|
Organization |
Worth (billion USD) |
Country |
Religion/Belief |
|
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints |
100.0 |
United States |
Christianity |
|
Sree Venkateswara Swamy Temple |
35.0 |
India |
Hinduism |
|
Catholic Church in Germany |
26.0 |
Germany |
Christianity (Catholicism) |
|
Catholic Church in France |
23.0 |
France |
Christianity (Catholicism) |
|
Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple |
22.0 |
India |
Hinduism |
|
Catholic Church in Australia |
20.5 |
Australia |
Christianity (Catholicism) |
|
Seventh-day Adventists |
15.6 |
United States |
Christianity |
|
Church of England |
11.97 |
United Kingdom |
Christianity |
|
Church of Sweden |
11.42 |
Sweden |
Christianity |
|
Trinity Church |
6.0 |
United States |
Christianity |
|
Opus Dei (part of the Catholic Church) |
2.8 |
Italy |
Christianity (Catholicism) |
|
Church of Scientology |
2.0 |
United States |
Scientology |
|
Holy See (Vatican) |
|
Vatican City |
Christianity (Catholicism) |
It’s difficult to associate religion with finance. After all, religions are supposed to be all about faith and spirituality. However, religion is much like any other organization. Religion has leadership. It has income and expenses.
Therefore, you can think of organized religion much like a business. In fact, there’s a lot of money that goes through religious hands, and it’s a good thing that most of that money is used for charity—at least we all would hope that’s the case. In any rate, there are many religions out there that are actually rich organizations, and here’s a list the world’s top ten.
10. Church of Scientology
Founded upon the teachings of L. Ron Hubbard, the Church of Scientology was started in 1952. The Scientology religion works through subscriptions, wherein a church member climbs up ranks within the church by paying the required fee.
It’s an unusual setup for a religious organization, but this has appealed to many celebrities in the world—including its most popular member, Tom Cruise, arguably. It costs a lot of member to climb the ranks.
If you are interested, expect to spend at least a couple of hundreds of thousands to be at the top tier. That’s surely one good way to earn money for the church.
9. Non-denominational Christianity
Non-denominational Christians follow the basic tenets of Protestantism without being subjected to its creeds. The religious sect has seen an increase in membership due to the growth and popularization of mega churches throughout the world.
There’s also a modern and secular appeal to non-denominational Christianity. Many pastors that establish churches through this religion rely largely on the regular tithing of its church members for cash flow.
Interestingly enough, most churches like this are rich because of the devotion of its members when it comes to church offerings.
8. Protestantism
One of the more popular divisions of Christianity, Protestantism has a great amount of followers. Protestantism is basically the separation from the reign of the Vatican seat.
The religion has been around since the 16thcentury, and it has grown to over 33,000 denominations since. Protestants rely heavily on the bible for practical guidance, and many Protestant churches also rely on tithing and charitable contributions for money.
7. Hinduism
All the gods in Hinduism live in wealth. The Hindus believe that wealth and abundance are gifts from the gods. It’s no surprise that Hinduism is one of the richest religions in the world.
Many devout Hindus all over the world pursue self-knowledge and self-realization, and they aspire to find wealth not only physically but also mentally. In the US, the Hindus are the second richest body of religion.
6. Episcopal Church
Having its roots from the Church of England, the Episcopal Church was established in the United States in 1785 as a separate entity from the British monarchy.
Today, there are over two million Episcopalians throughout the US, but the church has expanded to other countries including the Caribbean, Latin America, Taiwan, and also Europe. Its members are some of the wealthiest in the nation.
5. Church of England
Also a form of Protestantism, the Church of England was actually founded by Henry VIII because of controversy. The king refused to follow the marital principles of the religion at the time, so he decided to create his own church in order to divorce his wife at the time, Catherine of Aragon.
Although it started off that way, the Anglicans have grown to be a tremendous religious body. They also happen to own a lot of land in Britain—estimated at $6.7 billions worth, which also collects hundreds of millions in income each year.
4. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
The Mormons are a popular group for many reasons—thanks largely to the Broadway musical hit, The Book of Mormon.Although that may be the case, it’s also true that Mormons have grown in popularity because of its growing spread throughout the globe.
Some people say that Mormons are everywhere, and that’s probably true given that the church roughly has about 14 million members worldwide. That kind of membership explains how the church earns their annual revenue of $6 billion.
3. Judaism
Jews have long been associated with wealth. Many Jews pursue professional careers and are excellent in business. The Jewish community is also a faithful group of believers. Jews make up roughly 25% of the 400 wealthiest Americans.
It’s largely the reason why the religion is rich—many of its members are wealthy themselves. The Jewish tzedakah boxes also see 10% of a household’s income—much like its Christian cousins.
2. Islam
It’s no secret that some of the richest nations in the world are in the small area of the Middle East. The seat of the oil empire, the Middle East has been a symbol of wealth for many years now.
It’s also the reason why Islam is number two on this list. Islam doesn’t have any laws against the acquisition of wealth, and some of Islam’s believers happen to be kings in their countries. It’s been estimated that the Islamic faith has assets of nearly $1.6 trillion.
1. Roman Catholic Church
Being one of the oldest religions in the world, the Roman Catholic Church is as complicated as any religion could get. For example, Roman Catholic priests make a vow of poverty upon entering service in the church, so it’s actually surprising that the Catholics made it to the top.
The leadership in the church primarily consists of priests in different rankings, but there’s hardly any poverty within the church organization at all. In fact, the Vatican economy relies on donations from its members and also on its various investments.
However, the governing body of the church likes to keep its finances secret; though we do known they operate consistently in the billions each year.
Church Revenue Statistics: It is a fact that most churches have been struggling in terms of attracting more revenue due to the reduced number of churchgoers in the past few years. However, it is certain that it will take a lot more than that to bring down the charitable institution. Religious institutions have many ways to increase their revenues such as tithers and partner institutions and other businesses. These days, social media as well has played a major role in expanding the reach of such religious institutions. Here we will focus on some of the most vital church revenue statistics to show how churches are steadily climbing up the ladder to gain more churchgoers and revenue.
Crucial Church Statistics (Editor’s Choice)
- Congregations in the US collect around $74.5 billion each year.
- The majority of donations in the US are given to religious organizations.
- US faith-based institutions account for combined yearly revenue of more than $378 billion per year.
- Nearly 77 percent of tithers give away more than 10 percent of their earnings to the church.
- An average congregation records a yearly income of $242910.
- People who are in the age range of 35 to 44 years are two times more likely to donate money to their church via an app as compared to people who are in the age group of 24 to 34 years. ‘
- The average weekly donation amount made per churchgoer is $17.
- US Christians collectively earn $5.2 trillion per year which is half of the world’s total income earned by Christians.
- Christianity is the wealthiest religion in the world.
- Around 5 percent of churchgoers are involved in tithing.
- Nearly 1.5 million people are involved in the tithing of 247 million US citizens who are recognized as Christians.
- The giving preferences of tithers are evenly divided between eGiving, which is 27 percent, and traditional giving, which is 28 percent.
The Wealth of Religious Institutions
#1. Christianity is the world’s wealthiest religion so far
Although all religions are making big bucks, Christianity remains the richest religion in the world, thanks to Roman Catholic Church. It is one of the most popular and oldest religions.
#2. The average yearly income of congregations in the United States is $242910
As per the church revenue statistics, more than 50 percent of congregations in the US have been getting money or remaining steady. Whereas fewer than 40 percent of congregations in the US have withered.
#3. The Catholic Church is valued at $30 billion
With a worth of $30 billion, the Catholic Church remains the world’s second wealthiest church. Usually, churches obtain a big chunk of their revenues via donations and tithing. Then they use this money in the stock market and other various businesses.
#4. Churches are getting many donations online as well
Churches have received more than $2.2 billion in donations online within a year.
#5. However, currently, the revenues of more than half of the US Catholic congregations have reduced
Things are not going quite well for the US congregations at the moment. Only 31 percent of the US congregations are showing growth while 13 percent of them have remained stable.
