Are they individual pledges, or is it at the congregational level.
Congregational. The 'suggested' donation amount for the whole congregation per month (based on headcount) is put to a resolution of all baptised Witnesses each year. Of course, as we know with such votes, there is significant peer pressure to go along with the proposal. Anyone voting "No" can expect to be having a word with the elders in the back room afterwards...
Is the amount really decided by the elders as to how much they can shake-down the congregation for, or does Bethel decide how much they expect each congregation to cough up, while pretending that it is the elders' decision?
Good question. I believe it is down to the local elders, but the branch has 'recommendations' regarding the amount per publisher that they should consider. But maybe someone on here who has recent experience of being an elder might know for certain? Can a local BoE set a different amount, and if so, can it only be above the 'recommended' donation per publisher (ie: choosing to give more)?
My understanding was that donations were tied to the literature.
To my knowledge, that's not been the case for many years. Donations for literature were effectively ended in the 1990s, when it was all made voluntary.
It's probably part of the reason why the org was facing alleged 'financial problems' a few years ago, when Lett made the now-infamous begging video.
While a few wealthier congregations might donate more than they 'cost' in literature and KH expenses, many others are probably in technical 'deficit'. But of course, there's now no way for anyone on a local level to know, because the money raised by every congregation is now grabbed by 'donated' directly to the organisation, above a certain basic balance allowed.
