theend0218 said:
Chief117 - You are comparing apples to oranges, so to speak. I suspect that if you took any congregation or denomination (as a group of congregations) as a relief organization, the amount spent on "overhead" would far surpass that of almost any recognized and legitimate relief organization that is not a "church." Take any congregation's budget and see how much goes for property, buildings, administration, maintenance, etc. Then look at the amount that is given away to others not associated with the church.
That is the most absurd thing I've ever heard. THAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE MONEY given in tithes for one, so ALL of the money I gave went exactly where it was supposed to.
Secondly, when we give in our churches to go toward a specific thing, 100% of it GOES THERE. You, brother, are incorrect.
It is not really fair to compare "special" offerings taken periodically by congregations for one set purpose with organizations that have to be ready every moment to step in when needed. Of course they have overhead. However, I would be shocked if any church budget gave away even 20% of its annual budget to those in need.
It then appears that you have an issue to take up with your church. You're supposed to tithe, this money should primarily go toward "business expenses." This is the purpose of the money, and ALL excess should go out to those in need. Offerings, however, should also be part of a believer's giving, and that goes above and beyond the call. But then again, I'll concede the point. Let's say that happens.
Also, lets compare apples to apples: the "special offerings" given to church for a certain event....off the top of my head, lets say for Hurricane Katrina victims and compare that with the money given to the Red Cross specifically for the same event. Let's see which organization gives the most money it was given toward the effort. I GUARANTEE you its the church.
And this is a fair comparison. Relief organizations thrive just as much off of our donations as they do off of other funding. So in essence, they should be even more prepared than our churches.
Most valid relief organizations have a 15 to 25% overhead cost. In this light, I think they do a pretty good job of giving out what is given to them. Much better than most congregations by far.
I would love to agree, I really would. I mean, it looks good on paper. However, how much could be done for these people if others weren't lining their pockets off of a natural disaster.
Again, special offerings taken by a congregation for one project is a very small per cent of their annual budget. Because it is a "special offering" of course they can say they gave 100% of it away, but it is only because their overhead costs are already taken care of by other gifts.
A congregation will say that it is not primarily a relief organization. So be it. That being the case, it cannot then turn around and compare itself financially to relief organizations when it does decide to help.
Hey, I can agree with that. I'm not saying the Red Cross does nothing. We probably couldn't have made it without them. Nonetheless, and comparing apples to apples, when I give money for a specific event it by golly better go toward that event. And that is something that does not happen with these groups.
Not to mention they do it for the wrong reasons. These people would be much better off experiencing the Love of Christ.