#6. The Mainline Protestant congregation is the most declining one in the religion
Around 38 percent of them are struggling with a downfall.
#7. Jews contribute the highest income by religion in the United States
The latest church revenue statistics show that the wealthiest people are the most educated ones as well. Hence, Jews are the most educated ones. Nearly 44 percent of them earn more than $100000 per year. Only 24 percent of Jews in the US earn between $50000 and $99999 annually.
#8. Scientology accounts for around $500 million per year
Multiple corporations and properties of Scientology are the sources of its income. Though it is not the richest religion; however, it receives a huge sum as private donations as well.
#9. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) is the wealthiest church worldwide
Despite having less number of members, the LDS church is by far the richest church in the world. The LDS church is also known as the Mormon Church. As per church revenue statistics, it is valued at $100 billion. However, a whistleblower has revealed that the actual worth of the Mormon Church might be close to $200 billion.
#10. The majority of donations in the US are given to religious organizations
Faith and religious institutions and services get more than twice the donations in the US as compared to the education sector.
#11. Around 29 percent of charitable gifts are received by faith and religious services in the US.
Methods To Raise Money For Religions
#12. Out of every $4 people in the US donate, $3 is given to religious organizations
Non-religious institutions receive only 27 percent of the total charity money. The rest of 73 percent of charity money is divided between religious congregations and religiously recognized institutions.
#13. Robert Duggan is the biggest donor of Scientology in the world
As per church revenue statistics and facts, Robert Duggan donated around $360 million to Scientology in 2016.
#14. Congregations in the US earn a huge amount of money every year
The latest church revenue statistics show that religious congregations in the US get around $74.5 billion per year. Around 17 million American Christians visit the official websites of their church regularly.
#15. Mosques earn money from either governments or a patron
Mosques are not usually managed financially by their attendees. They cover their expenses via government grants or receive funding from wealthy patrons.
Faith-Based Business Statistics
#16. Faith-based organizations in the US earn more than $378 billion each year
Church revenue stats indicate that hospitals, food makers, schools, and musicians add more to the US economy as compared to Facebook, Google, and Apple collectively.
#17. Religion and churches get tax exemptions as well
Only if religion and churches show an income flow from an unrelated trade, that trade will be subjected to taxation.
#18. A massive sum of $378 billion in donations is generated from the healthcare system
Various healthcare facilities in the US are governed by religious groups, especially Catholics who appear to most benefit from hospital mergers.
#19. The Islamic finance industry is expected to grow by 10 percent to 12 percent in 2022
Islamic banks in countries like Malaysia and Turkey have grown enormously. Their assets grew by 10.6 percent during the pandemic.
Tithing Statistics
#20. Tithers stand for around 10 to 25 percent of congregations
Tithe statistics show that around 77 percent of tithers give away more than 10 percent of their income to religious congregations. Around 3 to 5 percent of people who attend and give away donations to churches usually donate via tithing.
(Source: Nonprofits Source)
#21. If each Christian pledges to tithe 10 percent of their income regularly, faith-based institutions will get an additional $139 billion per year
Church revenue stats reveal that many churchgoers already tithe but it needs to grow even further.
#22. The average weekly donation amount made per churchgoer is $17
This figure makes $73.67 per month and $884 each year. It shows quite impressive growth.
#23. 1.5 out of 247 million Americans tithe in the US
Christian giving stats show that they contribute a sum of more than $25 million in donations to churches per week.
#24. Now these days, Christians are giving only 2.5 percent of their income, which is much less than the donations made in the past
Christian church charity statistics indicate that 17 percent of households in the US donate quite less to the local churches as compared to what they used to. The amount of donated money has been reduced by 20 percent for 7 percent of regular churchgoers.
#25. Around 70 percent of tithers decide their donation money based on gross income rather than on net income.
#26. Nearly 75 to 90 percent of church members do not contribute to tithe funds.
#27. Nearly 70 percent of Catholics donate around 2 to 5 percent of their income.
#28. Around 15 percent of Catholics give away a traditional tithe.
