Where Does All the Money Go?

Dear Brother Ron

The Christian Church is a multi-billion dollar muli-national conglomerate. Where does the money go? I'm starting to think I'm in the wrong business. It obviously doesn't go to the poor and needy as it should because the amount of money pouring into Christianity (all forms) is enough to solve the world's financial problems 10 times over yet it doesn't. The numbers just don't add up.

Jester

Dear Jester

Granted there are some religious organizations which take money from the congregation and spend it on lavish lifestyles. But there are thousands more which use the money to help God's children. For example, after Hurricane Katrina, while the government was bumbling and stumbling around, churches from across the country were sending in trucks loaded with food, clothing, generators and other needed supplies.

Actually, a recent survey showed that churches are the most efficient way to distribute aid to the needy. If my family is starving and needs $100 worth of groceries, it costs the average church $7 to give them to me (utilities, salaries, etc.). The average United Way agency spends $20 in administrative costs (mostly fund raising) to give me my $100 worth of groceries. The administrative cost for the government to give me $100 worth of groceries is $328.

The trick is to do your homework and find out how the church is spending your money. If they won't tell you or if you don't like the answer, find another group to contribute to.

Best always
Brother Ron