Archives: Publications

The State of Church Giving Through 2011

The Kingdom of God, Church Leaders & Institutions, Global Triage Needs, and the Promises of Jesus

  • 23rd Edition, October 2013
  • ISBN: 978-0-9843665-5-2
  • By: John L. Ronsvalle and Sylvia Ronsvalle

Topics Include:

  • An analysis of church giving patterns in the U.S. updated through 2011, based on aggregated congregational reports.
  • An original survey of denominations’ overseas missions income, 2003-2011.
  • An updated review of giving potential of church members in the U.S., including all church members, and for various church populations.
  • An analysis of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Expenditure Survey 2011, cash contributions to charitable causes.
  • A discussion of the relationship of the kingdom of God, church leaders and institutions, global triage needs, and the promises of Jesus in light of the analyses in the first seven chapters of this edition in the series, in chapter 8.

The State of Church Giving through 2011 is available by… 

  1. Mailing a check and Order Form to:
    empty tomb, inc.
    P.O. Box 2404
    Champaign, IL 61825-2404

  2. Through Amazon.com

  3. Pay online through a PayPal Account (yellow button) or with Debit or Credit card via PayPal (dark-grey button)*.

*Please note that PayPal does not require you to be registered with an account to use their secure transaction site when using the Debit or Credit card option.

Choose PayPal option based on shipping within the USA:

Purchasing outside of Illinois or purchasing in Illinois with Tax Exemption*:
$20.00 + $8.50 shipping = $28.50

*If using Tax Exemption, email tax exemption number to bookorder@emptytomb.org upon purchase.

Purchasing in Illinois (additional 9% IL Sales Tax included):
$20.00 + $8.50 shipping + $1.80 IL 9% Sales Tax = $30.30

Contact empty tomb for the Library Rate, Faculty Review Copies, or Multiple Copies at bookorder@emptytomb.org or call (217) 356-9519.

The State of Church Giving through 2010

Who’s in Charge Here? A Case for a Positive Agenda for Affluence

  • 22nd Edition, October 2012
  • ISBN: 978-0-9843665-2-1
  • By: John L. Ronsvalle and Sylvia Ronsvalle

Topics include:

  • An analysis of church giving patterns in the U.S. updated through 2010, based on aggregated congregational reports.
  • An original survey of denominations’ overseas missions income, 2003–2010.
  • An updated review of giving potential of church members in the U.S., including all church members, and for various church populations.
  • An analysis of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey 2010, cash contributions to charitable causes.
  • A discussion of Matthew 6:24: the implications for church leaders and members of the choice between God and Money, and an exploration of a positive agenda for affluence.

The State of Church Giving through 2010 is available by… 

  1. Mailing a check and Order Form to:
    empty tomb, inc.
    P.O. Box 2404
    Champaign, IL 61825-2404

  2. Through Amazon.com

  3. Pay online through a PayPal Account (yellow button) or with Debit or Credit card via PayPal (dark-grey button)*.

*Please note that PayPal does not require you to be registered with an account to use their secure transaction site when using the Debit or Credit card option.

Choose PayPal option based on shipping within the USA:

Purchasing outside of Illinois or purchasing in Illinois with Tax Exemption*:
$20.00 + $8.50 shipping = $28.50

*If using Tax Exemption, email tax exemption number to bookorder@emptytomb.org upon purchase.

Purchasing in Illinois (additional 9% IL Sales Tax included):
$20.00 + $8.50 shipping + $1.80 IL 9% Sales Tax = $30.30

Contact empty tomb for the Library Rate, Faculty Review Copies, or Multiple Copies at bookorder@emptytomb.org or call (217) 356-9519.

