Is tithing supposed to a certain percentage of your income? At the Presbyterian church we've been going to, there is a little card next to the Bible that has a chart showing what different percentages of your income are. I don't know even where to start....

Also, is donating to charities other than your church still considered "giving to God?" I personally prefer to donate to different types of things...and is donating time as good as donating money? (I mean from a "tithing" pov, not a general pov)

Finally, what is up with pledge cards at church? I alwasy though tithing was supposed to be done anonymously, like only God is supposed to know what you give??? :confused:

Michelle

Traditionally, Christians tithe 10% of their income. I think this is based on a Biblical passage, but I am embarrassed to say that I don't know which one. I was always taught to split my tithe between my church and other organizations. So half my tithe goes to my parish, and I send the other half to Salvation Army, a local retreat house, a child sponsorship program or any other worthy cause I might see that month. Our church provides envelopes for people to put in the collection basket, but I think this is more for convenience than anything else (the church records everyone's donations and sends out statements at the end of the year for tax purposes). We don't do pledge drives unless we need to raise a specific amount of money. Like right now, we need to replace our steeple so we are having a pledge drive. We need to know what people are donating because we want to make sure we will have enough money to pay for the project. I've never seen percentage cards in a church before though. That seems a bit tacky IMO.

Personally, we tithe 10% of our gross income to our local church. We don't sign any sort of "commitment" card for the tithe but if we choose to "pledge" to some other fund (like a building fund or for a certain ministry within the church), that money is over and above our tithe. In general, donations to other causes are over and above as well.

But that is just us...others probably do things differently.

The tithe is an Old Testament concept out of Malachi (I think) where the prophet taught that the people should bring a 10% of the first fruits to God.

We personally believe that people should give to God and that a tithe is a good guideline. But some people are in situations where a tithe would be a considerable hardship on them (people with considerable debt). So we encourage people to give and that amount is different for everyone.

I had a huge long post on stewardship and I shared what we believe and why about giving. The short version is that for some people giving 10% is not financially a possibility (for many different reasons). So I don't believe that they are being disobedient when they don't give a tithe. For others givng 10% of their income is a drop in the bucket and for them they should give more (parable of those that have received much, much will be required).

I do believe that you should give your principle giving through the local church. We give to the church a set amount every month and then as different needs arise we give above and beyond that amount.

wanted to say that I love this passage from Malachi 3

10 Bring the full tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house; and thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing blessing. 11 I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil; and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the LORD of hosts. 12 Then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land of delight, says the LORD of hosts.

because it's basically a dare from God to trust that your needs will be provided for.

I have some pretty strong feelings about tithing and churches either publishing what folks give and/or churches (like one I use to attend) that hold back blessings from members unless they give a full tithe (10% gross salary plus additional fast tithing) and then have a "settlement" at the end of the year. (think IRS but on a religious level)

So I admit to having a chip on my shoulder about being told what to give and who to give it to.

We donate to whomever/whatever charities we feel support our vision and/or need it to help those who are suffering.

I'd say, we average (yearly) around 7% of our income. If you add in donated time, we are well above 10%.

I put money in the pot at the local Episcopal church every Sunday but I also have been donating goods and time to programs that this Chruch spearheads.

We also donate a little bit every Christmas to the local Catholic school and also to various programs (and individual students) at my dh's school.

We donate to various environmental, social organizations. (large amount of our donations go to these types of groups....mostly to social services types of agencies)

To me, this is giving and it is spiritual in nature. I feel it is our duty to leave this world a better place than it was when we were born. (something my dh and I preach to our children all the time and something we practice daily)

To me, this is pure "religion".

I grew up Presbyterian and I always thought it odd how they seemed to be quite public about the "levels" of giving tha various members did. They did not give exact dollar amounts but there were different "levels" (had some odd names) and everyone knew who gave the most by what level their name was in. My parents still go to that church and I still find it odd, but it seems like it is somewhat normal practice.

Anyway, ds just woke up so I need to stop this long winded tirade. *lol*

Michelle

eek! The idea of being public about how much people give is disgusting to me!

Our church does keep track so that they can give you a receipt for taxes at the end of the year, but that information is totally confidential, even the elders don't know who gives how much. Only the two accountants know..

Our family is slowly striving to get up to the 10%,,we are in one of those phases of life (with my medical bills) that it is impossible. We are ok with that, and God is ok with that.

