Joining a church- how much to pledge?

[Anonymous]

We give 2k a year. Methodist family of 4.

[Anonymous]

My family tithes (10% of income).

They just want to be able to set a budget. Start with what feels right to you. $10/wk? $100/mos $1000/yr? Adjust it as you feel appropriate.

I didn't start out tithing when I left home. I didn't feel I could afford it on my meager income. I grew into it.

[Anonymous]

For churches, the housewives whose husbands are not interested in religion are a problem. The women are happy to attend and contribute, but do not bring in money as they are not earning. That is why it is customary for the preacher to advice women like that to keep a low profile. The church is for the paying regulars, even though people who do not pay cannot be turned away.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That would really put me off. Is there an opt out option? If not, I'd reconsider joining.

It's entirely optional.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For churches, the housewives whose husbands are not interested in religion are a problem. The women are happy to attend and contribute, but do not bring in money as they are not earning. That is why it is customary for the preacher to advice women like that to keep a low profile. The church is for the paying regulars, even though people who do not pay cannot be turned away.

Um, what?

I was in this situation early in my marriage, and I was never told to keep a low profile (I wasn't a housewife, but made half what my less devout husband did. I did not contribute much, maybe whatever I had in cash on Sunday). In fact, the Episcopal Church even confirmed me. <gasp>

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We're joining a Presbyterian church and they have asked us for an annual pledge of $$ we will contribute, but I have zero idea what is expected/normal.

Any ideas from DCUMers?

You do have to pledge anything. I am Presbyterian and I simply said. "We prefer not to pledge." them we give what we can afford. This makes me furious when churches try to put someone on the spot. You give what you can afford. God doesn't judge.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For churches, the housewives whose husbands are not interested in religion are a problem. The women are happy to attend and contribute, but do not bring in money as they are not earning. That is why it is customary for the preacher to advice women like that to keep a low profile. The church is for the paying regulars, even though people who do not pay cannot be turned away.

You are nuts.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We're joining a Presbyterian church and they have asked us for an annual pledge of $$ we will contribute, but I have zero idea what is expected/normal.

Any ideas from DCUMers?

You do have to pledge anything. I am Presbyterian and I simply said. "We prefer not to pledge." them we give what we can afford. This makes me furious when churches try to put someone on the spot. You give what you can afford. God doesn't judge.

God doesn't judge, but PEPCO does!

Pledge whatever you want. But as your connection to the church grows, take note of the expenses required to keep the place running. They add up quickly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:That would really put me off. Is there an opt out option? If not, I'd reconsider joining.

It's entirely optional.

It is optional but if no one gave there would be no church.

[Anonymous]

How can you tell or let them know how much you will give?
Remember, don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give in secret. Your Father in heaven is evidence enough

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:10% of annual salary

We're Presbyterians, not Mormons.

Many devote Christian "tithe" to their churches which means 10% of gross, not just Mormons. The practice comes from old testament scriptures. To be on the Vestry of our Prot. denomination church you must be a full "tither". We are not, so I cannot run for vestry. However, our giving is done in pledge format so you could plede a certain amount and I doubt anyone would bug you about it if your didn't pay your annual pledge amount.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We give 10k-15k per year. HHI is 400k.

I think this is the right amount; I just extrapolated for income:
HHI: $200k give $5k to $7500
HHI $150k: @ $3750 to @ $5000
HHI: $100K - $2500 to $3750

obviously more if you can - I used to tithe my bonuses

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We're joining a Presbyterian church and they have asked us for an annual pledge of $$ we will contribute, but I have zero idea what is expected/normal.

Any ideas from DCUMers?

You do have to pledge anything. I am Presbyterian and I simply said. "We prefer not to pledge." them we give what we can afford. This makes me furious when churches try to put someone on the spot. You give what you can afford. God doesn't judge.

No but He does expect you to make church a priority. And how is the church supposed to budget? If you are worried, pledge a conservative, low amount and make it up with more at the end of the year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are we all giving to the church, or to God, from whom all blessings flow?

We're giving to the church so they can, you know, keep the lights on.

I stopped putting money in the basket when the church started keeping all the lights in the place on during daylight hours. A waste. I'm not footing that bill.

Did you provide that input? Maybe the person in charge doesn't realize.

[Anonymous]

We give abou $2000 a year.