[Vigilanteman]

But a good chunk of that church charity in effect serves as funding a community social club. That portion of church finances that is passed on to other charitable causes is probably all that should be factored into the equation.

I'd beg to disagree. Even church based community social clubs serve a valuable function as networks to help people find jobs, help those who are down on their luck and the like.

Here in SW Pennsylvania, these so-called clubs stock food pantries, help "redd-up" the yards and homes of the elderly, run bingo games to support the local fire hall, deliver meals to the home-bound and scores of similar activities.

The amount spent on administration and overhead is considerably less than your typical government program and very comparable to the best run charities such as the Salvation Army.

Add to that the fact that a church based social club may go a long ways to prevent the creation of "troubled youth" and the professional "gimmedat" adults in the first place.

[9YearLurker]

Oh, I agree with that. But so do regular social networks in regions where churches aren’t the center of community life. A nice backyard bbq or weekly poker or bridge game can do the same.

And yes, direct costs supporting food banks should count.

[chesley]

very comparable to the best run charities such as the Salvation Army.

And remember, the Salvation Army is a church.