But I think that God can ask you to give to other places, not your church. we personally tithe a small amount each month to one local Womens ministry, a Christian radio station, as well as to our church. We also consider our time more valuable when it comes to tithing,and both my husband and I and our oldest daughter either teach, mentor teens, help in the nursery, sing, my husband keeps the computers running for the church and the pastors,,we give a lot in ways that aren't money, but I think those other things are even more precious and smiled on by God..sometimes I think writing a check is the easy way out,,,ya know?

I also believe that 10% does not have to be monitary. I believe you can tithe of your time and of other gifts that you have. I personally can't/don't tithe a) because dh is not a believer and won't allow me to do so b) I don't have my own income to tithe off of but I did tithe when I worked. I do give my time and tallents to the church so I believe that God is happy with that and he knows my situation. I think in the grand scheme of things 10% of something isn't much to give back to him who gave %110 I also believe that Charity work is as good but if you belong to a church at least a part of the percentage should always go to your church to help support it and it's ministries.

I have some pretty strong feelings about tithing and churches either publishing what folks give and/or churches (like one I use to attend) that hold back blessings from members unless they give a full tithe (10% gross salary plus additional fast tithing) and then have a "settlement" at the end of the year. (think IRS but on a religious level)
:shake: That is sad and disgusting. What a turnoff to so many people :(

I also believe that 10% does not have to be monitary. I believe you can tithe of your time and of other gifts that you have. I personally can't/don't tithe a) because dh is not a believer and won't allow me to do so b) I don't have my own income to tithe off of but I did tithe when I worked. I do give my time and tallents to the church so I believe that God is happy with that and he knows my situation. I think in the grand scheme of things 10% of something isn't much to give back to him who gave %110 I also believe that Charity work is as good but if you belong to a church at least a part of the percentage should always go to your church to help support it and it's ministries.

This is the same situation I would be in if we were to return to church, which I have been considering lately. DH allows me to give money to charities here and there, but honestly, there is NO WAY he would condone donating 10% of his paycheck to anyone, LOL. To be totally honest, I would guess that I donate 2-4% of his/our income to various sources throughout the year. But I always try to donate time when I can, b/c that is one thing I do have as a WAHM, flexibility of time.

I guess I have always felt (and our pastor luckily agrees) that offerings should be just that - an offering. From the heart. What you feel led to give, and able to give. What you feel comfortable giving and trusting that the Lord will provide for you.

When we sit in the main worship center we give a check every offering - its about 7-10% I'd guess when i add it up monthly. But its not the same amount every week cuz my dh is paid piece work. So if he had a great week we give more, if he had an awful week and i'm struggling with bills/groceries i may give a few dollars less.

When I sing with the praise band , dh has the kids in the soundproof parent/infant room and never remembers to give the offering cuz they don't come in there. But we figure 1. i'm giving an offering of my time and my gift by praising Him in song and 2.we make up for it in other areas.
like I'll bake 3 dozen cookies for an event at church or volunteer for a small group project.

this month we adopted an orphan from the orphanage in mexico our church supports - our gift was what we'd normally give for a month of offerings/tithes and hopefully "our" orphan will be warm, fed and have a small gift christmas day.

our church also keeps track of offerings but its confidential and used only for tax purposes (since church offerings is a tax deduction)

Originally posted by Momof6
I have some pretty strong feelings about tithing and churches either publishing what folks give and/or churches (like one I use to attend) that hold back blessings from members unless they give a full tithe (10% gross salary plus additional fast tithing) and then have a "settlement" at the end of the year. (think IRS but on a religious level)

<snip>

I think you're talking about the LDS church and I have to disagree with your statement on how things go.

First of all, the numbers of what is donated stay within the ward only. The bishop and his secretary and sometimes his counselor (if extra help is needed) are the only ones that know the amount. Even the prophet isn't given information on how much.

Secondly, you mentioned blessings are held back for members who don't pay a full tithe. I'm guessing you mean you can't visit the temple right? That's the only "blessing" I know of that is contingent partially on tithes. Seeing as how we fully believe that 10% tithing IN FULL is a commandment of God, it makes a lot of sense to me that those entering the most sacred place on earth would need to be at least *trying* to live the commandments in order to enter. I am confused why this would be considered holding back or some sort of punishment.

