A Closer Look at Tithing
avid Wayne, aka JollyBlogger, wrote a post early last week that touched on the subject of tithing. In his post, he looked at one of the passages that gives detailed information about the tithe in the Old Testament.
This topic can be touchy for a lot of people. As David, a vocational minister, noted in his post, his very livelihood depends on people tithing. I know of very few people who are in that position who would question how tithing is taught in our churches today.
The common thinking says that tithing is still a requirement for believers, and that the “storehouse” mentioned in Malachi 3:10 equates to the local church. Therefore, Christians are required to give at least 10% of their income to the local church. But the passage David looked at raised some questions in a small group discussion in which he was participating.
The passage is Deuteronomy 14:22-27:
You shall surely tithe all the produce from what you sow, which comes out of the field every year. You shall eat in the presence of the LORD your God, at the place where He chooses to establish His name, the tithe of your grain, your new wine, your oil, and the firstborn of your herd and your flock, so that you may learn to fear the LORD your God always. If the distance is so great for you that you are not able to bring the tithe, since the place where the LORD your God chooses to set His name is too far away from you when the LORD your God blesses you, then you shall exchange it for money, and bind the money in your hand and go to the place which the LORD your God chooses. You may spend the money for whatever your heart desires: for oxen, or sheep, or wine, or strong drink, or whatever your heart desires; and there you shall eat in the presence of the LORD your God and rejoice, you and your household. Also you shall not neglect the Levite who is in your town, for he has no portion or inheritance among you.
In his discussion of this passage, David came to the conclusion that in cases of hardship, tithing was not absolutely required. Specifically, in his own words:
I also think this is a good little point to make in our discussions on tithing and giving so that we don’t become more strict than the Bible. Ordinarily all of the tithe was to go to the Lord, but there were times when God allowed that giving of the tithe could create a hardship on the family and said it was ok to take care of the needs of the family.
I raised a question in the comments section regarding how David got this conclusion from the passage. This post here is the delayed response on my part to David’s request for more information from me regarding my difference of opinion.
First of all, the passage says nothing about concessions for hardship. What is conceded in the passage, however, is the practicality of traveling with large amounts of produce and animals.
In a nutshell, God instructed the tithe to be brought each year to “the place where He chooses to establish His name”. But for what purpose were the Israelites to bring the tithe? To put it in the storehouse? That’s not what this passage says.
The passage says that they were to eat the tithe. This is vastly different from how tithing is taught. The tithe was to be enjoyed in the presence of God by the one bringing the tithe.
Now, God does give a concession here if the distance to travel was too far to carry all of the tithe there. But the concession is not with regard to financial hardship, and the concession is not saying that those people did not have to tithe.
Rather, God says that if the distance is too far to carry all of it, the one tithing should sell their tithe for money, and then bring that money with them to the place designated.
Once they arrive, they should then purchase food with that money in order to eat in the presence of the Lord. And God even goes so far as to say, “Buy whatever you want to buy for this feast.” (my paraphrase)
In short, I do not understand the conclusion David got from this passage. This passage is not saying that in certain circumstances of difficult times, it is permissible to spend the tithe on your own food. Rather, this was the instruction for everyone tithing once a year.
Think about that. Once a year, the Israelites were to tithe by bringing their tithe to Jerusalem (eventually) and eating it in a celebratory feast in God’s presence!
Now, in the passage that I quoted above, I used the exact same group of verses that David did. However, I do want to point out that the passage mentions one other aspect of tithing that is made clear by the verses following what portion David quoted.
At the end of the passage above, the Israelites were instructed not to neglect the Levites that lived in their own town. What does this mean? Is this justification for tithing to our local church? Well, apart from the mistaken equation of church leaders to Levite priests who had no inheritance or land on which to raise his own food, it helps to look at the next statement in verses 28 and 29:
At the end of every third year you shall bring out all the tithe of your produce in that year, and shall deposit it in your town. The Levite, because he has no portion or inheritance among you, and the alien, the orphan and the widow who are in your town, shall come and eat and be satisfied, in order that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hand which you do.
