Welcome to the "Consecrated Stewards" Blog

This blog is intended to provide resources for those interested in grace-based Christian stewardship. It will especially serve as a forum for those using the "Consecrated Stewards" stewardship emphasis of the Lutheran Church Extension Fund and be a place for finding answers to frequently asked questions.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Congregation Life Expectancy Tied to Percentage of Tithers

George Bullard, coach and Consultant with the Columbia Partnership, says...

"Your congregation is more likely to exist ten years from now if at least 20 percent of the active adults tithe their income through your congregation. It is marginal or uncertain to exist ten years from now if less than 20 percent of your active adults are tithers. When only a remnant of active adults are tithers you congregation is less likely to exist with vitality and vibrancy ten years from now."

Interestingly enough, this percentage has dropped in recent years as congregations have sought multiple sources of funding beyond tithes and offerings. Nevertheless, according to Bullard, if the percentage of active tithers goes below 20%, the congregation becomes dependent upon the offerings of a few people or upon special appeals to make up deficits. These same congregations are also in a constant "cut back" mode of missional understanding.

What is the percentage of tithers on your congregation?


CLICK HERE for the full article.

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