Does anyone honest to goodness tithe?

[Cool-Beans]

As a pastor I have a couple of responses:

I am not Catholic, I'm a United Methodist, so I know nothing of how the Catholic church spends its money. Here, however, there is always a constant need for money. Our church has grown significantly in the last few years, but we needed a new sanctuary several years ago, and are $350,000 still in debt. We also are in a super area of growth, and are out of space again. We need a new building. But don't have the money.

Beyond our own walls, we are very close to a major interstate and get transient people here all the time asking for help. We do not give cash as a church policy. We will go to the Kroger down the street and buy food, or gas, and will occasionally put someone up in one of the hotels. But we also turn lots of folks away - or do not help at the level that we might be able to because:

1) If you come in here asking for money and reeking of cigarettes, you will likely not get much help. If you can afford the cigarrettes, you can afford food.

2) I've often caught people lying. One of my tests with them is to offer them the food and or gas without cash. If they turn me down and only want the cash, I do not help them.

I don't know if that kind of thing is why you think your church is stingy. People may look at us in that light as well at times. But in an effort to help as many people as possible and to be good stewards with the money that is given, we do what we can to check out stories and not help those who are not being truthful.

Please understand - this post is not an attack on what you said - it's just a possible explanation as to why some church's may be looked at as stingy.


Blessings!
MarkyMark

Here's another idea of why I think they are stingy.

One of their teachers, who had taught for them for 10 years and coached their football team (for free) for the same amount of time...a guy who got personally involved in his students lives and dedicated most of his time to tutoring, helping, counseling and coaching (sports and personal coaching)...a guy who always pushed (with great kindness) every kid to do their very, very best at everything in their lives...had a stroke in the classroom. The last thing he did before he went down was to yell at the kids to get out of the room...his very last thought was for those kids. He knew he was dying and didn't want the kids to see it.

Hospital called in priest to perform last rites, they were ready to let him die, but I heard about it and got him life-flighted to the Cleveland Clinic, where his life was saved.

This kind and generous man, who was entirely devoted to the church/school/children when he was capable, asked them to let his daughter attend the school for free for a year or two, because he couldn't work...they refused.

Maybe the people in your church are primarily liars and cheats, so you leap to the conclusion that most folks are...but that hasn't been what I've witnessed.

I could give you other examples, but I hope that'll suffice.

Their decision to refuse him assistance, especially after everything he did for them and the kids, was unconscionable. And it isn't, like I said, the only decision they've made that was all about themselves and their banking.

Like I said, I don't encourage others to not give, but I'm not turning my money over to people that selfish and cold.

 

[FL-Belle]

Yes, I give at least 10%. Probably closer to 20-25% when special offerings (Building Fund, Benevolence Fund, Missionary and Guest speaker love offerings, + pledges to other ministries) are included in that count.
I agree with another poster that said "You can't out give God."
My church doesn't vote on every dime the church spends. And I am very glad about that. However, our church leadership is very aware that they are spending God's money and are very good stewards of the money given. In my opinion if they do make a bad decision (and just like in our own personal finances -- bad decisions can happen-- even when trying to make the wisest decision with the info. you have) they are responsible before God to answer for those decisions. Just like I am responsible before God to answer for why I did or did not give. I know our church books are open for church members if they have a question.

 

[mickeyfan2]

Here's another idea of why I think they are stingy.

One of their teachers, who had taught for them for 10 years and coached their football team (for free) for the same amount of time...a guy who got personally involved in his students lives and dedicated most of his time to tutoring, helping, counseling and coaching (sports and personal coaching)...a guy who always pushed (with great kindness) every kid to do their very, very best at everything in their lives...had a stroke in the classroom. The last thing he did before he went down was to yell at the kids to get out of the room...his very last thought was for those kids. He knew he was dying and didn't want the kids to see it.

Hospital called in priest to perform last rites, they were ready to let him die, but I heard about it and got him life-flighted to the Cleveland Clinic, where his life was saved.

This kind and generous man, who was entirely devoted to the church/school/children when he was capable, asked them to let his daughter attend the school for free for a year or two, because he couldn't work...they refused.