The provision for the Levite was that every third year, instead of eating the entire tithe in Jerusalem, the Israelites were to bring the produce tithe to a place in their own town. This contribution, then, would service the Levites and widows and orphans over the next three years.
Now, David is right in saying that we shouldn’t be more strict than the Bible. So, with that in mind, I’d like to open this up for discussion. Where did the concept of tithing to the local church come from? And why is it taught as a requirement for believers to support the local church in this way by equating it with the Old Testament tithe?
Until next time,
steve 
May 6th, 2007 16:16
I can’t answer your two questions (Why is it taught…). I’ll leave that for the church history buffs. But I am interested in this topic very much! I wonder why we are trying to pull old covenant practices (tithing) into a new covenant? (Either you obey the whole law, and are under the law, or not at all. I’m not sure why we pick and choose parts of the law to obey today).
Instead, perhaps we should be looking at Acts as our guide - no one had need because everything (all property) was shared among them. Radical, I know. What would that look like for us today? I don’t know, but I think we’ll see more of this type of radical community in the days ahead.
May 6th, 2007 16:24
Sarah, you bring up a good point about no one having need in the early church. It would be interesting to see what would happen if all of our churches were operating with that in mind.
Even the gifts being brought to the apostles’ feet in Acts were not given to support the apostles themselves, but were being distributed to all who had need.
May 6th, 2007 18:34
Steve,
Be careful, you just might make some enemies when talking about tithing. As you may or may not know, I am one of those believers who currently does not believe in tithing. But before I explain myself, let me discuss your two questions:
“Where did the concept of tithing to the local church come from?” This is easy for me to answer - I don’t know :). I can only assume it had something to do with Catholic/State tax system. They had the tendency to pull that sort of thing since none of the believers were allowed to read Scripture anyway. (but this is just conjecture)
“why is it taught as a requirement for believers to support the local church in this way by equating it with the Old Testament tithe?” Again, an easy answer - I don’t know! My guess is that it is part tradition (from the previous answer) and part because the pastor needs to get paid somehow. (not that I actually believe the pastor needs to get paid - from the Church)
Now, this is what I think (and if you have read my previous post about My Desires for the Summer of 2007 and Beyond… you know that I plan on researching this topic more closely) - but until then, here are just a few reasons for my position.
1. Tithing is OT Law - we are not under the Law.
2. Tithing is never commanded in the NT - in fact very little is ever said about tithing in the NT.
3. Tithing’s purpose was to feed the priests (as you have pointed out, they had no way of feeding themselves) - we are the priests now (so if we follow the law, we should tithe to/feed ourselves).
This is not really a “reason” but something to consider. What is my tithe (to the church - lowercase c) used for? From the limited cases I have seen, the majority goes to the Pastor’s salary, staff salaries, the building mortgage(s), power and heat bills, maintenance fees, etc. In fact, in these cases my tithes have been reduced to very little that actually went to some sort of missions or outreach opportunity. For this reason, we do not put money in the offering plate. If we see a need, we give to it directly. Just something to think about.
Thanks for this post - you have raised some excellent questions.
God’s Glory,
Lew
P.S. I do believe that we are commanded to be generous with what God has given us.
P.P.S. I believe you may discover that some believe the Israelites actually had 3 tithes, which meant they gave something like 23.33% of their gross “income.” So even if we are suppose to tithe like they did, we’re probably not doing it properly anyway.
P.P.P.S. Again, as you pointed out, the Deut. 14 passage says that we can spend the money on whatever we want if we are too far from the temple. Well since I am too far from the temple - I will spend it on what I want - in praise of God of course. By the way, note that it says I can use my tithe for wine and liquor too… don’t tell the abolitionists that, they’ll probably rip that page out of their Bibles!
P.P.P.P.S. Nothing really - I just wanted to see how many P’s I could put on this comment - sorry for the rambling. Have a great week!
May 6th, 2007 19:21
Deut 14 only refers to the 2nd festival tithe which was eaten in the streets and not taken to the Temple. Notice that the tithe was ONLY food although money was very common even in Genesis. The first Levitical tithe was not taken to the temple either; according to Neh 10:37 it was taken to the Levitical cities and, according to Neh 10:38 the Levites and priests were responsible for taking portions of it to the temple (thus proving the typical interpretation of Mal 3:10 to really refer to the priests only).
