Shocking statistic

I'm not one to look  much at statistics… I remember hearing in college that 90% of statistics are made up on the spot.  However, in a book I'm reading for my Leadership in Ministry class, I read that in a typical church, nearly half of the attendees give $0 (that's right, zero dollars) to the church in a given year!  Shocking, isn't it?  What makes me sad with such a statistic is the number of people who are missing out on participating in what God is doing in the world!  Not only is giving a scriptural mandate, but it connects us to something bigger than ourselves.  How incredible that God invites us to participate in ministry in part by giving financially!  I feel sorry for that 50% group because they lose out on the blessings that come as a result of giving.  On a side note, I checked with our financial secretary today, and I was told that the percentage of non-givers is lower than 50% at our church.  Way to go, LifePoint!