I'm visiting a church for the first time this Sunday. Should I put money in the offering plate?

No obligation exists for visitors to give. When the plate comes by, simply pass it along with a smile. Churches expect many visitors and regular attenders won't give during any particular service — some give monthly online, others may be facing financial constraints. Focus on experiencing the service and evaluating whether this church might be a good fit for you. If you feel moved to give after attending a few times, you can always start then.

What's the difference between a tithe and an offering, and do I have to give 10%?

A tithe traditionally means 10% of income, based on Old Testament practices, while offerings are gifts beyond that amount. However, churches vary widely in their teaching on this. Some emphasize tithing as a biblical command, while others focus on generous, cheerful giving without specific percentages. Most American churchgoers give 2-3% of their income, not 10%. Give what you can afford and feel led to give — financial faithfulness looks different for everyone depending on income, debt, and life circumstances.

How can I tell if a church is financially responsible with donations?

Look for churches that publish annual financial reports, welcome questions about budgets, and have external accountability through audits or denominational oversight. Healthy churches typically spend 45-55% on staff, 20-30% on facilities, and allocate meaningful percentages to programs and outreach. Red flags include constant emergency offerings, refusal to share financial information, lavish leadership lifestyles, or high-pressure giving tactics. Organizations like the ECFA provide certification for churches meeting financial accountability standards.

I primarily watch church online. Should I give to that church even though I never attend in person?

If you regularly benefit from a church's online ministry, supporting them financially makes sense — producing quality online content requires significant resources. Many online viewers give monthly rather than weekly amounts. You might also consider splitting your giving between the online church and local ministries in your area. Some online churches explicitly welcome support from digital attendees and explain how they use these funds to expand their online reach and improve content quality.

What if I'm unemployed or facing financial hardship — will I be judged for not giving?

Legitimate churches understand that financial situations vary dramatically. Your participation, prayers, volunteer service, and presence matter more than financial contributions. Many churches have benevolence funds specifically to help members facing hardship — you might actually receive financial help rather than being expected to give. No healthy church tracks individual giving to shame non-givers or treats members differently based on donation levels. If you experience judgment for not giving, that's a red flag about the church, not a reflection on you.

Should I claim church donations on my taxes, and what records do I need?

You can claim church donations if you itemize deductions, though with the current standard deduction ($13,850 individual/$27,700 married), only about 10% of taxpayers benefit from itemizing. For donations under $250, keep bank records or church receipts. For $250 or more, you need written acknowledgment from the church. Most churches provide annual giving statements by January 31st summarizing your donations. Even if you won't receive a tax benefit, keeping records helps you track your giving for personal budgeting purposes.

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Tithing and Giving at Church: What New Visitors Should Know

By FaithScout TeamMarch 25, 202613 min read

Last updated: April 10, 2026

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