[the_devils_advocate_666]

Are there any reports on the percentage of contributions to mega-churches vs. smaller churches that make it back into the community? I would be interested to see if the mega-church is more efficient at managing expenses and therefore able to give more back to worthy causes.

[Zechariah_8_13]

Are there any reports on the percentage of contributions to mega-churches vs. smaller churches that make it back into the community? I would be interested to see if the mega-church is more efficient at managing expenses and therefore able to give more back to worthy causes.

It's my understanding that individuals give larger percentages of their incomes in smaller churches. And no wonder.

As far as "management" -- a megachurch will obviously have much more complicated finances than a small one. A small church can easily send a check to a family in need -- a megachurch requires several layers of approval, all by individuals drawing salaries.

Megachurches are just like big government: Able to administrate huge programs, but with a massive amount of overhead.