Is it better or worse?
In a 1992 publication, "Unveiled at Last" by Bob Sjogren we see some staggering stats. I wonder if things are better or worse when we look at how the church spends God's financial resources here in America.
Bob writes, "On the average, for every dollar that gets put into the plate in the United States, 96 cents goes right back into the American culture. Out of the remaining 4 cents for the Great Commission task, 3.5 cents go to the world's people groups where there's already a church. Less than one penny goes to reach the unreached peoples of the world where there is no church." (end quote)
Now I have two questions, I would like your help on. Give me your thoughts?
1) Would you say our world outreach is better of worse than the stats from 1992?
2) From the statement above, "96 cents goes back into American culture", how much of that 96 cents goes for the already reached and how much goes towards making disciples outside of the church who end up making disciples themselves? In other words, how much of the 96 cents does the church keep for themselves and how much is given to reach America for Christ? Believe me there is a difference.
2 Comments:
Sorry to hear about the infection -- that must be horrible!!
As far as spending in the church, I think there is another question. I've heard that two thirds of all contributions are made to "break in" to a church culture.
In other words, contributions are made with the hope of forming relationships with the existing circle of leadership and support of a church. Don't get me wrong, the newbies believe in the vision and mission, it's just that they look for a relationship, and feel that these are the 'dues' to pay.
Moderny, It's allot to pay (the dues) for relationships that never really develop. Or do they?
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