to (in less affluent countries) the money goes straight to buy food for the poor that live around the church

Answer 8

I'm on the vestry of my church so I see where the money goes. It goes to salaries, building maintenance, charities, etc. I think people have a misconception that churches don't need money to operate. They have utility bills just like everyone else. As much money as possible goes to enrich the lives of the parishioners, but to continue to serve people, the church has to be opened and maintained. You'd be surprised how much it costs to do that.

Answer 9

First of all, I believe that it is an offering given to the Lord, not necesarily a particular cause. That said, we all want to see progress in a way that says there is fiscal responsibility by the representatives of a particular religion. As for examples, every time the doors are open means something is paid e.g. lights, gas, etc., but i've seen cars purchased for members, bills paid, new seating, repairs, printing, radio broadcast, etc.

Answer 10

Every church is different. If you don't believe your money is going for the good of the church -- ask for their annual report. Or don't give to the church -- give to a fellow church family who you know is in need. Many ways of helping.