There are 25 tithing principles found in the Bible and fortunately the church follows NONE of them. Otherwise you would have to kill anybody trying to worship God directly. Also you (as a tithe-receiver) could not be a property owner. And your church would have to give its tithes to the equivalents of the Levites —ushers, deacons, choir members, maintenance men, builders.
Every church historian I have found states that the early church did not even attempt to teach tithing unless you skip the first 300 years. It was legalized by Charlemagne in AD 777.
If the NT temple is within the believer and the word “church” does not refer to a building, then how can the NT storehouse be a church building?????
May 6th, 2007 20:10
Melchizedek aside (Hebrews 7) I myself have to wonder if the tithe has perpetuated the paid senior pastor and staff model of most churches.
I also have to wonder what Paul would think? After making tents all day, and knowing that a workman is worthy of his wage (don’t muzzle the ox), he helps a church-plant out where the pastor is living better than most of his parishoners.
Does it really boil down to do whatever you have faith to do—faith to tithe and expect an increase or faith not to and expect the same result.
If the highest level of authority in the kingdom is to be the servant of all—what does this say about who owns what?
I remember the story of George Mueller in which he said that he was offered a post at a small rural church. The leadership said that they could only pay him 20 pounds a week or something like that. Mueller said that he would not take a salary but would accept the collection, whatever it would be.
The first week, the collection came to 30 pounds and was always more than what he would have received had he taken a salary. What’s up with that?
May 6th, 2007 21:12
I’m curious as to the source of the statement that there were three different tithes in Israel. I’ve heard this many times before, but am unable to find it spelled out in the OT Law myself.
Can anyone shed light on this for me, please? Thanks
Lew and Russell, thanks for your input.
Lew, you mentioned about the wine/beer thing. Ironically, that is how I first stumbled on this passage myself. Someone had told me that anytime the scripture used the word “wine”, it was non-alcoholic and anytime it said “strong drink”, it was alcoholic, and was always condemned.
I double-checked their statement, and came across this passage. Not only is strong drink not condemned in this passage, but God suggests it as something with which they might celebrate his goodness!
I have yet to hear that preached by anyone!
May 6th, 2007 21:19
Terry, I can attest to the reality in my own life of the Mueller story you referenced.
When I have ministered in music as a guest musician in churches, I have never set a fee. In some cases, I have not even asked for any kind of offering. However, in every case, I have been given more than I would have asked for in the first place.
One time, early on, a pastor really did not like the fact that I would only accept an offering. He said, “I’m concerned that you won’t get much from the people. We’ll just give you $100 out of the budget and not ask for an offering.”
We went back and forth on it for quite a while, and finally I said, “Look, if you’re that concerned about me not getting enough, take the offering and then you can just make up the difference between that and $100.” He finally agreed to that.
After the service, he came to hand me the amount of the offering, and humbly said, “You were right. The offering was over $300.” If I had let him talk me into a deal where no faith was involved, I would have walked out of there with $100. But instead, God used that situation to teach that pastor a lesson about faith, and to confirm my position of faith as well.
(In the interest of full disclosure, there have been situations where I have been given checks out of a general fund. These were never payments that I asked for, however, and it still is my preference not to receive anything out of a general fund from a church. In those cases, I attempt to refuse the check, but do not wish to offend the leadership of those churches, and so if they insist, I do receive it with gratitude.)
May 7th, 2007 06:41
Steve,
If you Google “three tithes” you will find a few web pages about it. Like I said, I have not studied it as in-depth as I probably should. But I plan on getting started on that this summer. I have a feeling my conclusions will be affirmed, but of course, I am always open to change.
I also first stumbled on Deut. 14 (as significant) because of the Alcohol debate. In fact, last summer I wrote a paper pointing out the major flaws in some of the SBC leader’s positions and went through scripture showing how their conclusions were false and misleading. I do not really drink, but for some reason I love the topic.
