As AFN has reported, a recent survey conducted by Grey Matter Research and Infinity Concepts revealed that a third of Evangelicals gave no money to their church in 2024, and those who did give gave less.
In 2021, the last time these metrics were measured, only 19% did not give anything to their church, and the average Evangelical donor gave 17% to their church or a charity.
In 2024, that plunged to only 3.3%.
While some of that may be due to a sour economy and less income, Pastor Allen Simpson of First Baptist Church in Amory, Mississippi says a Christian's financial situation should not affect giving.
"I think the cost of things has an impact on giving, just because budgets may not be stretching as much," he notes. "There's going to be some sacrifice somewhere. I don't think that's an excuse not to give."
No certain percentage is required of New Testament Christians, but Simpson thinks 10% should be a starting point.
"I don't think [God's] sitting there with an accounting ledger keeping up what we give, but I think He expects us to trust Him," the pastor submits.
He preaches regularly about giving and says his church has been generous during his tenure.
Like Dr. Alex McFarland, who thinks many Christians misunderstand financial giving, Simpson says one of the challenges for churches and any charitable organization is remembering to give not just to make a budget, but to invest in the Kingdom.
He says God promises to bless those who trust Him.
"The blessing may not be financial. It just may be a satisfaction that I'm trusting the Lord, and He's providing what I need," the pastor offers. "My joy and my comfort and satisfaction is just in knowing that God is more than able to provide, and He does."
