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Cal · 08-21-2016, 03:39 PM

I don't think that tithing is a legal obligation in the New Testament, or that pastors have the right to demand that 10% go to the home church. But I do think the OT principle of tithing does tell us that God expects some portion of our income be given away. Giving is a good thing. How much? I would never insist someone give 10%. But I think the OT establishes that 10% is not an unreasonable amount. At the very least it does that.

My point, really, is that we all should try to give something. I agree the precise amount is between someone and God. But so is how much someone prays and reads the Bible. I can't decide for someone how much they should do those things. But I can confidently say they should do them some.

Tithing aside, I still think if everyone gave what God was really leading them to give that there would be more given than is given now. I can't prove that. But I know my own heart that giving is one of the hardest things to do. Why? Because I love money too much and don't trust God enough.

And frankly I believe that without a tithing principle, even less would be given than is given now. Because stats shows it's the tithers, not those who give less, who actually support churches. Less than 20% of church members support almost 100% of church budgets. This includes churches that are quite reasonable in their salaries and expenses.

The church I attend, ACF, has modest budget expenses. We are not in debt and the leaders have promised no elaborate building projects. About 6 years ago we began to work toward giving away 50% of what is collected to other ministries around Austin and the world. We are now operating at this goal. There is no indication that any member who gives is suffering under financial burden because they are giving to the church. I don't see how this is anything but God's blessing.

Just today our pastor reported our giving $100,000 to a ministry which provides shelter and care for those attempting to escape sexual trafficking. If you have a problem with that you ought to be ashamed of yourselves.

08-21-2016, 03:39 PM	#28
Cal Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: USA Posts: 4,333	Re: What It's Really All About I don't think that tithing is a legal obligation in the New Testament, or that pastors have the right to demand that 10% go to the home church. But I do think the OT principle of tithing does tell us that God expects some portion of our income be given away. Giving is a good thing. How much? I would never insist someone give 10%. But I think the OT establishes that 10% is not an unreasonable amount. At the very least it does that. My point, really, is that we all should try to give something. I agree the precise amount is between someone and God. But so is how much someone prays and reads the Bible. I can't decide for someone how much they should do those things. But I can confidently say they should do them some. Tithing aside, I still think if everyone gave what God was really leading them to give that there would be more given than is given now. I can't prove that. But I know my own heart that giving is one of the hardest things to do. Why? Because I love money too much and don't trust God enough. And frankly I believe that without a tithing principle, even less would be given than is given now. Because stats shows it's the tithers, not those who give less, who actually support churches. Less than 20% of church members support almost 100% of church budgets. This includes churches that are quite reasonable in their salaries and expenses. The church I attend, ACF, has modest budget expenses. We are not in debt and the leaders have promised no elaborate building projects. About 6 years ago we began to work toward giving away 50% of what is collected to other ministries around Austin and the world. We are now operating at this goal. There is no indication that any member who gives is suffering under financial burden because they are giving to the church. I don't see how this is anything but God's blessing. Just today our pastor reported our giving $100,000 to a ministry which provides shelter and care for those attempting to escape sexual trafficking. If you have a problem with that you ought to be ashamed of yourselves.