God’s Glory,
Lew
May 7th, 2007 17:07
Our brethren in organized church will rightly say, “If there is no tithe, how can there be a paid clergy?”
The issue for me isn’t whether or not a church collects money to pay the pastor or not. If a group of people decide they want to pool their money and pay someone to lead them, that strikes me as completely reasonable. The laborer is worthy of his hire.
However, I take strong issue with working OT scripture into New Covenant mandates from God. The evidence in the NT simply does not support it.
I wish folks would just be willing to call a spade a spade. Collecting money to pay the pastor is collecting money to pay the pastor. It is not collecting a tithe required in the New Covenant and explained in the NT.
May 7th, 2007 18:13
I think we like to talk about the tithe to the church, even though there really is nothing resembling it in the practices we see in Acts, because it is an easy distraction from what we are called upon to give: our lives. We can think in terms of a tax, a surcharge, an ante for God, but God forbid we really offer ourselvse up as living sacrifices. We might be stingy with our money and be controlled by the Spirit of Mammon, but even moreso we are surely not going to give up all control over our own lives.
What is amazing is that this isn’t our duty. God doesn’t want duty. It’s like Piper has said… do our spouses want us to show up on anniversary with a gift because we had to? As we awaken to the truth about our Father, the King of Kings, and our Sonship and inheritance in the Kingdom, and His amazing love for us, we should automatically be out representing the King to everyone out of an intense and dedicated love. But, I know I often get pretty wrapped up in me rather than Him.
As to “professional clergy” being supported, if they are called then God will provide. I know.
May 7th, 2007 18:19
Do people realize how much money would be available in America if several families shared a single mower.
other yard tools…
all tools…
pooled kids’ clothes…
Shared a multi-person vehicle…
cooked for multi-families for a week at a time…
If extended families or families within a local body bought one large home with multiple living areas rather than each having their own castle. Even if they outfitted the home with things like a pool/hot tub/etc.
drank less starbucks…
ate out less…
did things together outdoors rather than had cable…
walked places on occasion rather than drove…
sigh….
May 7th, 2007 18:24
Bryan
…of what beauty you speak. Are you an idealist or a Christian practically applying the truth in Scripture?
May 7th, 2007 20:10
Steve,
I enjoyed this post and the comments. We talked about tithing in the office today. One person admitted that he didn’t think Scripture taught that tithing was required for believers - especially the way tithing is taught today, i.e. giving to maintain the building and salaries and other organizational issues. However, this brother said that he was almost afraid to stop putting money in the offering plate. It has been ingrained into him that God is going to punish him if he stops giving to the local church. I think it is a travesity that so many have been teaching this.
-Alan
May 7th, 2007 21:13
How about more food for thought? (I am actually flutemom’s husband) Before one can understand Old Testament Tithing one must understand the religious, political, and social climate in which it was given. Israel’s existence was established as a Theocracy. All three areas were under the direct rule of God. (as it will be in the Millennium and in the new Jerusalem)
As has been pointed out, the tithe was more than 10% and each tithe was used for different purposes. Some for political, some for religious, and some for social. If one were to insist on the tithe being for today then one would have to conclude that the giving of our taxes is part of our tithe. The giving of money for social reasons, both in the political and non-church settings would also be considered as part of our tithe.
In all three areas of Israel’s tithe, religious, political, and social, the tithe was used for the needs of other people. As I see it, about the only correlation one can make between OT tithing and the church today is that we have an obligation to provide for one another’s needs. This can be done through many avenues - a collection plate, social programs to feed the poor,spontaneous giving as needs are brought to our attention, and even government programs.
Just because the Apostle Paul CHOSE to work does not mean that everyone who serves God full time HAS to work. Paul even stated he was working so as not to be a burden to the ones he was ministering to. Therefore, his working was out of expediency and not of compulsion. Yet Paul also took gifts($$$) from another church. Each situation was dealt with on an individual basis. So to say one method of providing for each others needs is right while another is wrong is inconsistent with both Paul’s, and Christ’s, example. (Jesus healed several people with the same diseases yet did so in different ways.)
