Fundraising Myth #6: Fundraising conflicts with church tithing
In private schools, especially church-sponsored schools, it is often assumed that fundraising efforts by the school will reduce giving to the church. Here are the facts:
- Mainline Protestants overall actually tithe around 1.5% of their annual income
- Baptists give at a 2% rate to the church
- Pentecostals give just under 3%
As a school fundraiser, you have a unique ministry opportunity: helping families discover the joy of giving and learning that generosity doesn't happen by accident. From the data above you can see they aren't exactly living generously in the pew. Your challenge is guiding school parents and grandparents to overcome the temptation to hoard their money, enabling them to grow in spiritual and fiscal maturity. What a blessing!!
Pastors involved with church-affiliated schools should encourage effective fundraising through the school to help families learn how to give. The benefits will be reaped by all.
