Must a tithe be given into a churches regular budget?

Question

Is it not just a good to contribute to specific causes that promote Christianity?

Last year I gave some to the Churches regular budget, but gave as much or more specifically to pay back a loan on a building project (because I don't like a church to carry a debt) and to GAP ministries which builds churches and clinics in Mexico (because I feel my money does more in mexico, and have personally seen that this program wastes little money)

I ask partially because I was advised by a friend that that was undermining the local church - with which I disagree.

Answer 1

Instruction for the use of Tithe in Bible says that it should be used by ministers. From the first occurence, when Abraham gve it to the Melchizedec, a priest of the most high God (genesis 14:20), until it's last ocurence in the Bible where Paul apostle says that " priesthood have commandment to take tithes of the people" (Hebrew 7:5-9) there is no single exeption.
It is because, by God's design, there should be many ministers that teach inhabitants of the world the doctrine of righteousness and the plan of Salvation.
Jesus said in Mark 14:7: "For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good." It displays how great care Jesus takes for the unfortunate ones. And, although tithe sould not be used for the use of unfortunate, there are different offerings designed for this purpose. And we shall with purpose use our God-given means in both directions.

Answer 2

In the new testament, there is an account where Jesus and some disciples are in the temple and they witness a poor old lady contribute two small coins of very little value into the contribution box. Jesus turned to his followers and said that this lady had put in more than the pharisees and others did because what she gave was of so much more worth to her than those who had more money.

So the moral? Give what you can. Tithing was something required only under the Mosaic law (before Jesus' time). But as mentioned earlier "God loves a CHEERFUL giver." not an "OBLIGED" or "GUILTED-INTO-GIVING-A-SPECIFIC-AMOUNT-EVERY-WEEK" giver.

Congregations should be frugal in their spending so as not to make worship a financial burden on those who cannot afford it. I feel terribly for that person who was kicked out of church for not tithing. Jesus would NEVER do something like that.

Jesus also never got PAID for HIS ministry. Think about that.

Answer 3

In the Roman Catholic Church in the USA, there are very strict laws, rules, and regulations dealing with donations. If money is simply put into the church plate (basket, whatever), it must go to that parish's operating fund. It cannot go to something like legal defense.

If a person wishes to donate to a particular program at their church, all they have to do is specify the gift's use on their check. (They can attach a note if they want to be sure.) That money then HAS to be spend on whatever it was given for - youth ministry, feeding the homeless, new candles, etc.

Having worked in churches for many years, I can tell you that giving to the church's general fund makes it easiest for an individual church to take care of its needs. (They must have a finance committee to help budget.) But your gift is just as appreciated by the church and God if you give to something specific that you very much believe in.

If you are a regular parishioner at a church, it would be nice if you could give the church budget something... but I like that you research the needs/wastes of different programs. I would call you a good steward.

Answer 4

Gaila, just b/c God calls us to be meek ...I'm sure He didn't mean to 'appear to be ignorant'. Originally the tithes are meant for the overall budget and expenses of the church but if you tithe.. it's the church's obligation to make sure their expenses aren't beyond what they could afford. Lots of times the person behind the pulpit will mention specific expenses that the church will be making and some might give a little extra but it's not like you have to give just b/c they make you feel bad. Ultimately, the church staff should be wise enough to stay within budget regardless the expenses!!!!!!!!!!1

Answer 5

In my church, one person got thrown out of the church for not giving his tithe to the church rather than to charity. I disagree with this action. Churches pay no taxes and have little upkeep cost, since much is done by members for free. Charities need money to feed people. I think it's clear which way Jesus would have leant.

Answer 6

I'm not in a church,,,,but i do attend a bible study with a church so i give part of my tithe to the women's bible study to help other women and also i listen to a minister on TV where i send some tithe which funds alot of things they do,,i give where i get my feeding of the Lord and i also give to Charity's but how ever the Lord is leading you is where you should put it,,,God Bless

LH

Answer 7

The references to tithes and alternatives are interior the former testomony. Now, Christians will declare that Jesus Christ replaced into the in simple terms proper providing/sacrifice. So if you're a clean testomony Christian, there is no rationalization for tithing. if you're OT/NT Christian, then there is plus sacrifices are nonetheless an selection.

Answer 8

We spread our tithe all around. One time we gave $300 of it to our struggling neighbors. Money given with a good heart is good. God loves a cheerful giver. There is no set legal precedent to where it has to go.

Answer 9

tithing can be as much about time and effert as money and as long as you give something to the church and others I do not think it matter. my paster sayd tithing is old testiment and since Jesus we should just give with a free with. there is nothing wrong with tithing if you wont to but it is not the law.

Answer 10

You must give to the church, as much as possible.
Many Diocese are bankrupt due to the large amount of money they had to pay to the victims of pedophile priests and for the legal fees of these nasty lawsuits. Your donations are absolutely needed to help those Diocese.