CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Income for the 10,585 congregations of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) exceeded $2.6
billion in 2004, according to statistics compiled by the ELCA
Office of the Secretary.
Total receipts amounted to $2,600,358,990 -- up 1.79 percent
or almost $46 million from the previous year. The 2004 increase
was less than the 2.45 percent growth experienced in 2003. In
the three-year period of 2002-2004, congregation receipts grew
nearly $150 million.
Of the total congregational income, $1,799,281,419 was
received in regular, unrestricted offerings -- up $57,138,216 or
3.27 percent in 2004 compared to a nearly four percent increase
in 2003.
Funds held by congregations in endowments and investments
almost matched regular giving in 2004. Congregations held
$1,792,723,451 in savings, investments, endowments and memorial
funds -- up $118,392,427 or 13.9 percent from the previous year.
The average regular giving per confirmed member in 2004
grew to over $571 -- an increase of 3.85 percent. The increase
in 2003 over 2002 was 2.95 percent, and 2002 over 2001 was 1.54
percent.
Total disbursements by ELCA congregations for local
operating expenses amounted to $1,728,314,039. That represented
an increase of $52,185,610 or 3.11 percent from 2003.
Regular mission support -- monies passed from congregations
to the ELCA's 65 synods and to the churchwide organization to
support the national and international ministries of the church
-- decreased 0.79 percent following a two-year decline of 2.95
percent. Mission-support funding for 2004 was $130,490,038 --
down $1,048,261 from 2003. Regular mission support in 2003
amounted to $131,538,299 -- down $1,665,920 from $133,204,219 in
2002.
Synod-related special benevolences grew by 8.38 percent or
$1,417,991 to $18,336,749. From 2003 income for community
benevolent causes increased by more than 10 percent or by
$3,395,817 to $36,941,731 in 2004.
Of total income, ELCA congregations devoted 90.71 percent to
operating expenses, capital improvements, debt reduction, and
other expenses. Another 6.42 percent was contributed for synod
and churchwide mission support, hunger and disaster appeals,
missionary sponsorship, Mission Partners, and designated causes.
The remainder supported special synod and local benevolences.
Of all ELCA congregations, 62.87 percent reported they had
no debt in 2004. Estimated value of assets owned by
congregations exceeded $17 billion.
* The Rev. Lowell G. Almen is secretary of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