One more thing - Both the ‘laws’ in the OT and the ‘free giving’ (or Grace) of the NT were for the revealing of what is going on inside our hearts, not our heads. So whether we feel we are forced to give by tithing in the local church or whether we give all our money elsewhere, God has always, and still is, looking at our hearts condition. If our hearts are not right with respect to money, all methods by which we feel we have to give are of no value to us. Each one of us will give an account to God for we do with our money in providing for one another.
We also have no right to criticize (Judge) another’s decision on how they choose to give. We are all SERVANTS and my instructions come from my MASTER and not another servant. If I keep this in mind then I will be able to praise God for what He has called me to do AND praise Him for what He has called you to do. - MAYO
May 7th, 2007 21:21
P.S.
It is inconsistent to think anyone can participate in a local church without putting something in the offering plate to support that ministry. Didn’t King David say that he would not give to the Lord that which cost him nothing? If we gather with other believers to ‘WORSHIP’ God and contribute nothing then we have not given God anything!–MAYO
May 7th, 2007 21:40
Mayo, welcome to my blog! (Should we call you “flutedad”?
hehe) I didn’t know you were reading here. You are very welcome here to the discussion, and I appreciate your input.
I’m not sure I understand your P.S. comment equating not “putting something in the offering plate” with “contribut[ing] nothing”. Could you clarify a bit?
I think there are many things we can contribute to our gatherings that don’t necessarily involve money.
At any rate, what some of us are exploring are ways to experience fellowship and edification that don’t have so much overhead cost-wise. And this would reduce the need to put money in a plate to cover expenses of the organization.
You said several things with which I greatly agree. Like you said, Paul’s choice to work to support himself does not necessitate everyone in ministry working. I actually agree quite a bit with that.
Sometimes, I think Paul’s example is under-emphasized, but your point on the other side is valid, too. His example should not be over-emphasized and made a law unto itself.
Also, your point about heart is very well-made. I couldn’t agree more. Absolutely, the heart is the main issue.
Hope to hear more from you.
steve
May 7th, 2007 21:47
Alan, you wrote:
However, this brother said that he was almost afraid to stop putting money in the offering plate.
That makes me very sad to see this type of legalistic teaching hold people in bondage like this.
May 7th, 2007 21:50
ded,
If a group of people decide they want to pool their money and pay someone to lead them, that strikes me as completely reasonable. The laborer is worthy of his hire.
This is what I love about you. You have a way of seeing the positive in things like this, and I am glad to learn from you in this regard.
Your point is absolutely right. I do think that giving from a desire to provide for another’s needs is a fantastic thing. One in a position of leadership asking (demanding?) people to give is another. This is an example that I think we can draw from Paul.
May 7th, 2007 21:51
Bryan,
Do people realize how much money would be available in America if…
These are incredible thoughts, Bryan. Thanks for sharing your heart on this. You are correct, and I wish that our culture could see it this way.
Although I will confess that I am feeling a little defensive about the Starbucks thing….
May 7th, 2007 22:06
Mayo,
From your PS, I think you and I use different definitions for “local church”, “ministry”, and “worship”. I believe that I can minister (serve) the local church (those believers with whom I associate) without putting money in an offering plate but instead giving money as God provides and directs to those who are in need. In this, and other ways that God allows me to build up his church, I worship (submit myself in obedience to) God.
-Alan
May 7th, 2007 22:41
Hey Steve,
I comment with trepidation here, coming from a vocational pastoral perspective.
I would like to give my thoughts on your two questions. (1)Where did the concept of tithing to the local church come from? No surprises here, I think it was imported from the old covenant and made part and parcel of the new…tragic.
(2)And why is it taught as a requirement for believers to support the local church in this way by equating it with the Old Testament tithe? I see the answer here to be at least two-fold. First of all, it is bound up in tradition. And the greatest trap to any church is traditionalism.
Second, its easy. It is easy for the pastor to teach tithing because as it has already been pointed out, the pastor in a sense is beholden to those whom he serves. So, for a pastor to teach against tithing not only potentially compromises his paycheck, it also obligates the people whom he serves to support him, regardless of the quality of his ministry. (I bet you didn’t think I’d say that.)
