Passing a plate to collect offerings is the most popular method of giving for US Protestant churches, according to a new study.
Around two thirds of pastors (64 per cent) told Lifeway Research that they still pass a physical plate among their congregations. Almost half said they prefer a collection to be held in the doorway of their church, as people exit or enter—and some churches use a combination of both methods.
“While many churches offer digital giving options, only 1 per cent of churches say they don’t provide an opportunity to give an offering in person at their worship services,” said Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research.
Despite the increasing use of cashless payments in society, McConnell noted that ways of giving remain as varied as each church’s style of worship.
Collection boxes make up the second most popular method, and are most popular among evangelical pastors.
By denomination, Lutheran and Methodist pastors are most likely to pass a plate, with 77 per cent of their churches doing so, followed by Presbyterian/Reformed pastors (65 per cent), then Baptist (64 per cent), Pentecostal (61 per cent), Restorationist movement (43 per cent), and non-denominational pastors (36 per cent).
Culture and social norms can shape how a church prefers to give. There is a racial breakdown of the data—with 76 per cent of African American pastors passing collection plates, compared to 63 per cent of white pastors. Age is also a factor affecting preferred tithing methods, with younger pastors favouring collection boxes over plates.
Methods of giving can be linked to feelings of guilt or pressure—with a physical plate a visual representation of how much is being given, and by whom.
“Collection boxes can’t see if you give or not,” said McConnell. “While some churches use the boxes in addition to other methods to make sure everyone has the chance to give, others use them exclusively to minimise guilt or pressure to give.”
Standing orders and cheques remain popular among congregants—but only 1 per cent of churches say they have no means of physical giving at their Sunday services.
McConnell notes there can be a spiritual significance in physically handing over a donation, whilst in the presence of one’s church community: “Almost every church wants to provide an opportunity for in-person worshippers to give, either as an element of worship or while they are in the building.”