Likewise the percentage dropped even from 1994 to 1995. Churchgoers today are generous in supporting their church if the money is going to something concrete that they can see. For example, people might give money to support a specific project or equipment for the youth when they might not be as generous in giving money blindly, Metzger said. That's in contrast to bygone days when people gave to their church unconditionally. People today, too, are more inclined to give when they know their money will be spent at home, Metzger said, rather than going beyond the city limits.
People are more prone to give to things they perceive to benefit themselves.
Baptists and Churches of Christ, who along with Methodists make up the largest number of congregations in Abilene, also report increased giving in the last decade. The Abilene Baptist Association is composed of 46 churches in Taylor County. In 1987 the association had 41 churches. Part of the reason for the large increase in giving can be attributed to new churches being built. New churches normally have a stronger per capita giving, said Dr. Truman Turk, director of the Abilene Baptist Association.