That being said, I teach GRACE GIVING. It is closer to what the NT teaches about giving. Once, in a conversation with my brother-in-law, he made the statement that he was glad he didn’t live under the old covenant, having to keep all those laws and stuff.
I responded, “You must be nuts! In the OT, God only asked for 10%. Now he demands EVERYTHING!”
When I teach about giving, it is always in the context of Romans 12:2, and it ALWAYS involves so much more than money. Though the folks I serve desire to continue in their legalistic patterns, they are warming to the idea of grace giving as opposed to tithing. 2 Corinthians 8-9 and 12:11-18 are important texts, in my estimation.
May 7th, 2007 22:50
Tony, trepidation? C’mon, bro. You’re always welcome here, even if you disagree!
And in this case, you weren’t even disagreeing!!
Seriously, though, thank you for your comment here. I didn’t want this post to come across wrong, and I actually worded my questions very carefully.
I actually am inclined to agree with Mayo above in saying that if one is participating in and benefiting from a local church ministry, they should probably be willing to help shoulder the costs of the same.
My question, as you have correctly read it, was specifically with regard to the way in which tithing is taught.
I think you’re on the right track with regard to “grace giving”. I pray that your congregation will wake up to that as you lead them in your teaching.
Interestingly, the subject of finances in church was the very first area that I began to even start to think outside the box before I began to even consider any other model of fellowship.
Christy can vouch for me on this that when she and I first met, I was hoping to eventually pastor a church again. However, I told her that I wanted to “do things a bit differently”.
At the time, “differently” didn’t mean simple church or anything like that. I was still planning on being the man up front preaching.
But one of the things that I had already begun to think about was how giving was taught. I told her that I didn’t want to “take an offering”, but rather leave it up to people to give as they felt led, trusting God to provide whatever would be necessary.
Obviously, my path has gone way past that one point of change, but anyway, you can see why I like your answer, and you can see why this subject is actually something I care about very much.
Ded said it well above (as I’ve already pointed out) that if people want to pool resources and support someone in their midst, that seems reasonable and acceptable. A workman is definitely worthy of his hire, and we are to share with one who has taught us.
Thanks again for contributing here. Always nice to have you around, my friend!
May 8th, 2007 09:33
Ded, I’m not sure what you mean by your question. I pray that God will continue to increase my faith that in Him I can do all things, but apart from Him I am dead. I simply want to cling to Him as my Father and King, my source, believing His promises and love. As I grow in my faith He tells me my love for Him will grow. I will not even think in terms of a percentage of what is mine for Him; rather, I will know that it is all His for me to enjoy in the furtherance of His Kingdom.
May 8th, 2007 11:27
My question was more rhetorical and for the readership of the blog. Your statement sounded a bit idealistic and yet seemed grounded in Scripture at the same time. I was actually referencing a recent discussion about what is and is not practical to do in the pursuit of the ideals of the Word.
You comments about how we spend money struck me as both practical and idealistic at once. An unusual balance that was refreshing.
May 8th, 2007 13:45
The whole idea of tithing has been a major issue for many of the people whom with we fellowship. Especially for those just recently out of the I.C. model. I wasn’t sure of the answer, but I kept asking them questions, “What about the OT covenant being fulfilled?” “What about the way the NT churches gave everything?” The answers have varied for several of them, but all in all it has changed their ideas of giving for the better.
We found a lot of what we were struggling with was tradition and the fear of doing something wrong. Our giving has taken several forms, mostly in the area of time and abilities.
Sometimes money isn’t the answer. I’m hoping most of the time it isn’t. If anything, giving money is a whole lot easier than giving of oneself.
ded and Bryan,
I don’t think I could have put it any better. Do you mind if I share it with others?
May 8th, 2007 14:09
Please do and don’t feel like you have to attribute anything to me. May the King be glorified in us all and the Nations see His glory!
