( CNN ) -- The pastor of a non-denominational church in Argyle , Texas , passed around the collection plate to his congregants earlier this year -- and asked them to take money from it . Donations at the Cross Timbers Community Church had slumped because of the economic downturn . Pastor Toby Slough thought that his congregants had to be hurting , too . His gesture , instead , was met with an unexpected response : The church had its highest offering ever . It was a eureka moment for Slough : Give away money to those who need it , knowing his church members will help fill the need . `` In these economic times , we ca n't be so into church business that we forget what our business is , and that is to help people , '' Slough told CNN television affiliate KDAF in Dallas-Forth Worth , Texas . In the past two months , the 9-year-old church has done just that : handed out a half-million dollars to members and non-members who are struggling . Watch pastor on rip off concerns » . `` We 've taken $ 200,000 and spread it out to organizations -- four local , two missions that are feeding and clothing people in these tough times , '' Slough said . `` We 've paid utility bills for members of our church that are unemployed or under-employed . '' His favorite giveaway came three weeks ago . The church gave 1,400 families $ 50 each and told them to hand it out to someone else . One of the recipients was Katie Lewis . `` I 've been alone so long . Just to be thought of and to be remembered , to be welcomed -- it 's amazing , '' she said , crying . Church members are pleasantly surprised . `` You do n't hear about a church giving money away , '' Amy Sullivan said . Slough said he is not concerned if people try to take advantage of the church 's generosity . `` I told my church a couple weeks ago , if I 'm not being taken advantage of , I 'm not being like Jesus , '' he said . The church has now formed a group to look into the best ways to give out money . And , Slough said , it plans on doing so as long as there is a need in the community .
Economy led to diminished donations at the Cross Timbers Community Church . Pastor decides to give away money to those who need it . Result was highest amount of donations ever for the church .