Fewer than a tenth of churchgoers tithe. According to a 2003 Barna Research study, giving has dropped to a 30-year low.
Whatever the reason behind the lack of cash in the offering plate, pastors should consider the physical needs of their congregation as a way to address their spiritual needs.
Forrest Reinhardt of Saddleback Community Church reported that Rick Warren speaks about money the same way he addresses other issues: By beginning with common concerns, then illuminating God's plan for — in this case — finances. And people listen.
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Others have responded to the tithing message in church, too. Forbes magazine publisher Rich Karlgaard recently penned a column about how a friend began tithing after hearing a sermon.
So, what do you say to CEOs and regular Joes to encourage giving? According to Brian Kluth, founder of the MAXIMUM Generosity ministry, the message isn't about giving 10 percent, but about giving generously — per the model of the New Testament church.
Hearers and doers
Kluth asserts that what compels people to give isn't a plea for help, but a spiritual vision. He tells of a church member who asked his pastor what he would do if he had some extra money. The pastor said he'd re-wallpaper the women's restroom. So the man gave the funds for the project.
"Then he gave more than $99,000 to another ministry that had a vision big enough to put his gift to work for kingdom purposes," Kluth wrote.
Many church leaders speak about stewardship every January, just after Christmas when spirits and checking accounts are low. When to speak about stewardship may not be as important as when not to.
"Too many churches are interested in teaching generosity truths only when there is a budget crisis or building project in the church," Kluth said. Connecting people's money to ministry all the time is a better approach, he said.
Testimonies are also important. Kluth recommends preachers allow faithful givers to share how they are able to consistently fund ministry.
Forbes' Karlgaard was duly impressed with the financial peace that came from giving. "You might be 10 percent poorer," he wrote, "but you'll stop worrying about it."
He was also admiring of the self-control that seemingly accompanied his friend's efforts to tithe. The man had never been able to save a dime even earning what Karlgaard called "a princely salary," until he began tithing. Then he instituted the 10-10-80 rule: tithe 10 percent, save 10 percent and live on 80 percent.
Some faithful givers even opt to have the 10-10-80 principle instituted electronically with direct electronic funds transfer from their bank account — the same way some 60 percent of all Americans receive their paychecks.
Mario McGowan, CEO of Direct Tithing, a company that provides EFT for church offerings and funding non-profit organizations, says Christians who receive income consistently should give just as consistently.