Maybe the people in your church are primarily liars and cheats, so you leap to the conclusion that most folks are...but that hasn't been what I've witnessed.

I could give you other examples, but I hope that'll suffice.

Their decision to refuse him assistance, especially after everything he did for them and the kids, was unconscionable. And it isn't, like I said, the only decision they've made that was all about themselves and their banking.

Like I said, I don't encourage others to not give, but I'm not turning my money over to people that selfish and cold.

Boy does kindness abound!!!

Maybe they could not afford it since their parishoners don't donate to make it so they can do charity work.

What about a fundraiser to help pay for her tuition?

 

[FSUMARCHIEF]

Here's another idea of why I think they are stingy.

One of their teachers, who had taught for them for 10 years and coached their football team (for free) for the same amount of time...a guy who got personally involved in his students lives and dedicated most of his time to tutoring, helping, counseling and coaching (sports and personal coaching)...a guy who always pushed (with great kindness) every kid to do their very, very best at everything in their lives...had a stroke in the classroom. The last thing he did before he went down was to yell at the kids to get out of the room...his very last thought was for those kids. He knew he was dying and didn't want the kids to see it.

Hospital called in priest to perform last rites, they were ready to let him die, but I heard about it and got him life-flighted to the Cleveland Clinic, where his life was saved.

This kind and generous man, who was entirely devoted to the church/school/children when he was capable, asked them to let his daughter attend the school for free for a year or two, because he couldn't work...they refused.

Maybe the people in your church are primarily liars and cheats, so you leap to the conclusion that most folks are...but that hasn't been what I've witnessed.

I could give you other examples, but I hope that'll suffice.

Their decision to refuse him assistance, especially after everything he did for them and the kids, was unconscionable. And it isn't, like I said, the only decision they've made that was all about themselves and their banking.

Like I said, I don't encourage others to not give, but I'm not turning my money over to people that selfish and cold.

I didn't say that the people in my church were liars and cheats - just that often the people who come here looking for assistance do not always tell the truth. My church is filled with good people wanting to do what is best.

I do agree with you that I think it was a poor decision for the church to not extend the help to the man you described. I would have diagreed with that decision.

You said I jump to conclusions about folks - but just a word, not all churches are stingy. Just because yours made a poor decision doesn't mean that they all are. Our church gives a significant portion of our budget to missions and to ministries that help those in need not only in America but around the world. We also collect offerings on top of the budget to support the work of agencies in our Conference.

I'm sorry your church made a poor decision with regards to the tuition for this man. And please understand - I did not say my church was filled with liars and cheats.

Blessings!
MarkyMark

 

[MommyPoppins]

Everytime the subject of tithing is brought up I'm reminded of a song we sang in VBS years ago.

God loves a cheerful giver. Ha ha ha ha ha.
God loves a cheerful giver. Ha ha ha ha.

Whoever sows sparingly, will also reap, sparingly.
Whoever sows generously, will also reap generously. Ha ha ha ha ha.

God loves a cheerful giver. Ha ha ha ha ha.
God loves a cheerful giver. Ha ha ha ha.

It's not so much the percent you give. It's what's in your heart. You are ultimately giving to God. NOT your pastor, or your building fund. Giving is a heart issue, and if you give 50% it's worthless if you aren't giving cheerful. Better to give 5% than 10% if you aren't whole heartedly giving 10%. God looks at our hearts, not our end of the year tithing statement.

 

[Cool-Beans]

I didn't say that the people in my church were liars and cheats - just that often the people who come here looking for assistance do not always tell the truth. My church is filled with good people wanting to do what is best.

I do agree with you that I think it was a poor decision for the church to not extend the help to the man you described. I would have diagreed with that decision.

You said I jump to conclusions about folks - but just a word, not all churches are stingy. Just because yours made a poor decision doesn't mean that they all are. Our church gives a significant portion of our budget to missions and to ministries that help those in need not only in America but around the world. We also collect offerings on top of the budget to support the work of agencies in our Conference.

I'm sorry your church made a poor decision with regards to the tuition for this man. And please understand - I did not say my church was filled with liars and cheats.

Blessings!
MarkyMark

Ok, I'm sorry. I still get pissed off when I think about that...and might be taking it out on you, which you don't really deserve.