#29. Only 5 percent of churchgoers give away a traditional tithe.
#30. Women living across North America account for three-quarters of the donors.
Catholic Church Giving Statistics
#31. 26 percent of Catholics say that acts of service are better than offering financial support
Catholic Church Charity statistics reveal that most devotees prefer economical support to acts of service in terms of donations. 74 percent of believers who have been surveyed have said that financial aid to churches is better than acts of service.
#32. 95 percent of Catholics donate money to their parish
A survey of Catholics in the US has shown that around 95 percent of Catholics have said that they support their parishes economically as a token of appreciation for the guidance they provide for spiritual growth.
#33. The majority of Catholics donate money to their parishes and other charities as well that are unaffiliated with them.
88 percent of Catholics have said that they give away donations to their parishes and other charities as well. Only 12 percent of them offer financial support to their parishes only.
(Source: US Catholic)
#34. Most Catholic people believe that fellow parish members should donate more
Around 38 percent of Catholics think that fewer than half of their parishes donate money to their parish. While most Catholics nearly 84 percent believe that fellow parish members should make more money donations.
(Source: USCCB)
#35. 26 percent of people who participate in mass weekly give away money donations online
Online church giving has become quite popular among young believers. Around 22 percent of young believers in the age range of 16 to 34 years donate money online as compared to 22 percent of people in the age group of 35 to 64 years.
#36. Online Donation is more prevalent among Catholic households generating a minimum of $60000 each year
Online church giving statistics indicate that families that have more earnings prefer donating more online. Around 36 percent of Catholic households with an earning of $100000 or more donate money online.
#37. The majority of working-class Catholics donate money to churches online at least 2 to 11 times a year
Around 51 percent of participants of a survey have said that they donate money online at least 2 to 11 times a year.
#38. Catholics who participate in mass weekly are inclined to donate more money to religious institutions
Church online giving statistics show that 80 percent of Catholics who attend mass weekly give away more donations to religious institutions.
#39. Young people in the US rarely tithe
Nearly 61 percent of Christians in the US do not contribute much to churches. Among these people, those who earn fewer than $20000 are eight times more likely to make their contributions to churches as compared to those who earn nearly $75000.
#40. About half of the tithing is generated from cards or electronic payment services.
Nearly 49 percent of tithers make their donations via cards or electronic payment services. While 40 percent of tithers donate money via cash.
(Source: Sharefaith)
#41. The majority of people donate less than $100 to their parishes.
Methodist Church Revenue Statistics:
#42. People in the US who participate in Methodist congregations donate $44 per week on average
The variation between the lowest and the highest weekly contributions at Methodist churches is major. As per church giving statistics, the lowest weekly donation can be as low as $11, while the highest weekly donation can go up to $206.
#43. The average yearly donation per attendee in the Methodist congregation is more than $2000
In the top 200 Methodist churches, the average yearly donation per attendee varies hugely. The lowest annual giving has been recorded at $585 while the highest annual donation is around $10773.
(Source: Horizons)
#44. The average indebtedness in the top 200 Methodist churches is around $2.75 million
Only 60 percent of the top 200 Methodist churches have no debts. The biggest debt is nearly $21.10 million.
#45. The majority of Methodist churches boast a debt-to-income ratio below 1.0
Analysts believe that churches, which have a debt-to-giving ratio below 2.0, are able to manage their income and expenses well. With an average of 0.9, most Methodist churches are far from trouble. Church revenue statistics also indicate that nearly 27 percent of the top 200 Methodist churches have a debt-to-income ratio of more than 2.0.
#46. Around 80 percent of people living in the US donate only 2 percent of their income.
Conclusion
Church donations and tithing are common practices among older people. Although the trend of money donations to churches has changed a little, religious institutions still receive most of the donation money in the US. Religion and religious institutions have been there for thousands of years and they are not going to disappear soon. However, considering current church revenue statistics, it is clear that religious organizations and churches need to find new and more innovative ways to reach potential donors and tithers. Religious leaders need to inspire and encourage young people to make their contributions to church giving.