Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church in Houston has a "dollar for dollar" benevolence program. This congregation gives away one dollar to the needs of the world for every dollar it spends on itself. Last year, the church raised about $11 million. It spent approximately half that amount for ongoing costs, and gave the other half away.
Churches of any size can accomplish this. Financial planners say that most Americans could double their charitable giving to all causes and not notice the slightest difference in their daily lives. Doubters might keep in mind that the highest per capita giving in the US often emanates from the poorest states, like Mississippi and Alabama.
I didn't think any readers would touch this one with a ten-foot pole.
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