God can supply every need we have and he won’t ask us to do something without the resources to do it. We need to stop looking at our wallet and start asking God what His will is. That is the issue, not money. If we are looking at the wallet, as impractical as this sounds, then we are worshiping money, not God. Knowing that God is our source frees us from the bonds of money. I’m not sayign I never think about it. I do, unfortunately. It makes me mad that I ever do because He has never shown Himself unfaithful. I alone do that.
May 8th, 2007 16:10
Mike,
Words here are in the public domain already as far as I am concerned. Use as needed no footnote needed.
May 8th, 2007 22:22
Steve-
Great post!
In several of the churches I’ve served or attended, the tithe was viewed as a barometer of spiritual maturity by the pastors. (who by the way were being paid to serve) Out of the tithe of one of these churches, they spent 57% on salaries and 14% on facilities, a total of 71% before you do anything else…In my opinion, this was ridiculous. Especially when you know the actual numbers behind these percentages and the age of the church. I won’t go there. But the amount of real money available to things like actual ministry was embarrassingly small.
I do still tithe. Not out of obligation or because I’m concerned about what someone might think about my level of maturity. For me it comes down to an act of worship. I enjoy giving freely something that my unredeemed flesh would never give up. It also helps me to remember that it’s all God’s…not just the money but all of me and every part of my life.
I’m laughing now because I remember very early in my ministry being “called down” (privately) by the pastor for not tithing. Actually I was putting cash in the offering plate so that nobody would know just how much we were giving…I had no idea that this would be a problem. Apparently it was important that those who count the money know that all staff members were consistently tithing.
Sigh… Alan was right, that was a form of bondage.
Brother Tony,
Excellent comments. You are a breath of fresh air.
Be blessed…
Brandon
May 9th, 2007 09:27
ded and Bryan,
Thanks. I didn’t mean for that last statement to seem so formal.
To all,
Several of the churches I have attended in the past would tithe on the tithe. In essence giving 10% of the 10%. When things were good, one church would give much more. When things were not so good financially, it would give less. This generally went to missions and para-church orgs. Has anyone else run across this? The trickle-down effect possibly?
It seems to me that the issue of tithing is only a doorway into more serious issues within the I.C. To me at least, it looks like the church is endorsing the mindset that if you give your 10% and volunteer to help out with some program at the church, then you are off the hook to do anything outside of the four walls; the ‘church’ will do that for you. I’m sure many within the church would disagree with that observation, I know an intern pastor who is a good friend does, but the proof is in the pudding.
May 9th, 2007 20:55
Steve - thanks for taking this subject on - good stuff. I have been out of the loop for a few days, hence no response, and frankly, I’m still buried and only gave your post a cursory reading. But I am glad to see the discussion this has provoked and will try to get back and spend some more time on it when I can.
Many blessings to you!
May 10th, 2007 12:54
Just to add a bit to the conversation: Jesus always upped the ante on the Law, and He affirmed God’s intentions in giving the Law. For example, lust=adultery, hate=murder, and the Sabbath exists by the mercy of God for the sake of man. The woman who gave her only two pennies gave more to the ministry of the temple than the Pharisees who measured exactly from their wealth.
My point: None of it belongs to you anyway. Trying to figure out how much you can hold back from God works directly against the intention of God in giving it to you in the first place.
Yes, Jesus said little about “tithing,” but He said a whoooooole lot about money and our attitude towards it. And if the church is the body of Christ, with the local church as its manifestation, then that’s where our attitudes about money need to be worked out.
May 10th, 2007 18:32
David P. R., you wrote:
Trying to figure out how much you can hold back from God works directly against the intention of God in giving it to you in the first place.
Are you under the impression that this was the point of the post, or are you addressing a commenter here?
The point of this post was not to see “how much [we] can hold back”.
And if the church is the body of Christ, with the local church as its manifestation, then that’s where our attitudes about money need to be worked out.
Would you care to expand on this? What does it look like to work out our attitude of money in the local church?
May 11th, 2007 07:12
Russell Earl Kelly knows what he is talking about. He has both a web site and a book on the subject.
‘Tithing’ is NOT a requirement for Christians.