And finally, addressing tithing settlement - again, that is a personal thing between the member and the bishop ONLY and he simply asks if YOU consider yourself a full tithe payer. If you say yes, then when the time comes for a temple recommend, he knows that you pay a full tithe. If you say no, he asks if you're a partial payer. This isn't a judgement or any sort of punishment, but rather he wants to know how he can help you gain a testimony of this commandment. *ask me how I know lol*

No one else in the church knows whether or not you do or don't and no one asks. It ISN'T a public forum and isn't discussed with anyone outside you and your bishop.

I'm surprised this is offensive.

And for the record, tithing ISN'T about just money. The commandment is to give 10% of all income. There are other ways of income which for us means a garden at times and that's why we spend time at the cannery. For us it might mean clothing and that's why we make donations.

Fast offerings and other offerings ARE offerings and any bishop that withholds temple recommend or other so called "blessings" isn't worthy to be in his office if he does so based on optional offerings. I pay extra offerings whenever I can but have never had any trouble when I didn't or couldn't pay extra offerings.

I have never missed on tithing as an adult though and could tell you story after story about how paying tithing has helped me monetarily and in other ways but will refrain.

Just wanted to add that long note for those who might get a negative feeling from reading your post. I hope I wasn't offensive as that isn't my intention at all.

We pay a tenth of our income as tithing to the church. I also give to other organizations as we can.

And I figure that the time and effort we give to other causes counts as well. As a volunteer breastfeeding counsellor and doula for community services my family and I make an effort to make a difference for other people.

We give our tithes in an envelope and no-one else really knows exactly how much we give in proportion to our yearly income.

Kerri

Originally posted by Robin
[B]The tithe is an Old Testament concept out of Malachi (I think) where the prophet taught that the people should bring a 10% of the first fruits to God.


I don't think thats it.
In the TaNaCh there are : terumah maaser, masser sheini and bikurim (first fruits) also challah (portion of baked goods). There are other things given as well. The 10% that jews try to give today is not given to their place of worship (the beis hamikdash is not here and there is no central authority to distribute charity). It is any charity they can/ want to give to. It could also be a place of worship.

We aren't up to 10%, but I don't believe in a set percentage anyway. I beleieve we are to give what we are led to. For some that may be 20% even. We also don't believe that tithing has to be to your church you attend. We give our tithe to a couple of our friends who are in need of support. One is a church planter. We haven't had a church to go to in years... we have finally found one that is 40min away though. They don't even pay the pastor... basically the only money they are getting goes right to the electricity and stuff of the building they are renting. He is doing it all for no money at all. We definitely want to start contributing to this church now. I feel directly led to and to ignore than would be going against what God is telling me to do.

But I don't believe it all has to go to your church. I don't even believe in organized churches... we are more of the home churching , emergng church type anyway :)

Tithing is 10% of your income before taxes; the Bible also says to bring offerings, which is above and beyond tithing.

Tithing should go to wear you receive your fruit at. It could be a church, a radio station or even a tv evangalist.

A suppose you could send an offering anywhere, but an offering is suppose to glorify God so I would make sure that the organization does just that (glorifies God).

I'm not sure whats up w/ the pledge cards - I would even go as far to say its tacky. I believe that while we have instruction within the Bible on what we are do w/ our monies, I also feel that the Holy Spirit will guide you on such matters too.

Dude, how is the pastor supposed to get paid if people are tithing their time and canned fruit?

I've always believed in the 10% tithe rule until lately. There was a thread on another board about tithing and how the 10% rule is an OT "under the law" kind of thing and that there is no New Testament instruction to tithe but rather to be a cheerful *giver*. Anyway, I've been thinking about that a lot lately. Haven't yet decided if I agree with it totally or not but I thought I'd toss that out there as part of the discussion.

Originally posted by anise
Dude, how is the pastor supposed to get paid if people are tithing their time and canned fruit?


Great point....Pastors make so little really. Our church has a monthly budget of like $6000, and that covers the lead pastor, the worship leader, the secretary, rental for the school we use for services (though we are signing a contract on an old movie theater today! No more loading and unloading trailers of stuff all the time!) and rental on an office for the staff to work out of during the week. We used to have a youth pastor as well, and are in the process of finding a new one. We are a 4 year old church, with 350 members.

But each person who helps in some way reduces the work load by that much for the pastor...making it feasable for him to survive as he does! I remember at my previous home church, tiny little small town church, 100 years old with about 75 members, we owned a house where the pastor lived (the Parsonage) and paid him like $500 a month,,and he held a part time job at REI....it is just how it is!

