Consider the following statistics:
--over the past 20 years, average income has increased by 900% . . . during that same period of time, giving to the church has decreased by 50% (we’re making more, and giving less)
--last year Christians gave 181 billion dollars to the church; if they had tithed, they would have given 647 billion dollars to the church
--37% of active church-goers say they tithe . . . in actuality, only 12% of church-goers actually tithe
Here’s my personal favorite . . . if every active church member lost their job and went on welfare, but tithed their welfare check, offerings would actually increase by 30%.
It’s true that Beechland is doing pretty well financially. We’re paying our bills, and our Building Fund is growing. It also true that we need to do much better. While we are paying our bills, we’re not making budget. And we need to increase our giving to the Building Fund in order to build while interest rates and construction costs are low.
So I want to do two things. First, I want to thank everyone who’s giving to support Beechland’s financial needs. Second, if you’ve not yet begun giving, I want to encourage you to begin giving this week. We can meet our financial needs and build our new sanctuary the same way we do everything at Beechland . . . by working together, by praying together, by serving together, and by sacrificing together.
God bless you,
Ken
