I know the historical purpose of class dues but what are the current trends? In talking to several pastors, there are a variety of uses. Some say that it is given to the pastor to do as they please ( additional income). While others state that they use it as benevolence to the sick and shut in. For another it is petty cash on hand for incidentals whereas another states that it is used to help walk the needy who walk in off of the streets. Also a similar question related to this issue is what happens in the classes. Some state that there are no meetings with bible study and inquiry of members' well being but just a telephone call for an appeal for money to address a a crisis in the church or community.

-- Anonymous, December 06, 2000

Answers

Greetings Rev. Brenda At St Paul, Cambridge, Pastor uses the class dues monies to defray the cost of his in-city travel, in and about the Boston area. There is no free parking nor onstreet parking at most of the hospitals here and the cost of parking can be as high as $8-12 per hour. Hospital visitations can also incur toll charges. Of course, this includes home visits to sick and shut ins.

-- Anonymous, December 07, 2000

We no longer collect class dues in the church I attend and have not for at least 25 years. I don't know where this money went, but when I was a child and the class leader came to collect class dues from my grandmother, I think I recall hearing my father say that it was for the Presiding Elder.

And if I remember correctly, the dues was .25 per quarter and also referred to as "dollar money" - OR was that something else?

A related question - do you still have "classes" and class leaders and if so, how are they used?

-- Anonymous, December 07, 2000

Class dues provided the table comforts (Groceries) for the pastor and his/her family.

-- Anonymous, December 07, 2000

I am sorry but I left out one of the uses for Class Offering. This is what each member is given along with the envelopes: "This offering is used by PASTOR to assist in inner-city travel and work related to pastoral duties and occasionally small benevolent purposes. (Weekly"

-- Anonymous, December 08, 2000