The State of Church Giving through 2009

Jesus Christ, the Church in the U.S., & the 16 No-Progress-in-Child Deaths Nations, 16 Being 84% Christian

  • 21st Edition, September 2011
  • ISBN: 978-0-9843665-1-4
  • By: John L. Ronsvalle and Sylvia Ronsvalle

Topics Include:

  • An analysis of church giving patterns in the U.S. updated through 2009, based on aggregated congregational reports.
  • An analysis of church member giving in recessions, 1968-2009 and 1921-1967.
  • An original survey of denominations’ overseas missions income, 2003-2009.
  • An updated review of giving potential of church members in the U.S., including all church members, and for various church populations.
  • An analysis of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey 2009, cash contributions to charitable causes.
  • A discussion of Matthew 25:31-46, the parable of the sheep and the goats, in light of church member giving patterns in the U.S. in relationship to the 16 nations making no progress in decreasing child deaths among those under age 5, with 10 of those countries being 84% Christian.

The State of Church Giving through 2009 is available by… 

  1. Mailing a check and Order Form to:
    empty tomb, inc.
    P.O. Box 2404
    Champaign, IL 61825-2404

  2. Through Amazon.com

  3. Pay online through a PayPal Account (yellow button) or with Debit or Credit card via PayPal (dark-grey button)*.

*Please note that PayPal does not require you to be registered with an account to use their secure transaction site when using the Debit or Credit card option.

Choose PayPal option based on shipping within the USA:

Purchasing outside of Illinois or purchasing in Illinois with Tax Exemption*:
$20.00 + $8.50 shipping = $28.50

*If using Tax Exemption, email tax exemption number to bookorder@emptytomb.org upon purchase.

Purchasing in Illinois (additional 9% IL Sales Tax included):
$20.00 + $8.50 shipping + $1.80 IL 9% Sales Tax = $30.30

Contact empty tomb for the Library Rate, Faculty Review Copies, or Multiple Copies at bookorder@emptytomb.org or call (217) 356-9519.

The State of Church Giving through 2008

Kudos to Wycliffe Bible Translators and World Vision for Global At – Scale Goals, But Will Denominations Resist Jesus Christ And Not Spend $1 to $26 Per Member to Reach The Unreached When Jesus Says, “You Feed Them”?

  • 20th Edition, September 2010
  • ISBN: 978-0-9843665-0-7
  • By: John L. Ronsvalle and Sylvia Ronsvalle

Topics Include:

  • An exploration of denominational leaders’ approach to Jesus priorities in the context of Jesus’ interaction with the first disciples in the miracle of the loaves and fish, as recounted in Mark 6:35-44.
  • Church member giving in recession year 2008.
  • Church spending for denominational overseas ministries, 2003-2008.
  • Country-specific costs to address under-5 child deaths in 68 countries that account for 95% of these deaths, updated to 2008 data.
  • Updates of church member giving and membership, 1921-2008.
  • Comparison of Evangelical and Mainline Protestant giving, 1968-2008.
  • Church member giving and membership Trends based on 1968-2008 Data.
  • The potential of the church to impact global word and deed need through increased giving.
  • An analysis of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2008 Consumer Expenditure Survey cash contributions.

    The State of Church Giving through 2008 is available by… 

    1. Mailing a check and Order Form to:
      empty tomb, inc.
      P.O. Box 2404
      Champaign, IL 61825-2404

    2. Through Amazon.com

    3. Pay online through a PayPal Account (yellow button) or with Debit or Credit card via PayPal (dark-grey button)*.

    *Please note that PayPal does not require you to be registered with an account to use their secure transaction site when using the Debit or Credit card option.

    Choose PayPal option based on shipping within the USA:

    Purchasing outside of Illinois or purchasing in Illinois with Tax Exemption*:
    $20.00 + $8.50 shipping = $28.50

    *If using Tax Exemption, email tax exemption number to bookorder@emptytomb.org upon purchase.

    Purchasing in Illinois (additional 9% IL Sales Tax included):
    $20.00 + $8.50 shipping + $1.80 IL 9% Sales Tax = $30.30

    Contact empty tomb for the Library Rate, Faculty Review Copies, or Multiple Copies at bookorder@emptytomb.org or call (217) 356-9519.

    The State of Church Giving through 2007

    What Are Our Christian Billionaires Thinking – Or Are They?

