Proportional Giving

The Practice of Proportional Giving

St. James' Episcopal Church, NYC

What is proportional giving?

Giving in relation to income.
Giving in response to blessings with thanksgiving.

What is a tithe?

10% of total gross income
Why is it important to pledge?

It is an important part of your faith journey. It is making a commitment and
building a growing trust in God.

It is a commitment to your faith community.

It is active witness.

Practically for the church it makes possible a more accurate vestry plan for the
church year.

Practically for the donor, it provides the necessary record of donations for a tax
deduction.

A Few Words About Proportional Giving

Any regular, intentional program of giving a specific amount of money is, in a way, "proportional" giving.

The Bible states a specific obligation to "tithe"—that is, to give back to God one-tenth of what we have received from God. One-tenth! Ten percent! The Bible sets the bar very high—maybe too high for most of us to think about at first.

We encourage you to begin your commitment to proportional giving with a small step: Promise to give two percent each year, or three. The average pledge to churches nationally is 2.6 percent of income, and maybe that's a good place to start.

The important thing is that the Biblical notion of proportionality is the ultimately fair way of giving. You pledge and give in proportion to what you have or make. There's no hidden standard, some sort of "dues" structure, though some people mistakenly imagine there is. A senior citizen living on a fixed, modest income who gives 5% is a more faithful proportionate giver than the rich man who dashes off a check for $10,000. Sound suspiciously familiar? Sounds like Jesus.

Some people do "tithe"—a few even exceed the Biblical tenth. The wonderful diversity of our community is reflected, in part, by our varied attitudes toward (and comfort levels with) annual pledging and proportional giving.

Proportional giving is giving back to God a measured portion of what God has given us in a committed and faithful manner. The Biblical guideline for tithing is 10% of the net income, given to further God's work in the world.

Proportional giving, and giving a percentage of our income -- increasing each year toward or beyond the tithe -- is a process that helps us overcome our self-centered. Ultimately, this kind of integrated stewardship will help deepen and mature our faith as we recognize and accept our role in a creative relationship with God.

Effective Proportional Giving comes through intentional spiritual education throughout the church year by helping you find your own relationship with God and church community.

Giving Guide

Annual Income	Weekly Income	1%	3%	5%	8%	10%	12%
$20,800	$400	$4	$12	$20	$32	$40	$48
$31,200	$600	$6	$18	$30	$48	$60	$72
$41,600	$800	$8	$24	$40	$64	$80	$96
$52,000	$1,000	$10	$30	$50	$80	$100	$120
$62,400	$1,200	$12	$36	$60	$96	$120	$144
$72,800	$1,400	$14	$42	$70	$112	$140	$168
$83,200	$1,600	$16	$48	$80	$128	$160	$192
$83,600	$1,800	$18	$54	$90	$144	$180	$216

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