In the United Methodist Church (UMC), an offering is a voluntary financial gift or donation given as an act of worship and gratitude to God. It is distinct from a tithe (which is traditionally 10% of one’s income) and can be any amount that a person feels led to give.
Key Aspects of an Offering in the UMC:
- Spiritual Act: Offerings are seen as a response to God’s love and generosity, reflecting a believer’s commitment to discipleship and stewardship.
- Support for Ministry: Offerings help fund the mission and ministries of the church—both locally and globally. This includes worship, outreach, missions, education, disaster relief, and justice efforts.
- Part of Worship: Offerings are typically collected during a worship service, emphasizing their role as part of honoring God.
- Cheerful Giving: Following the biblical principle in 2 Corinthians 9:7, giving is encouraged to be done “not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”