    • 19th Edition, October 2009
    • ISBN: 978-0-9679633-9-6
    • By: John L. Ronsvalle and Sylvia Ronsvalle

    Topics Include:

    • An analysis of church giving patterns in the U.S. through 2007, based on aggregated congregational reports.
      An analysis of the 2007 U.S. BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey Charitable giving data.
      An original survey of 34 denominations’ overseas missions spending, 2003-2007.
    • Country-specific cost estimates to address eight causes of under-5 child deaths in 68 countries that account for 95% of these deaths.
    • Discussion of one organization’s approach to global evangelization, and a case study of one denomination’s approach to its stated goal for engaging unreached people groups.
    • A strategy for “wholesale” billionaire philanthropists (high-capacity donors) to mobilize “retail” billionaire philanthropists (supporters of multibillion dollar churches) to assist global and domestic need in Jesus’ name.

    The State of Church Giving through 2007 is available by… 

      1. Mailing a check and Order Form to:
        empty tomb, inc.
        P.O. Box 2404
        Champaign, IL 61825-2404

      2. Through Amazon.com

      3. Pay online through a PayPal Account (yellow button) or with Debit or Credit card via PayPal (dark-grey button)*.

      *Please note that PayPal does not require you to be registered with an account to use their secure transaction site when using the Debit or Credit card option.

      Choose PayPal option based on shipping within the USA:

      Purchasing outside of Illinois or purchasing in Illinois with Tax Exemption*:
      $20.00 + $8.50 shipping = $28.50

      *If using Tax Exemption, email tax exemption number to bookorder@emptytomb.org upon purchase.

      Purchasing in Illinois (additional 9% IL Sales Tax included):
      $20.00 + $8.50 shipping + $1.80 IL 9% Sales Tax = $30.30

      Contact empty tomb for the Library Rate, Faculty Review Copies, or Multiple Copies at bookorder@emptytomb.org or call (217) 356-9519.

      The State of Church Giving through 2006

      Global Triage, MDG 4, and Unreached People Groups

      • 18th Edition, October 2008
      • ISBN: 978-0-9679633-8-9
      • By: John L. Ronsvalle and Sylvia Ronsvalle

      Topics Include:

      • Church Giving and Membership Data and Trends Updated through 2006.
      • Global Triage for Word and Deed Need: A strategy of global triage is suggested as a solution for lukewarm giving patterns. Although church members in the U.S. could help both unreached people groups and the prevention of under-five child deaths for a few cents a day, church members and leaders are not mobilizing to do either. Setting priorities may help church members to be more faithful and help meet urgent needs at the same time.
      • Why and How Much Americans Give: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey (CE) data for 2006 analyzed by U.S. Region, Age, and Income. Also a comparison of CE, Form 990, and the tax-return based Giving USA estimates of giving for 1989 through 2004, the latest data set year.
      • The Potential of the Church: An empty tomb survey of 34 Protestant denominations’ Overseas Missions Income is extended through 2006, including cents per dollar by denomination. Also: Potential giving in nine Roman Catholic Archdioceses; cost per member for global evangelization and meeting various global needs for selected church populations; an update of potential giving at the 10% level.

      The State of Church Giving through 2006 is available by… 

      1. Mailing a check and Order Form to:
        empty tomb, inc.
        P.O. Box 2404
        Champaign, IL 61825-2404

      2. Through Amazon.com

      3. Pay online through a PayPal Account (yellow button) or with Debit or Credit card via PayPal (dark-grey button)*.

      *Please note that PayPal does not require you to be registered with an account to use their secure transaction site when using the Debit or Credit card option.

      Choose PayPal option based on shipping within the USA:

      Purchasing outside of Illinois or purchasing in Illinois with Tax Exemption*:
      $20.00 + $8.50 shipping = $28.50

      *If using Tax Exemption, email tax exemption number to bookorder@emptytomb.org upon purchase.

      Purchasing in Illinois (additional 9% IL Sales Tax included):
      $20.00 + $8.50 shipping + $1.80 IL 9% Sales Tax = $30.30

      Contact empty tomb for the Library Rate, Faculty Review Copies, or Multiple Copies at bookorder@emptytomb.org or call (217) 356-9519.

