A long time ago I raised the question of tithing across our connection. Responses ranged from average to not at all. Has there been any interest or instruction in the area of tithing. As a member for more than 30years I recall November being the month for the teaching and preaching on tithing. These days there appears to be little teaching or preaching on the subject. If we could raise the importance of this component of our service to God we could also improve the quality of our membership participation. If we are not employing the talents of our membership than our service is confined to Sunday's only.

I am interested in as many opinions you have. From Detroit to Dakota from Vermont to Vegas and beyond please log in on your Church's tithing program of both finances and talents.

Thank You

-- Anonymous, December 01, 2002

Answers

Greetings Bro. Nalton, I believe you're correct on stewardship( tithing & such) is focused upon during November. At least it is at my church, Big Bethel in Atlanta. It is usually a very spirited and spirit filled time, where much teaching and testimony is present. One thing that I've noticed over the years is that though both finances and talents are discussed, finances seems to always be in the forefront. I think that this may be a point where " studying to show thyself approved" is on point. Often, depending on the focus of the church at a particular time, may drive the thinking and though the intention is to balance both, finances and talents, it may not be conveyed that way. It definitely is something that should be shared equally. Looking forward to more comments.

Take care, D. Renee

-- Anonymous, December 01, 2002

My pastor related how God told him to never be afraid to teach His people about Biblical giving principles. For that reason he often includes an "offering teaching" before the offering. He also says about 90% of our church membership tithes.

-- Anonymous, December 02, 2002

In recent years (last 20-25 to be exact)Biblical teaching on stewardship has served as segueway to tithing. While tithing is an important component for church finance, it is not, repeat not, a New Testament mandate. The theological problem with tithing is that it encourages a "minimalist" strategy about giving and sharing. Church folks are quick to cite the popular refrain, "If I tithe why should I give to these other endeavors?". Contrary to what tithing apologists proclaim, the economic needs of the church will not be met even if we had 100% membership committed to tithing. The reason is simple. The work of Kingdom Building is not a static enterprise consisting of non-recurring and fixed costs.

Quite the opposite is true. Kingdom building is a dynamic enterprise where new challenges and new opportunites are omnipresent. This means that sacrificial giving cannot be static (like tithing) but always subject to modification. Unfortunately, tithing fosters a thinking of low expectations.

Contemporary theology also attempts to establish a linkage between tithing and individual blessings. This peculiar thinking about tithing suggests there is a spiritual quid pro quo (expecting something in return). Nothing could be further from New Testament Theology. Neither Jesus or Paul include tithing as a cornerstone feature of stewardship yet the modern church has declared tithing to be a sine qua non for true Christian service. I wonder how many people would "tithe cheerfully" if their contributions were not tax-deductible? QED

-- Anonymous, December 03, 2002