This discussion centers on understanding why churches encourage financial giving and explores how tithes and offerings are used to support both church operations and charitable efforts. Members are invited to share how they would explain the purpose of giving to those curious about this practice.
It can be challenging to explain to seekers why churches ask for financial support, especially when giving might be perceived as the church simply wanting money. Many people, especially those new to faith, might wonder why their contributions are needed and how that money is used.
How would you respond if a friend or family member asked why churches encourage tithing? What do you believe is the purpose of giving in the church setting?
I had an amusing incident. I had been baptized in a Southern Baptist church. A few years later, I was working in a different town and hadn’t attended in quite some time. I came into some money and sent them $1200 just for the heck of it. Within days, I had a delegation at our doorstep, assuring us they “Hadn’t forgotten about us.” Uh-huh, right.
The issue with non-Christians is the incessant drumbeat for money, money, money. Apparently God cannot be trusted AT ALL. The occasional ministry that says “give what you can and will” and let’s it go at that has my respect. The INCESSANT DRUMBEAT is, however, the norm for churches and ministries alike. Far from tithing, I now give DIRECTLY to those who will benefit from the gift.
Ancient Rome was a slave society with a slave economy. Thinking in “Slave Economy” there is a different type of thinking. Some of the wealthiest men in Rome, they had armies of Freedmen. They would either buy a slave who had trade, or train a slave into a trade. The slave owner would free their slave, and set him up in business. The Freedman would owe back 10% of his income to his patron.
A lot of people have been in slavery to sin and depression and ugly things. Jesus Christ sets men free from their sins. There is Freedom in The Lord. A freedman may voluntarily tithe back 10%. He doesn’t have to. In choosing God’s righteous ways, he may choose to because he loves God.
Hi,
Ministries have expenses.
It is not unfair,or greedy to ask members to pay for them.
If you derive a benefit from a church, and are a member, then you have to decide what that benefit is, and what it is worth to you.
Life beats you down all week.
On Sunday, you get rejuvenated through praise, prayer, and a message from the Bible that restores your spirit.
What’s that worth to you?
What is the right amount to pay?
2 Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
(KJV)
Give what makes you happy…
If we all do that God will make it work.
I once taught a new members class, and I focused on how the church votes as a congregation for large expenditures, and they have a voice in that.
Everyone loves heat and air conditioning, and that costs money.
Repairs to the building costs money, but our church board met with the congregation if the expense was huge, or if there were choices such as repair or replace.
While we don’t pay outrageous salaries to the pastor, we do believe she should have a salary commiserate with her educational level, experience, and the cost of living. It doesn’t matter how much her husband makes, SHE is the church employee.
Being part of a congregation means being part of the financial upkeep. We don’t blow money, we have a church board and independent accountant to handle any issues, and the pastor NEVER touches church funds other than the fifty dollars petty cash-and signs a receipt when doing so. The pastor also never examines tithing records so discrimination in favor of heavy givers does not happen.
Why is the church asking non christians or visitors to contribute to the church?
Yes the church needs heating, water, electricity etc, there are salaries and repair bills, but they are the responsibility of the church members.
If a church members cannot meet the bills the church should close.
Yet, if you are visiting a gym where you are not a member-- wouldn’t you expect to pay a use-fee for your visit?
Sure, churches are like gyms and maybe they should operate as such. They should sell monthly or annual memberships that get paid whether you show up or not. Allow a guest pass for any visitor that comes with a paying member, and maybe run promotions now and then to get new members.
But folks that show up week after week, and never contribute a cent? They aren’t members, or if they are-- why do they think they have a free membership.
Oh, I’m just here for a spiritual workout. I love it, but I’m not willing to pay anything for it.