And, like I said, the church itself does a lot of good for a lot of folks. But, I've made the decision to contribute a small amount weekly and (other than a few charities), give my money to people I know who need it. That's my choice, I'm not campaigning for others to follow suit.

But I was wickedly disappointed in the church and won't let it happen again. Besides, charity begins at home, right?

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I don't know this to be true, but I would be curious what would happen if you were to ask for a financial statement from the church. We publish ours and they are readily available for anyone who desires it. Our budget is in the area of 270,000 and increasing to close to $300,000 for next year. But it is an open book. And frankly, in my opinion they all should be. And you're right not all churches are open book. I don't support that at all.

Blessings!
MarkyMark

Our parish issues an annual statement. I posted this on another thread and someone posted that all parishes should pretty much be doing the same thing. Ours goes in the bulletin at the end of the fiscal year (summertime), but you would be able to ask for it at any time. I'm sure Aunt Polly could inquire with her parish.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Here's another idea of why I think they are stingy.

One of their teachers, who had taught for them for 10 years and coached their football team (for free) for the same amount of time...a guy who got personally involved in his students lives and dedicated most of his time to tutoring, helping, counseling and coaching (sports and personal coaching)...a guy who always pushed (with great kindness) every kid to do their very, very best at everything in their lives...had a stroke in the classroom. The last thing he did before he went down was to yell at the kids to get out of the room...his very last thought was for those kids. He knew he was dying and didn't want the kids to see it.

Hospital called in priest to perform last rites, they were ready to let him die, but I heard about it and got him life-flighted to the Cleveland Clinic, where his life was saved.

This kind and generous man, who was entirely devoted to the church/school/children when he was capable, asked them to let his daughter attend the school for free for a year or two, because he couldn't work...they refused.

Maybe the people in your church are primarily liars and cheats, so you leap to the conclusion that most folks are...but that hasn't been what I've witnessed.

I could give you other examples, but I hope that'll suffice.

Their decision to refuse him assistance, especially after everything he did for them and the kids, was unconscionable. And it isn't, like I said, the only decision they've made that was all about themselves and their banking.

Like I said, I don't encourage others to not give, but I'm not turning my money over to people that selfish and cold.

That's too bad--but perhaps they didn't have the ability to make it happen.

Our Parish school would in a dire circumstance assist a parent in that situation--but they have set themselves up to do that. They have an endowment fund, they have fundraisers every year to add to that endowment fund. It's primary purpose is to assist those in need of tuition assistance.

You see it as selfish and cold--but did you bother looking into why that was done? (the rumor mill doesn't cut it!)

 

[Pigeon]

No, we don't tithe to the church. We contribute to the support of our church and to many other charitable organizations. Our church is very open financially, both at the congregational and the denominational level. I wouldn't attend one that wasn't.

However, I'm not all about having a big, fancy building. I think that giving to social action projects is much, much more important than making big additions and improvements to the physical plant. I understand that maintenance and overhead costs money and I cheerfully contribute to that. But when the leadership decides we need a new pipe organ, or a new community room or things along that line, frankly, my money goes to the food bank.

 

[FSUMARCHIEF]

That's too bad--but perhaps they didn't have the ability to make it happen.

Our Parish school would in a dire circumstance assist a parent in that situation--but they have set themselves up to do that. They have an endowment fund, they have fundraisers every year to add to that endowment fund. It's primary purpose is to assist those in need of tuition assistance.

You see it as selfish and cold--but did you bother looking into why that was done? (the rumor mill doesn't cut it!)

Man. How is it that I am once again agreeing with a UF graduate?

Our Pre-school does work with parents depending on their situation. It happens sometimes that folks just don't have the money. We do what we can. But the school also has to stay afloat.

We have not raised prices in 10 years, as I understand it. But are going to be forced to because of the fact that we have parents who will commit their kids to the class, and then not pay. By the time we would be able to refill the spot, the parents have found other places for their children.

Unfortunately, churches have to be run like a business as well - which in my mind, includes accountability.

Blessings!
MarkyMark

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Man. How is it that I am once again agreeing with a UF graduate?

