#TrendingGH: Ghanaians divided over pastors 'setting' fixed amounts for offerings

Some Ghanaians have cautioned pastors against fixing offering amounts, warning that the practice could place financial pressure on struggling church members and discourage them from attending services.

Some Ghanaians have urged pastors to allow church members to give offerings according to their financial abilities, arguing that fixing specific amounts could discourage some people from attending church.

In interviews with GhanaWeb, respondents expressed mixed views on pastors directing congregants to pay specific amounts as offerings, particularly amid concerns about the rising cost of living.

One woman argued that church members have different financial circumstances and that imposing fixed amounts could burden those struggling to make ends meet.

“Why should a pastor give his church members a fixed amount for paying offerings? I think not all fingers are the same. Some people don't have money, but they want to go to church, so when you do that, as a pastor, it discourages them from going to church,” she said.

She urged pastors to consider the financial circumstances of their congregations rather than impose requirements that some members may struggle to meet.

Another respondent maintained that offerings should be voluntary and determined by an individual's willingness and ability to give.

“Giving of offerings is from the heart, so a pastor cannot say, ‘Because transport fares have been increased, you will also increase your offering,’” he stated.

He argued that increases in the cost of living, including transport fares, should not automatically translate into higher financial demands on church members.

However, another respondent acknowledged that while pastors should not dictate how much members contribute, congregants also have a responsibility to support their churches financially.

“It's not nice for the pastor to tell the members the amount of money they have to pay. But the members too have to know that the church also has some bills to pay,” the respondent said.



NA/MA