This past Sunday, there was a special speaker at Vintage City Church who spoke on human trafficking. His heart and passion motivated me to the point where I felt like I had to give something. But, instead of taking up an offering at that moment, he said to wait three weeks before making any decisions. He said he didn’t want us to make an emotional decision, but an informed decision. Think about it. Pray about it. Talk about it. I really appreciated that.
All this has me thinking… Some people think you should give to the storehouse which means your home church. I get that. I really do.
But, what if you feel led to give something or even everything to a certain ministry that doesn’t happen to be your home church? What if you think giving money to save a life through human trafficking is the most important thing you can give to at that moment?
This would definitely eliminate the “look at me because I’m giving” long walk to the offering box. ;)…
Anyways, where should/do you give your money to? Is the answer always the local church?
I think tithing to your home church is essential…if we didn’t, how would the bills get paid? I know that’s a practical view but think back to the early church. Don’t you think those offerings helped Paul travel and minister. I mean, he had to eat too.
As someone who does give regularly, I choose to tithe online and can avoid the “look at me because I’m giving” stares. 🙂
But I understand your passion for a specific need or ministry. Mine is for child sponsorship. I sponsor a little girl through World Vision. Until this month, I also sponsored a young man through Compassion International but he aged out of the program and is heading to college. During this transition with him, I got a letter that my daughter’s preschool tuition would be increasing $40 in the fall (That’s a lot for a single parent). My CI sponsorship was $38. I took that as God saying “I’m providing for your need.” Well, 3 days ago, I got a surprise check from a relative that would not only cover the $40 extra each month but will cover my daughter’s WHOLE tuition bill! So I’m looking for another child to sponsor. 🙂
I think when we are obedient and respond to the needs God places on our hearts, he will provide the means to support it. But I also believe that is never a substitute for supporting the ministry (i.e., the home church) of which he’s called us to serve.
I think tithing to your home church is essential…if we didn’t, how would the bills get paid? I know that’s a practical view but think back to the early church. Don’t you think those offerings helped Paul travel and minister. I mean, he had to eat too.
As someone who does give regularly, I choose to tithe online and can avoid the “look at me because I’m giving” stares. 🙂
But I understand your passion for a specific need or ministry. Mine is for child sponsorship. I sponsor a little girl through World Vision. Until this month, I also sponsored a young man through Compassion International but he aged out of the program and is heading to college. During this transition with him, I got a letter that my daughter’s preschool tuition would be increasing $40 in the fall (That’s a lot for a single parent). My CI sponsorship was $38. I took that as God saying “I’m providing for your need.” Well, 3 days ago, I got a surprise check from a relative that would not only cover the $40 extra each month but will cover my daughter’s WHOLE tuition bill! So I’m looking for another child to sponsor. 🙂
I think when we are obedient and respond to the needs God places on our hearts, he will provide the means to support it. But I also believe that is never a substitute for supporting the ministry (i.e., the home church) of which he’s called us to serve.
You are free to give your money wherever you want in good conscience. True, if people didn’t tithe then perhaps the local church would have an even harder time paying their bills, but what is the purpose of these “bills”? When did God say that the upkeep of our buildings, the AC, the salaries, the pretty fountains, & polished pews were where you should invest money? There’s no doubt people’s lives are being assisted & some even changed, but you have the freedom to give from convictions (revelations that have gone from heart & resonated in the head) and not obligations so that a business (ordained or not) can pay it’s bills.
Also, I haven’t tithed in nearly a decade. I practice responsible giving & generosity, because from what I’ve studied, it is righteous.
This is really personal so feel free not to answer…since you haven’t tithed in 10 years, can I ask you why? Just curious I guess.
I think Ashley’s question is valid. I’m of the belief that if you look at tithe as an act of worshiping God rather than an act of funding a local church, it doesn’t seem so optional. I think regularly tithing is a key part of living in fear and reverence of an all-powerful God.
I agree with you Steve. Tithing is worship….it’s His. I heard the best question on the radio last week…what if we woke tomorrow with only the things we thanked God for today? Everything is a blessing and everything belongs to Him.
My argument about the “bills” is merely a practical result of tithing. I would say 90% of my family serve in full-time church ministry, and we have always depended on God to supply income. And I know my family is faithful to return it through tithing.
You are free to give your money wherever you want in good conscience. True, if people didn’t tithe then perhaps the local church would have an even harder time paying their bills, but what is the purpose of these “bills”? When did God say that the upkeep of our buildings, the AC, the salaries, the pretty fountains, & polished pews were where you should invest money? There’s no doubt people’s lives are being assisted & some even changed, but you have the freedom to give from convictions (revelations that have gone from heart & resonated in the head) and not obligations so that a business (ordained or not) can pay it’s bills.
Also, I haven’t tithed in nearly a decade. I practice responsible giving & generosity, because from what I’ve studied, it is righteous.
This is really personal so feel free not to answer…since you haven’t tithed in 10 years, can I ask you why? Just curious I guess.
I think Ashley’s question is valid. I’m of the belief that if you look at tithe as an act of worshiping God rather than an act of funding a local church, it doesn’t seem so optional. I think regularly tithing is a key part of living in fear and reverence of an all-powerful God.
I agree with you Steve. Tithing is worship….it’s His. I heard the best question on the radio last week…what if we woke tomorrow with only the things we thanked God for today? Everything is a blessing and everything belongs to Him.
My argument about the “bills” is merely a practical result of tithing. I would say 90% of my family serve in full-time church ministry, and we have always depended on God to supply income. And I know my family is faithful to return it through tithing.
My wife and I are currently not giving to the church we are attending (and have been for six months). We gave to various ministries that serve outside the typical church body which is an entirely an made construct. When we feel that we will call it home permanently we will tithe there, too. It’s all God’s money and we’re giving back to Him – just not a typical church.
My wife and I are currently not giving to the church we are attending (and have been for six months). We gave to various ministries that serve outside the typical church body which is an entirely an made construct. When we feel that we will call it home permanently we will tithe there, too. It’s all God’s money and we’re giving back to Him – just not a typical church.