If you’re hoping for a Christmas miracle in the way of a large lump sum falling in your ministry’s lap just in time to meet end-of-year budget goals, you’ll probably be disappointed. The good news is that by understanding giving by demographics and implementing eGiving.com’s solutions, you can achieve more than a barely-met budget in the New Year. God can certainly work within any age or social class, but He gives us the privilege of being used of Him and being able to establish creative ways to reach out to givers in this tech-savvy world in which we live.
Giving by Class
Like many biblical principles, the American church falls far short of achieving God’s ideal of having people give “as God has prospered” them (1 Corinthians 16:2). Instead, the reverse seems to be true. When ministries target the top 20% that account for over 80% of American wealth, they miss out on opportunities to let the 80% who live on a monthly basis impact the world for Christ through our ministry. (They also miss out on the blessings of many prayer partners!)
According to a reputable study, only 9% of those with college degrees and salaries topping $75,000 tithe, while 11% of those without a higher education who make under $20,000 per year give their 10%. Arguably, living on $67,500 would be significantly easier than living on $18,000 a year, but those who give don’t seem to do so out of convenience or ease.
Giving by Age
Generally speaking, 7% of American adults give their 10% to Christian ministries. When you break down the tithing tendency by age, the numbers are disturbing: 9% of those 45 and over tithe, compared to 5% of those under 45. If those under 45 don’t change their ways, once the Baby Boomers fade out of the scene, ministries will be in big trouble, financially speaking.
Interestingly, that same age divide have had the greatest hit to their net worth due to the recent recession. With the demographic impacted most by the economic downturn already least likely to tithe, the future certainly looks bleak.
Giving by eGiving.com
That same 45-and-under crowd that was already unlikely to give generously and has suffered losses due to the economy is increasingly likely to opt for online billpay or other electronic payment methods. Recurring electronic giving and online giving options can help ministries tap into this demographic like never before. Because decreased net worth and lower salaries decrease the chances of being able to make significant one-time donations, the only reasonable way for this under-45 crowd to significantly impact the cause of Christ is by faithful, recurring giving. When they understand the potential power of their combined gifts and are provided with an electronic way to make it happen, perhaps God will use them to impact your ministry for the future.
About eGiving.com
Since 2000, eGiving.com has served to assist in funding Christian ministries with effective strategies & tools of electronic giving (recurring & online giving). eGiving.com serves both churches as well as para-church ministries (including schools, pregnancy centers, missions, and works of mercy). To learn more about how eGiving.com’s web-based tools can help your ministry accomplish its vision, visit our website at www.eGiving.com or contact us toll free by calling (888) 780-4483.
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