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?

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ENERGY STAR for CONGREGATIONS

The Environmental Protection Agency offers a host of resources for congregations that seek to exercise stewardship of their energy use under a program called "Energy Star for Congregations." Most congregations can cut energy costs by up to 30% by investing strategically in efficient equipment, facility upgrades and maintenance. With free, unbiased information and technical support from ENERGY STAR, your congregation can more easily improve stewardship of your budget’s energy dollars, and of the earth by reducing energy waste and energy costs, while protecting the environment.
Materials provided by the EPA are especially helpful for congregations entering a building or remodeling program, but excellent resources are also available to help educate your members in proper stewardship of energy in their own homes. CLICK HERE to be connected to the site.