Where does the money from tithing go?

Question

I see people saying it goes to God but I am assuming they mean it goes to the church. Does the church use it to do good in the community or is it used to keep the lights on? When I looked the word up in the dictionary it said: a tenth part of agricultural produce, formerly alloted for the maintenance of the clergy and other church purposes. When did people stop giving corn and start giving cash?
Love & Light
Sharon

Answer 1

Fruits of their harvest (corn, etc) was used during a time where not necessarily did people have "money" their harvest was their currency. And even if that could be "sold" for "money", if they gave up their first fruits of their harvest, they are in essence giving up money as well.

Cash began as more people were working in fields that didn't produce a harvest.

They money given to the church goes to multiple things.

-Keeping the bills paid (this is the ministry staff, office staff, electricity, water, etc).
-Community Outreach (which includes food banks, soup kitchens, etc).
- Local, National and International Missions programs.
- Organizations that the church supports.

and the list can go on and on.

Within some denominations/churches there is a committee who determines where the money is spent, how much, etc. In other churches they vote as a congregation (majority rules at a specific %) as to where the money goes.

When people who tithe say they are giving their money to "God" they are. While it goes directly to the church to use, they are giving it to be used for God's purposes within the world. Since God himself has no need for actual money in a bank acct. for his personal use.

Answer 2

I was thinking about this the other day, but I think that since most churches operate at "no profit", the money must go toward bills, supplies, the salary of the clergy, and other operations of the church. The buses that drive the choir somewhere need gas, the preist needs bread to break, candles, the list goes on. When you hear that someone donates a huge sum of money to a church and the only thing that church does is repaint the outside, thats probably because the church is going to save as much of that money as possible and thats understandable. People dont become preists to get rich and I think what they do is honorable. Volunteers make up for lots of manpower, but supporting those volunteers is all part of the deal. I hope this helps.

Answer 3

Hi there...nicely worded.
It really depends on the church you attend. Tithing is supposed to be used by stewards of God, which would mean the leaders of your church in this case. All of the churches I know of use the money as part of the entire budget, meaning it goes toward whatever is necessary at that time (keeping the lights on, missions in the community, new programs, etc.). Hope that helps. Have a great day in the Son and the Light!

Answer 4

To answer the second part of the question first....

Israel was an agricultural society so it made sense to give in that manner. We give of our increase... our increase is primarily our wages.

As to what it is used for... since the "church" does not produce a product its means of support is the tithe. So part of the income would naturally go toward keeping the lights on, so to speak. It will be used for paying salaries as well. It should also be used for programs and benevolent purposes.

Some churches to better than others.

Answer 5

Well, part of the money does go to pay a salary, and the electricity, etc. Many churches have ministries, such as children's church, and outreaches that moneys help to support. If you are a member of a church, or have a church home that you financially want to support, they should be more than willing to show you their yearly budget, meaning where the money is going.

Answer 6

It goes to the church. In the Bible it says bring your tithe into the storehouse. It is for the actual expense of running the church where you tithe, such as lights, utilities,insurance, telephone, etc. I know my church actually tithes on the money it receives. My church sends a tithe of the money it receives to the Southern Baptist Assoc. We also support missions, two missionary families, and wherever we can do the most good.

Answer 7

Really it doesn't actually go to God. What use would a being with all the resources in the universe want with your pitiful 10%?
It goes to pay for the church organization. I think it's a bit like voluntary membership dues for church members.

Answer 8

They started giving cash when it became the coin of barter, instead of produce. That's an historical question.

The tithing is set as a responsibility of the members of the organization to maintain and enhance the building, staff and then the chosen charity of the organization.

Answer 9

It really depends on what church and what sect you are in. Basically the money goes to the church (not God - He doesn't need money). That money is then spent as they see fit and you have little to no control over it. If you give 10% of your income to your church then you are being an idiot, quite frankly.

Answer 10

It is supposed to go for the upkeep of the church, salary for the pastor, foreign missions, etc. I personally think that tithing should not only be a tenth of your finances, but also your time. Time out of our busy lives to help someone in need, time to stop and pray, but that is just my opinion.