The church we attend is, as are many churches in the USA, emphasizing giving and stewardship this season of the year. Well, most of the year, it seems. I got to wondering about how much money it takes to have a church?
Yes, church takes money.
Suppose a group of believers gather routinely in someone's home. That was the model in the first century of Christian growth, it seems. Even then someone provided refreshments, and the group gave something to help the "less fortunate" brethren in Jerusalem. It took a little money.
Add a person who gives pastoral care and prepares teaching messages. Should this person receive a stipend? Even suppose this person works full or part time away from the congregation, he/she gives evenings and days off to preparation and visitation. That's part of what church seems to require.
Add an enlarging congregation. Part time pastoring no longer cuts it. Really, an adequate, living salary seems required. Depending on the cost of living in the community that amount will be higher or lower. Still it seems pretty manageable if you look at it this way: 10 families tithing (giving 10% of their gross income) can support one family in pastoral ministry at an average level of their income. (I learned that from a Mennonite couple I had the privilege of working with and being friends with.)
There are a couple of catches. One, not every family will give 10% of their gross income. Two, most congregations want a building to house their activities in. Maybe they will rent one, first, but they outgrow the hospitality of the folks in the group with a sort-of large home.
With a building comes construction or rental costs, insurance, heat, lights, cooling in warmer climates, and so forth. Parking must be addressed and paid for. The cost has escalated big time when you factor in even a modest building. Oh, did I mention repairs and maintenance?
Some congregations feel the need for more paid staff. Add in insurance, retirement set-asides, the cost of finding such staff members, and the money it takes to have a church rises in a hurry.
How much money? How much will the organization give away to food banks, clothing banks, mission activities, outreach programs and so forth? I don't believe there is such a thing as a stingy Christian or a stingy Christian church? But each community has a different cost structure.
How much money? Think about it, and think realistically. It is usually more than most people think it should be, and almost always less than it could be.
Leave a comment and let us know what you are thinking.
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