Thanksgiving Offering

Definition and Meaning

A thanksgiving offering (Korean gamsa heongeum, 感謝獻金) is an offering given in gratitude for grace received from God. It differs from the tithe, in which one tenth of one's income is given, and from the weekly Sunday offering. Generally, the giver offers a thanksgiving offering whenever there is something to be thankful for, deciding the amount and timing personally. It may be prompted by a specific event in the life of an individual or family, such as a birthday, the birth of a child, admission to a school, a new job, recovery from illness, a move, or the opening of a business. It may also be given without any particular occasion, simply out of gratitude for everyday life.

Biblical and Historical Background

The Old Testament thank offering is commonly cited as the basis for the thanksgiving offering. Leviticus 7:11-15 prescribes, among the peace offerings (sacrifices commemorating peace between God and humanity), a sacrifice offered as an expression of thanksgiving. Psalm 50:14 and Psalm 107:22 likewise call for offering sacrifices of thanksgiving.

In place of animal sacrifices, the New Testament speaks of "the sacrifice of praise" (Hebrews 13:15). Paul wrote that the believers' contributions (offerings) result in thanksgiving from many people (2 Corinthians 9:11-12). However, the thanksgiving offering as a distinct category of giving is not an institution found directly in Scripture. It is understood as a practice that became established as churches began dividing and managing offerings according to their purpose.

Practice in Korean Churches

Across denominations, most Korean churches maintain the thanksgiving offering as a separate category. Members write their name and the reason for their thanksgiving on an offering envelope, and in many churches the pastor reads the names and reasons aloud and prays during the offertory portion of the service. Some churches also print the names of those who gave thanksgiving offerings in the church bulletin. During thanksgiving seasons such as the Feast of Harvest and Thanksgiving Day, it is customary for the entire congregation to give a seasonal thanksgiving offering.

Denominational constitutions rarely set uniform rules for how offering categories are divided or how the funds are used. These matters are generally determined by each church's decision-making bodies and its church bylaws. In recent years, online giving, such as by bank transfer, has also become widespread, and it became even more common as online worship expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Views on the Practice of Public Disclosure

Opinions differ on the practice of making public the reasons for thanksgiving and the names of givers. Supporters note that it allows the community to rejoice and pray together. Opponents argue that publishing names places financial pressure on members and that the stated reasons for thanksgiving tend to center on material blessings. For these reasons, some churches choose not to publish names or have offerings given anonymously.