How much should I pledge, and how do I decide?
You can determine your pledge as a percentage of your income. In her testimony, Sharon Huckfeldt shared advice from her father that she and her husband Bob have followed for many years:
“Contribute an appropriate amount within your current financial situation, but then add more for generosity. The percentage you can give may be small but that’s okay. Challenge yourselves to increase the percentage each year as your financial situation changes.”
A survey done during our Rector search showed that St. Paul’s average pledge is roughly 2% of income, with a handful of pledges significantly higher and most at or below 2%. Imagine if we could boost that average to 3%. Though well below the biblical call to tithe, 3% would yield an additional $175,000.
If you are a first-time pledger or if you have been giving at or below 2%, can you give 3% or 4% or 7% of your income?
This proportional giving chart can help you discern your gift. The standard of giving in the Scriptures is a tithe or 10% of annual earnings. It’s a high standard, and for many, it’s an aspirational goal. But the invitation in tithing is to consider how God has provided for our material and spiritual needs.
Through tithing, we recognize that everything we have is a gift from God, and by giving back, we partner in the transformative work of building God’s Reign here on earth.