End of the offerings on the plate in the church

End of offers on the plate in the church. The idea of ​​churches collecting offerings dates back to New Testament. It was often a way to raise money to help the poor, as James Hudnut-Beumler, author of "In Pursuit of the Almighty's Dollar," an economic history of churches a kind of "religious economy", pointed out a while ago.

Covid-19 end of the offerings on the plate in the church: the meaning of the plate

End of the offerings on the plate in church: the meaning of the plate. A collection plate is distributed during the Sunday service of the Church. The spiritual practice of tithing by ordinary Christians was primarily aimed at offerings for the needy offered through a "poor man's box" rather than paying for the operational needs of the church. Instead, churches relied on wealthy patrons and political leaders for support. Eventually, churches in Europe would be supported by government-raised tax dollars, which is still the case in some countries.

End of the offerings on the plate in the church: the story

While some American colonies had state-funded churches in the beginning, most churches in the United States had to find new ways to pay their bills. The Constitution's ban on established religions has essentially turned pastors into fundraisers. A popular idea was to rent stalls to the faithful, with better seats costing more money. “Bench rental was pretty typical. You have a better desk up front, just like a theater ticket, ”he said. Revivalist Charles Grandison Finney and other evangelicals opposed the rental of benches and began building churches where seating was free in the early 1800s, Hudnut-Beumler said.

The collection dish may make a comeback in some churches.

They also popularized the idea of ​​passing the plate for a collection. By 1900, the practice had become commonplace. The collection dish may make a comeback in some churches. Josh Howerton, pastor of Lakepointe Church, a multi-site congregation in Dallas, said his congregation stopped passing a collection plate last year, following CDC recommendations.

Cause Covid-19

Now that the CDC has reported that the risk of spreading COVID on surfaces is low, Lakepointe has started using paper “connection cards” that visitors can fill out again during services. Passing the catch plate will likely make a comeback soon, Howerton said. At City Church and many other congregations, those who wish to donate in person can leave their offering in a collection box set up at the church or can mail it. Some older City Church members even leave their offering at the church office during the week. We think it's great, ”Inserra said.