ELCA NEWS SERVICE July 29, 2005 Income for ELCA Congregations Tops $2.6 Billion in 2004 05-135-LA* 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 [log in to unmask] http://www.elca.org/news