I had attended a church, that at one time, seemed to be the best I had ever been to. The Pastor was well versed in the Scriptures, using comparative Greek and other texts to clarify what appeared to be paradoxes within the passages. Many questions I had about the 10 Commandments and other non-related texts in the Bible were answered with very reasoned explanations. That was the business end...now the kicker...
What surprised, and disappointed me terribly was this...having a deacon coming up to me after church services and wondering if there was a "money problem" in our household in that my "contribution" (tithe) wasn't up where "
they" were expecting it to be.
First off, I FIRMLY BELIEVE that any parishoners' financial information is to be known by only the secretary/bookkeeper (S/BK) and that's that. Even the pastor shouldn't have that type of knowledge. And WHAT a person gives is HIS business, not something for discussion with other members of the church, either behind closed doors or at home, later, with the significant other.
I left that church that week.
It took about 2 years before I found another church that didn't find your presence a source of income first, and salvation a poor runner-up at second or worse.
I've been given those "envelopes" that has a number on the UR corner, so it makes it easier for the S/BK to enter whatever data you fill in on the front. They sit on my dresser collecting dust.
I put whatever I choose in a plain envelope IF there's a particular way I would like to see the donation used...i.e.: A widow's assistance fund, a child's fee for going to a church camp, etc... I don't sign it or show where the money came from. Outside of that, when the plate is passed, green goes in and NO, I don't make change for myself.
As for the worship service? If the message appears stale and it sounds like it's being "mailed in" - then I'm out and looking elsewhere.
Right now? Out and looking elsewhere.