None of the ‘tithing’ that occurs now has any connection to the definition of tithing contained in the Bible. (other than to mention 10%)
In a nutshell, the were four tithes. 1)The Levitical tithe required those who raised crops (not everyone and not all professions - just those who raised crops) to give 10% of that to the Levites. This tithe only occurred 6 years out of the 7 year cycle. It also required those that raised 10 or more animals to give each tenth animal that passed under the rod to the Levites. If a person raised less than 10 animals, they were NOT required to tithe. 2) From what was given to them, the Levites in turn had to give the very best to the priests. 3) The festival tithe required that those who raised crops or animals to set aside 10% for the annual festivals. It was for the people to have a party and consume the food joyfully and alcoholic beverages (strong drink) if they wanted. 4) The Poor tithe occurred only in the 3rd and 6th years of the seven year cycle. This was set aside for the poor.
All tithes were always food and NEVER money.
I go into much more detail on my website www.inyourbible.com where, if you have a high speed internet connection, you can view or download my FREE series of 10 - 30 minute lessons titled “The Truth About Tithing”.
We should be generous but the poor widow is NOT our example. SHe was being plundered by church leaders. (Video - The Truth About the Widows Gift) There is no single formula for Christians to be able to judge for themselves whether they are generous or not. Each person needs to hear from God for themselves.
May 12th, 2007 01:33
Thanks for asking me to clarify, Steve. I do realize that the post wasn’t advocating an excuse to hold back.
However, I have heard many, many times from Christians, “I’m not under the law, I’m under grace” as an excuse to do less, whether tithing or something else. Hence, my point about Jesus upping the ante. Christ brought fulfillment to the law by writing it on our hearts.
Working out our attitudes toward money in the local church means that we disciple people to have a kingdom attitude towards money. We teach what Jesus taught about money, we encourage people to share, give, and spend in a way that furthers the kingdom of God. Not as a requirement, but as a faithful response to a faithful God.
May 12th, 2007 09:08
the tithe did not surface itself in the early church until the catholic church met and discussed it in one of their counsels. I don’t know which one off the top of my head, but it was somewhere between 500A.D. and 800A.D. (counsel of Tours or Nicea?) Other than that tithing was not part of the early NT church, well at least there’s no record of it being practiced prior to that.
May 12th, 2007 21:49
David P. R., if you don’t mind, I’d like to press a bit more. I’m trying to get to some specifics here, instead of general statements that might possibly be a mixture of tradition and scripture.
You said that we should “teach what Jesus taught about money….”
Can you give a specific example or two of what Jesus taught about money?
I promise you, I’m not jerking your chain!!
I’m seriously trying to understand the specifics of what this all means.
May 14th, 2007 11:28
[…] Sensenig takes A Closer Look at Tithing, in which he cites Jollyblogger’s question, Can we ever spend the Lord’s tithe on […]
May 16th, 2007 10:59
Thanks for pressing. I’m having to go a little deeper in my consideration of this before I post again. To be honest, I really have to go deeper in my practice of giving, because I posted on a subject that I’m missing the mark on.
Jesus taught us to be detached from money as a power. I’m realizing I’m not really all that detached.
May 16th, 2007 11:04
DPR, I appreciate your honesty here. I’m trying to evaluate my own life in this area, too, so you’re not alone!
There are times when I let money have power over my emotions, over my faith, over my freedom in Christ. You are correct that money should not be a power in our lives.
Thanks for the interaction. I appreciate your input.
May 16th, 2008 08:44
Hi, Steve, I just found your site and was interested in your thoughts here. A recent post of mine was in regard to tithing, and thus I was curious of your thoughts.
I’m still not sure of how I would teach this. One, I’m not a pastor, only a “sometimes” teacher, so I don’t have any business teaching it. Two, my current pastor is a firm believer in tithing and I’m pretty sure it’s not my job to confront him about it, as I can’t necessarily “prove” my position, either.
My post was written while a bit “upset” about a particular issue; I’m not sure I would write it quite as vehemently if I rewrote it today, but my thoughts are largely the same.
http://www.karnardkreations.com/bernardshuford/nfblog/?p=280