Giving in a Time of Financial Crisis

Christianity Today did a poll of its web readers and email recipients during the week of October 19 to determine whether the economic crisis was affecting charitable giving. The results are as follows:

Has your giving gone down due to the economic crisis?

• No, it hasn't changed. I am giving just as much: 76%
• No, it's gone up: 9%
• Yes, my investments have gone down, so I have fewer resources to give: 7%
• No, it hasn't changed. I wasn't able to give to begin with: 4%
• Yes, I am saving more now because I'm not sure what the future holds: 3%

If I read the figures correctly, it would indicate a potential 1% decrease in giving among those polled, and that decrease would more likely be felt in special gifts from accumulated assets rather than regular offerings. The sample -- that of readers of Christianity Today -- is, of course, likely to consist of active, regular church members. Hopefully, many of them have caught the vision of grace-based, proportionate, joyful giving that operates not on the principle of fear, but on the principle that "As God guides, He will provide."

Another resource comes from the Episcopal Diocese of Southwestern Virginia (Click Here for Article) entitled "Holy Habits for a Fickle Economy". Among the words of advice:

• It is more important to nurture holy habits than to fret over a budget.
• Sometimes the conversation comes down to cutting expenses or increasing income. Faith is always found when focusing on the income side.
• As a church we are called to confront the culture of greed and the spectacle of debt.
• You can't sell soap if you don't take a bath. If you think others should call on the Gospel, call on it yourself. If you think giving is important, give of yourself.