Washington D.C. Mr. Mattingly quotes a study done by Sylvia and John Ronsvalle who operate a think tank that analyzes data on giving in religious institutions. They addressed two questions that the Ronsvalles said affect many churches. They concluded that the answers are rarely comforting. In short the Ronsvalles come to four conclusions. Some people make major donations in order to control the institution that frames life's major transitions.
Many people view their offerings as payment for services rendered by the staff and clergy.
Others are buying a culture. Finally, the Ronsvalles' research shows that many church members sincerely see giving as a matter of faith, the natural result of gratitude and a Biblical vision. However, they report that in some denominations giving has fallen to levels lower than in the Great Depression. I suspect that we can be identified in the four reasons people give to the church. If you are giving because of one of the first three conclusions that the Ronsvalles discovered, then you are giving for the wrong reasons.