Here is an interesting article on passing the plate in church services and its history. At LCC we have passed on passing the plate and don't make it a part of our regular service. We have made it so far, but I sometimes wonder if we would have more money to invest in this community if we did pass a plate.
Looking at the history of this ritual, what do you think are alternatives to funding the work of LCC? Some ideas might be church owned businesses like National Community Church's Ebenezer's Coffee House, online giving, revival of government funding through grants, or maybe something we haven't thought of yet.
Any ideas?
Posts
3 comments:
As someone who grew up in the Catholic church, passing the plate was something that was 'normal' to me. When we first came to LCC, we kind of expected it. My thought is that by not passing the plate, we make it easy for people to not give. They can say, "oh, I forgot to drop my money in the box again! Oh well, next week." I understand that it each persons own, individual responsibility to tithe and give offerings, but sometimes I wonder what if we did pass the plate?
I was first introduced to church at a non-denomination church that used a large "clear" box at the entrance to the sanctuary (Oakton H.S. auditorium). It spoke volumes to me. However, I like the idea that was visible, easy to see and hard to ignore or “forget”. Further, it’s never wrong and in fact important to remind the congregation about the works the church is doing, building fund concerns and the need for funding in order to accomplish either as well as other church financial needs. I’m praying the last sermon series was on Tithing, I know I learned quite a bit.
Regarding other ideas, I like the coffee house as long as we can make it work. Gives to the church and it gives immediately to the community. -Frankie
During the conference I just attended, they took offering each session (for a different thing each time) and they made it part of the worship. They had 2 people standing up front with big baskets and anyone who wanted to worship through giving was invited to bring their gifts to the front and put them in the baskets. Music was still going on and I really felt the spirit of worship as I gave. It had a major impact on my heart. I have seen this approach at one other church I visited and, personally, I like the intentionality it caused in me. I knew this was going to happen after the first session and I made sure I was prepared ahead of time and, maybe this sounds silly, but I could just imagine the Israelites bringing all their tithes and offerings into the temple. It just felt "right" to me :)
Post a Comment