OT question--what year were you there? I had an ex-BF in the Marching band--and his twin was as well. The weird funny odd thing--was I hadn't seen them in years as I had moved away freshman year of high school--they called me up when they came for the battle in the swamp.

 

[mickeyfan2]

Man. How is it that I am once again agreeing with a UF graduate?

Our Pre-school does work with parents depending on their situation. It happnes sometimes that folks just don't have the money. We do what we can. But the school also has to stay afloat.

We have not raised prices in 10 years, as I understand it. BUt are goign to be forced to because of the fact thatw e have parents who will commit their kids to the class, and then not pay. By the tie we would be able to refill the spot, the parents have found other places for their children.

Unfortunately, churches have to be run like a business as well - which in my mind, includes accountability.

Blessings!
MarkyMark

You sound like a great Minister.

If I felt so stongly about the situation I would have talked to the church, pastor etc. to find out why they made that decision and then put my money where my mouth was a paid as much as I could of her tuition. Just complaining and being bitter about it solved nothing.

 

[FSUMARCHIEF]

You sound like a great Minister.

.

Or at least one that

1) can't type
2) doesn't proofread.

Did you see all the typos in my post. Holy Carp!

Blessings!
MarkyMark

Lisa i was at FSU from 89 - 94

 

[cybrkitn]

Or at least one that

1) can't type
2) doesn't proofread.

Did you see all the typos in my post. Holy Carp!

Blessings!
MarkyMark

Lisa i was at FSU from 89 - 94

I saw that, too But you're only human afterall
The funny thing about is that I could still read it the correct way.

Here, have some caffeine....

 

[bevtoy]

I feel the same way as the above post by donaldsgal.

Yes, we do give 10% as tithe and some over that as offering to various missions, charities, etc. God has been faithful to us too. I have heard the saying and found it to be true in our lives....."You can't outgive God."

We too give the 10 percent, I write the check as the first one after our incomes are deposited. It is the minimum we give. We also donate our time at Bible Schools and other activities. We donate extra for missions, and other special needs like food pantrys etc....... we consider the extra donations offerings. Tithes and offerings will bless you, take a step out in faith and see what God can and will do!

 

[my3kids]

My understanding of tithing is 10% PLUS the regular offring that you give. The offereing isn't the 10%, but on top of that. I just learned that part; I always assumed the offering should = 10%. But no, it doesn't.

 

[my3kids]

Yup 10% of gross income. Not currently attending church, so it is divided up between many good organizations.

I thought tithing was just to the church. If it counts toward all charitable contributions I'm a lot closer than I was in the above post.

 

[jimmiej]

It's not so much the percent you give. It's what's in your heart. You are ultimately giving to God. NOT your pastor, or your building fund. Giving is a heart issue, and if you give 50% it's worthless if you aren't giving cheerful. Better to give 5% than 10% if you aren't whole heartedly giving 10%. God looks at our hearts, not our end of the year tithing statement.

Although I believe 10% is mandated by Scripture, I agree with your post. Those of you that have issues with your church aren't alone. Our church is quite large (3500 members) & we don't have regularly scheduled business meetings. A financial report is available once a month & we have a finance committe & a church treasurer who go over the finances monthly. I don't always agree with every decision, but I trust my pastor & staff to do the right things with our church's money. I know our staff spends many hours in prayer every week seeking the Lord's face.

I was a Christian for 25 years & DW & I were married for 15 years before we experienced the blessings of tithing. We always felt like we couldn't afford to give much to our church. It took every penny we made to live. We always gave a lot of time & our talents to our church & hoped that was enough. When we moved to a new community/church, we made a committment to begin giving a significant % of our money. About 5-6 years ago, I finally got it up to 10%. Now I realize we CAN'T AFFORD NOT TO GIVE! Malachi 3:10 has definitely come true in our life!

10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.

 

[azgal81]

No I couldn't imagine giving that much money to the church but then I don't go to church. But if I did no I wouldn't give 10% it's highway robbery isn't that before taxes as well? So you are paying tithe on money you never even see. Yikes!

 

[Todd&Copper]

I am a lapsed Catholic, and at no point in time did my family tithe. I have Catholic friends who do tithe the full 10%. I do not know if they calculate before or after taxes, though.