As we plan for 2026, a goal we have as a Vestry is to open up the conversation about financial matters and the church. When we talk about money in the church, the question inevitably comes up: “How much is the right amount to give?”
In the Old Testament, God’s people were instructed to give a tithe — 10% of their earnings (Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy). It was clear, even legalistic. But when Christ came, the old covenant based on laws was fulfilled. The new covenant is based on grace and a faithful relationship with God.
However, that also means that the New Testament is less specific about financial giving. There is no fixed rule, which can feel both freeing and challenging. Instead, we see verses like “Give, and it will be given to you” (Luke 6:38) and “Freely you have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8).
What are we as modern Christians to make of this somewhat frustrating lack of clarity? Pastor Klusmeyer, a Lutheran pastor, put it this way: “We all have a little lawyer inside us that wants to know how much we need to give to make God happy with us.”
Yes, we crave a benchmark. So, here are some benchmarks we might consider:
Spiritual / Biblical Benchmarks
- The Old Testament tithe: 10%—a long-established guide rooted in the law, still valued by many Christians.
- Proportional giving: In the New Testament, Paul does suggest setting aside a sum of money based on income each week for collections. (1 Cor 16:2)
- Priority giving: Consider where you want your priorities to be, because “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21). To make this actionable, take a look at how much you spend on various items of the household. Does God have a higher priority than your cable bill, or your daily coffee? Not that you need to give these things up, but it can guide your spending decision.
Pragmatic / Earthly Benchmarks
- The average pledge at St. Matthew’s is about $3,200 per year. Within the Episcopal church in the U.S., the average pledge of $3,433 per year.
- Percent of annual income: Even if 10% (a “modern tithe”) doesn’t feel right, consider what percentage makes sense for your household. For context, the average household income in Brecksville is over $100,000. The average household income in the US is $70,000.
- A 10% increase over last year’s gift: a measurable, incremental way to grow (e.g., if you gave $2,000 last year, consider $2,200 this year).
Each of these perspectives offers wisdom, but they all point back to this truth: everything we have already belongs to God. Giving is not about funding a budget. In fact, we don’t finalize a budget until we know what resources God has entrusted to us through your gifts. Your giving is an act of faith, a spiritual practice, and a way of aligning your heart with God’s mission in and through St. Matthew’s.
So, how much is right to give? Only you and God can answer that. But as you reflect and pray, consider not just what you can give, but how your giving might shape your heart.
