Questions about Tithing and Giving?

Question

I just recently started going to church again, and all I hear from the preachers and teachers is about giving 10 percent (tithe) to the church, saying if I do I will get rich and be blessed, and if I don't my money will be cursed. I believe in my heart, that these "scare tactics" are wrong. I don't exactly give 10 percent but I do give what I can and what ever amount God places in my heart, which may be less than exactly 10 percent. I want my money to "actually be used wisely" but I have no control over it. Is it better just to give money to charities and even the first bum you see on the street, rather than a rich church, just seeking to just get richer and bigger?

Answer 1

Titheing is not required for Christians. (Interesting that most churches understand that Christians are not under the law covenant EXCEPT when it comes to titheing)
The instructions from the Greek scriptures (new testament) is this: Let each one do just as he has resolved in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2Corinthians 9:7

Answer 2

When tithing was first instituted, people offered up grain and flesh in order that the priests could eat. Today churches collect tithes to pay the preacher, church staff, bills, and whatever your church ministry supports. I, too am turned off by "mega churches" that boasts of thousands of members, lush seating, the latest video and broadcasts systems, etc.

Jesus tells us in Matthew and Luke, that even though we tithe, we ignore the weighty matters of the faith, mercy, compassion, love. He commands us to do both. We are also told that God loves a cheerful giver. Also, we are to be good stewards and that includes money management skills.
If you wish to donate your money to a direct charity or cause, it is ok with ME, but choose wisely here also, as often a lot of your dollar is lost in "administrative expenses".

This is a concern you will have to decide as your conscience leads. For reasons which I won't go into, I am not a fan of the tithe envelope either!

Answer 3

Actually, the ministers are Scripturally correct, but the problem is the fact that they're using these Scriptures to push a "scare tactic" type of fundraising upon the people in order to do different things that may or may not be spiritually motivated. We do have to tithe the "tenth of our increase" but NOT in order to simply build "palatial edifices" (churches). The Scripture speaks of such churches as being "...full of dead men's bones..." (spiritually dead). The tithing practices need to be taught in love and respect in order that God WILL bless! The ministers are right in saying you'll be blessed when you tithe, but they're NOT right in slapping you with it in a sanctimonious vein in order to build a bigger building! The tithes were meant to pay the pastor's salary, feed the hungry, help the sick, assist in missions, keep the lights and water on in the church building and etc. NOT to give the people a huge building paid for with money that could be doing what it was intended to do! If you have a growing congregation that TRULY believes and lives in the concept of tithes, I understand the need for expansion. Otherwise, such a church would seriously have to rethink their position!

Answer 4

You are headed in the right direction. Do not give in to pressure tactics from greedy pastors. The only pressure you should give in to is the burden God lays upon your heart regarding how much you give.
That said, I wouldn't even go to a church that uses scare tactics or promises that you will get rich. How do they know how God will bless you?
I would suggest finding a new church, and prayerfully seek God's will concerning your the amount and frequency of your tithe.
Also, you could do a google search on missions boards, and after reviewing their beliefs, you could send your money to support missionaries.

Answer 5

Give what you are called to give! If you feel called to give 5%, then give 5%. If it's 20%, then give 20%. Christ did not mandate how much we should give. Yes, many churches will push the 10% (first fruits). But it can't be hard and fast. God wants us to give cheerfully and willfully. Many give of their talents, others give of their money.
I have seen that in our own house budget, we always seem to have plenty even when it looks like it is going to be a tight month. But we also give of our time and talents. So, monetarily, we don't give a full 10%, but combined with all that we do give, I think God's happy!!
I do think it is important to support the church and the work that it does. If you are a member of the church, you should have a voice in where the money goes. Our books are open for all to see, and we put a budget before the congregation every year, sometimes it goes as is, sometimes there are changes based on the congregation and how they feel the church needs to spend the funds.

Perhaps it is time to talk to the "teachers" about your concerns. If they aren't open to it, then maybe you need to visit another church.

Answer 6

From what you have said, you probably need to look for another church. Churches which preach the message you are telling us about are the same churches which don't spend the money on missionaries but rather to buy fancy cars for their Pastor and mink coats for his wife, even tho they live in Miami and his wife does not need a mink coat to keep warm.

All that said, the Bible does tell us we should give at least 10%

When you give to a Godly local church, you are giving to God and not to the church and if the money is not used wisely God will judge those running that local church, not you.

Pastor Art

Answer 7

Oscar,
It sounds to me like you are attending a "Church" that is not GODLY. The scriptures say that the first century churches were told to "give as they have been prospered on the fist day of the week." I read, study, and obey HIS WORD and I expect our preachers to teach from those scriptures. Ask for a New Testament reference on Tithing. There is none. We also are told to partake of the LORD'S SUPPER on the first day of the week. I would find a church that is doing so and citing scriptures to back up their sermons. Have a wonderful day and a glorious week.
Thanks,
Eds


EDIT:
Jane is wrong! There is no New Testament scripture saying this!!

.

Answer 8

WOW, 10%.
I am asked for 5-8% of my income.
My kids attend private school and tithing is asked for from the parents.
That said, all student/parent tithing stays in the school, to lower education cost, renovate, and upkeep to church/school.
They are seperate organizations to donate to through the year, but that money goes to the charity not the church.
I give what I can, after I provide for my family.
Which is what everyone should do, family first I say.
God is understanding and this has always worked for me.

Answer 9

Actually there are three separate and distinct tithes mentioned in the bible, but I agree with you. Your money is better spent directly helping an individual or being contributed to, say, a soup kitchen that feeds people who have no means at all. Sometimes they prefer that you bring canned food instead of money. There are lots of ways to see to it that your money is used wisely. AEN

Answer 10

I have had that same question and then God showed me that it is our responsibility to give Him the first 10% of our increase but after that what they do with it is between them and God and we are no longer held accountable for it. I personally give my 10% to a television minister that I agree with in his teaching of the God's word. Take care and may God bless you spiritually.
And put 'God first' place in your life,If it weren't for God you wouldn't have a Family or anything else to try to fill His spot with.