      The State of Church Giving through 2005

      Abolition of the Institutional Enslavement of Overseas Missions

      • 17th Edition, October 2007
      • ISBN: 0-9679633-6-2
      • By: John L. Ronsvalle and Sylvia Ronsvalle

      Topics Include:

      • An analysis of church giving patterns in the U.S. through 2005, based on aggregated congregational reports.
      • An analysis of the 2005 U.S. BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey Charitable giving data.
      • An original survey of the 34 denominations’ overseas missions spending, 2003-2005.
      • A discussion of denominational structures in relationship to the support of congregational overseas missions.
      • An exploration of the potential for church members in the U.S. to impact global and domestic need through increased giving through their congregations.

      The State of Church Giving through 2005 is available by… 

      1. Mailing a check and Order Form to:
        empty tomb, inc.
        P.O. Box 2404
        Champaign, IL 61825-2404

      2. Through Amazon.com

      3. Pay online through a PayPal Account (yellow button) or with Debit or Credit card via PayPal (dark-grey button)*.

      *Please note that PayPal does not require you to be registered with an account to use their secure transaction site when using the Debit or Credit card option.

      Choose PayPal option based on shipping within the USA:

      Purchasing outside of Illinois or purchasing in Illinois with Tax Exemption*:
      $20.00 + $8.50 shipping = $28.50

      *If using Tax Exemption, email tax exemption number to bookorder@emptytomb.org upon purchase.

      Purchasing in Illinois (additional 9% IL Sales Tax included):
      $20.00 + $8.50 shipping + $1.80 IL 9% Sales Tax = $30.30

      Contact empty tomb for the Library Rate, Faculty Review Copies, or Multiple Copies at bookorder@emptytomb.org or call (217) 356-9519.

      The State of Church Giving through 2004

      Will We Will?

      • 16th Edition, October 2006
      • ISBN: 0-9679633-6-2
      • By: John L. Ronsvalle and Sylvia Ronsvalle

      Topics Include:

      • Update on Church Member Giving and Membership Trends through 2004.
      • New Survey of 2004 Overseas Missions Support in 34 Denominations.
      • Calculated Per Member Cost Per Day to Address Global Evangelization and Physical Need for Various Church Populations.
      • Roman Catholic Potential Giving in Eight Archdioceses.
      • A Proposal from the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. to Increase Giving to 0.7%, Applied to The United Methodist Church.
      • Consideration of the Effects of the Unified Budget in One Denomination, the Southern Baptist Convention.
      • Why and How Much Americans Give: This chapter includes a comparison of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey, the Internal Revenue Service Forms series, and the IRS charitable deductions-based Giving USA estimates for total contributions in the U.S. The chapter also includes an analysis of the Consumer Expenditure Survey charitable giving data for 2004 by Age, Region of Residence in the U.S., and Income Levels.
      • Will We Will?: This chapter considers: the role of traditional and meta-denominations; the process of disintermediation between denominations and congregations, and the possibility of reintermediation; the practice by denominational leaders of cathartic drama rather than practical mobilization for global needs; and the institutional enslavement of overseas missions as a consequence of the unified budget.

      The State of Church Giving through 2004 is available by… 

      1. Mailing a check and Order Form to:
        empty tomb, inc.
        P.O. Box 2404
        Champaign, IL 61825-2404

      2. Through Amazon.com

      3. Pay online through a PayPal Account (yellow button) or with Debit or Credit card via PayPal (dark-grey button)*.

      *Please note that PayPal does not require you to be registered with an account to use their secure transaction site when using the Debit or Credit card option.

      Choose PayPal option based on shipping within the USA:

      Purchasing outside of Illinois or purchasing in Illinois with Tax Exemption*:
      $20.00 + $8.50 shipping = $28.50

      *If using Tax Exemption, email tax exemption number to bookorder@emptytomb.org upon purchase.

      Purchasing in Illinois (additional 9% IL Sales Tax included):
      $20.00 + $8.50 shipping + $1.80 IL 9% Sales Tax = $30.30

      Contact empty tomb for the Library Rate, Faculty Review Copies, or Multiple Copies at bookorder@emptytomb.org or call (217) 356-9519.