But,,,,I can't pay 10% in monetary value..We just cannot right now. I believe that God honors what as a family we can do. I help coordinate the Women's ministry, my husband does all of the computer stuff for the office and the Pastors personally. Those are things that don't have to be paid for.

It takes a lot of work to make a church...and that is what we can help with, while we pay off medical bills that almost have us sunk right now. We give between 5-7% each month probably, and then just work a lot to make our church what it is....

there are a few schools of thought when it comes to tithing. But it all boils down to the fact that God loves a cheerful giver. Noone should be coerced or guilted into paying anything...in fact don't give at all under those conditions. Really, God doesn't need our money...it's an act of obedience and faith...whether you want to argue a tenth of gross or net, giving to charity verses giving to your home church, whether you offer time or donations...it's between your cheerful heart and God. Once people start to argue about it, it becomes a fleshly, legalistic, man-made problem.

Originally posted by LifesaBeach
there are a few schools of thought when it comes to tithing. But it all boils down to the fact that God loves a cheerful giver. Noone should be coerced or guilted into paying anything...in fact don't give at all under those conditions. Really, God doesn't need our money...it's an act of obedience and faith...whether you want to argue a tenth of gross or net, giving to charity verses giving to your home church, whether you offer time or donations...it's between your cheerful heart and God. Once people start to argue about it, it becomes a fleshly, legalistic, man-made problem.

I agree. I think that tithing is ultimately about acknowledging that all we have comes from God and in gratitude for His gifts we are going to give back to Him and his children.

Originally posted by maryalene
I agree. I think that tithing is ultimately about acknowledging that all we have comes from God and in gratitude for His gifts we are going to give back to Him and his children. yes, you said it much better than I could. THat is a much better explaination. :)

Wonderful ways of putting it!!!

As for your comment, anise, in our church, the bishop (I'm guessing that's close to the same thing as pastor?) doesn't get paid.

All the people in the church have callings, doing all different things, but this isn't their full-time job.

Does that make sense? Our bishop is also a manager at the local university. My dad was a stake president and now member of the high council but his day job was working for a clothing retailer.

Most people in our church don't work FOR the church, but they do have church callings.

My husband is president of the sunday school, and I teach a primary class (the 8 year olds) and no one gets paid.

So the tithing funds aren't used for salaries. The time I was talking about could be doing our callings. And finally, canned fruit can feed a family as much as money can buy food, right?

Hope that helps clear things up!

And finally, canned fruit can feed a family as much as money can buy food, right?

In my mind it doesn't matter. If *I* were a paid-position pastor, I would want to be paid in money the same as anybody else. I would want to be able to determine for myself how my money was handled, and if all my church members were paying in canned fruit i would have a problem.

Originally posted by anise
In my mind it doesn't matter. If *I* were a paid-position pastor, I would want to be paid in money the same as anybody else. I would want to be able to determine for myself how my money was handled, and if all my church members were paying in canned fruit i would have a problem.

me too. But like I said, in our church no one is paid, and if I were being offered food and was in need, I doubt I'd turn it down.

Originally posted by fericito
me too. But like I said, in our church no one is paid, and if I were being offered food and was in need, I doubt I'd turn it down.

N no no, I hear you. In your situation it *doesn't* matter, since your Bishop isn't paid. My position was towards paid clergy.

Of course, food offerings are always needed. But where paid clergy is concerned, I dont' think food offerings should replace monetary tithing. THat's all.

Originally posted by anise
N no no, I hear you. In your situation it *doesn't* matter, since your Bishop isn't paid. My position was towards paid clergy.

Of course, food offerings are always needed. But where paid clergy is concerned, I dont' think food offerings should replace monetary tithing. THat's all.

I agree.

Why do I always think we disagree when usually we don't? ;) :D

Originally posted by fericito
I agree.

Why do I always think we disagree when usually we don't? ;) :D

Probably because I sometimes come off like an ******* when I don't really mean to :)

Originally posted by anise
Dude, how is the pastor supposed to get paid if people are tithing their time and canned fruit?

I know what you are saying but I also understand that for some people giving money would be a hardship if not impossibility for many reasons. While it doesn't help our personal financial situation for people to give of their time, etc. It does help us in other ways.

I agree. I think that tithing is ultimately about acknowledging that all we have comes from God and in gratitude for His gifts we are going to give back to Him and his children.

ITA. What really matters is what God is asking of us and that we are obedient to him.