What are church offering baskets?

Church offering baskets are baskets or similar containers passed through a congregation at some point in a religious service so people can make monetary contributions to benefit the works of the church. In some denominations, a plate is used rather than a basket.

The funds received may be used for paying the pastor, improving the church property, missionary activities or other charitable endeavors sponsored by the church. Public funding of churches in the United States ceased in the years following the American Revolution. At that time, passing the church offering basket or plate became an acceptable way to solicit voluntary offerings to support the church.