      The State of Church Giving through 2003

      The State of Church Giving through 2003

      • 15th Edition, October 2005
      • ISBN: 0-9679633-5-4
      • By: John L. Ronsvalle and Sylvia Ronsvalle

      Topics Include:

      • The Potential of the Church: An empty tomb survey of 28 Protestant denominations’ Overseas Missions Income for 2003 (including 146,000 congregations). A comparison of Overseas Missions Income in the 1920s and 2003. An update of potential giving at the 10% level, and the potential of the church to impact global need in Jesus’ name.
      • The relationship between membership growth and Overseas Missions Income.
      • Church Giving and Membership Data Updated through 2003: Updated and confirmed giving data from 1968-2003. Analysis of evangelicals and mainline Protestant giving trends, 1968-2003 trends in membership and giving patterns, and giving and membership from 1921-2003.
      • Giving Patterns and the Church’s Priorities: A review of the Yearbook of American and Canadian Churches series, 1916-1982 editions, to explore church priorities. A discussion of dynamics defining current church priorities, especially regarding the prime directive of the Great Commission.
      • Measurement of Philanthropy: A review of national media reports on national philanthropy data. An analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Expenditure Survey charitable giving data.

      The State of Church Giving through 2003 is available by… 

      1. Mailing a check and Order Form to:
        empty tomb, inc.
        P.O. Box 2404
        Champaign, IL 61825-2404

      2. Through Amazon.com

      3. Pay online through a PayPal Account (yellow button) or with Debit or Credit card via PayPal (dark-grey button)*.

      *Please note that PayPal does not require you to be registered with an account to use their secure transaction site when using the Debit or Credit card option.

      Choose PayPal option based on shipping within the USA:

      Purchasing outside of Illinois or purchasing in Illinois with Tax Exemption*:
      $20.00 + $8.50 shipping = $28.50

      *If using Tax Exemption, email tax exemption number to bookorder@emptytomb.org upon purchase.

      Purchasing in Illinois (additional 9% IL Sales Tax included):
      $20.00 + $8.50 shipping + $1.80 IL 9% Sales Tax = $30.30

      Contact empty tomb for the Library Rate, Faculty Review Copies, or Multiple Copies at bookorder@emptytomb.org or call (217) 356-9519.

      The State of Church Giving through 2002

      The State of Church Giving through 2002

      • 14th Edition, October 2004
      • ISBN: 0-9679633-4-6
      • By: John L. Ronsvalle and Sylvia Ronsvalle

      Chapter Highlights:

      1. Church Member Giving, 1968-2002
      2. Church Member Giving for 41 Denominations, 2001 to 2002
      3. Church Member Giving in Denominations Defined by Organizational Affiliation, 1968, 1985, and 2002
      4. Church Member Giving and Membership in Eleven Denominations, 1921-2002
      5. Church Member Giving and Membership Trends Based on 1968-2002 Data
      6. The Potential of the Church
      7. Measuring Charitable Giving in the United States
      8. Helping Church Members Care Effectively: Yoking Map® Twenty-Year Update

      The State of Church Giving through 2002 is available by… 

      1. Mailing a check and Order Form to:
        empty tomb, inc.
        P.O. Box 2404
        Champaign, IL 61825-2404

      2. Through Amazon.com

      3. Pay online through a PayPal Account (yellow button) or with Debit or Credit card via PayPal (dark-grey button)*.

      *Please note that PayPal does not require you to be registered with an account to use their secure transaction site when using the Debit or Credit card option.

      Choose PayPal option based on shipping within the USA:

      Purchasing outside of Illinois or purchasing in Illinois with Tax Exemption*:
      $20.00 + $8.50 shipping = $28.50

      *If using Tax Exemption, email tax exemption number to bookorder@emptytomb.org upon purchase.

      Purchasing in Illinois (additional 9% IL Sales Tax included):
      $20.00 + $8.50 shipping + $1.80 IL 9% Sales Tax = $30.30

      Contact empty tomb for the Library Rate, Faculty Review Copies, or Multiple Copies at bookorder@emptytomb.org or call (217) 356-9519.