The Tithe is Illegal
When I say “illegal,” I certainly do not mean from the government’s point of view. The American federal government has been extremely generous in allowing religious organizations almost free hands in their money raising endeavors, even to the point of giving them many kinds of tax advantages. By illegal, I mean that God never authorized Christian leaders to take a tithe from God’s people. One will not find the modern church tithe authorized in the Old Covenant, nor in the New Covenant. Certainly, church historians are in agreement, when they say that tithing was not practiced by the early believers.
The tithe is a subject that is very dear to most church leaders. Those denominations that can get their members to actually bring in a full 10% of gross income can create very powerful forces far beyond their strength in numbers. The leading “tithing” sects according to an article in Christian Ministry, are interestingly what Evangelicals would term “cults.” The Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, and the World Wide Church of God are the leading givers. The fourth is the Assemblies of God. Recently, the World Wide Church of God abandoned the tithe as un-Scriptural. Donations dropped 30 per cent in the first year. (While the article in Christian Ministry lists the Jehovah’s Witnesses among leading tithing denominations, I’ve since been informed by that organization that Jehovah’s Witnesses do not practice tithing.)
According to Newsweek, most church members give far less than 10%, most giving under 2 per cent. Not surprising is the fact that the poor give a far greater portion of their income than the rich. USA Today (Oct. 25, 1990) tells us that families earning less than $10,000 give 5.5 per cent of their income to charity (not necessarily to church). Families earning between $50,000 and $60,000 give only 1.7% of their earnings.
We hope to show in this book that while many church fund-raising organizations and Christian financial counseling ministries tell us that not paying “the tithe” is robbing God, the actual Biblical facts are that those who teach tithing as a Christian doctrine are, in fact, the ones who are “robbing God.” As we go through this article, keep in mind the above statistic that the poor far out-give the rich percentage-wise.
I am going to make a statement that will probably shock many Christians who have been in church for a long period of time and feel they know the Bible pretty well. I hope this statement encourages the reader to “see for themselves” that this statement is 100 per cent Biblically true. My hope is that when we see how far off Scriptural ground we have come in such basic Christian teachings as giving, we will renew our desire to study to “show ourselves approved.” Here is the statement: The tithe as taught by most Christian denominations as being 10 per cent of gross or net income is not contained on the pages of the Bible!
Click here to download the e-book (PDF)
(Right-click and select “Save Link As”)
Source: Gary Amirault
Though Mr. Amirault adheres to the doctrinal of universal salvation (that every human being receives salvation at the end of the age) this booklet contains a powerful and relevant message. For me, it brought about freedom from lifeless obligation and catapulted me into a joyful lifestyle of extravagant giving.
I couldn’t disagree more with this article! The tithe is very much a Godly activity and is totally in the BIBLE! READ THE BIBLE PEOPLE!
Lets start with Abraham giving a tenth to king/priest Melchizedek (a type of Christ Figure). It was an issue of the heart at this time and not required in the law but the reason why we do tithe is the same reason that Abraham gave that portion, in a sense, to God.
Later the tithe was apart of the Law of the Levites that God gave to the Hebrews as a way of life (I’ve read studies done on the tithe that giving that 10 percent (gross or whatever, I don’t think matters) breaks the power of mammon in our lives and is very important to replace the position of GOD being the one that provides instead of ME being the ones who takes care of myself).
Jesus later rebukes the religious in his day for over burdening the people with all the various kinds of tithes, “But these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others (being justice, mercy and faithfulness). Not once in the Bible does it refute the tithe!!!!! So read the Bible!!! However, with that said i have heard sermons that if you give to a rich man God will give you what you give and some (misinterpretation). I believe and is used as a give me your money gimick. I’ve heard people giving their “tithe” to charity in God’s name (surely they’ll do a better job then the Church would, right). NO! Simply b/c THAT teaching right there is Selfish, self-CONTROLLING and not in the BIBLE.
Give back to God with the ORDAINED method and trust God to supply your needs
Kristi, I understand that this article addresses an issue that could be difficult to swallow. I appreciate that you took the time to share your honest opinion and be up front with me. I love that about you, sister. Many people will glance over an article and make a judgment without dialoguing and trying to work through it.
May I politely ask if you finished reading the article? I understand that it’s a lengthy document (30 pages).
The point of this article (and it’s availability on RawReligion.com) is to clarify that the tithing rule no longer applies us. Instead, we are called to be extravagant givers. You see this fleshed out in the Book of Acts where believers sold property and gave in a sacrificial way. While some may consider this an argument over semantics (i.e. word usage), I disagree. The “ten percent rule” can falsely deceive believers in two ways. First, that giving a predefined amount earns the financial favor of God. Many times, I have heard people say, “I don’t understand why I am struggling financially when I give my ten percent.” Second, that all God requires from us is ten percent of our monetary income. Not only does this keep some believers from living extravagantly, it can provide a false sense of fulfilled duty. We see our contribution as purely financial. Perhaps God would have us give of our time, instead of money alone.
Let’s continue talking about this.
Hey Matthew… I tried going to that link that you put up at the end of the blog… but it took me to some other post about elders.
I guess that answers my previous question.
No one has been able to read the article because the link was incorrect! You should be able to read the article now.
Thanks Jo!
Kristy:
I used to feel just like you, maybe even more so. I had gotten into a discussion with someone about tithing and as usual the hair bristled on the back of my neck as I vehemently defended the practice. After all, I trusted the various pastors throughout my life to teach me the truth. One day I decided to go and do my very own Bible study on the subject. Not one somebody else had laid out, just me and the Lord reading His word.
Wow! Was I in for a rude awakening or what. First, I started at that verse all pastors love to preach about in Malachi about not robbing God of the tithes in the storehouse. That is one verse. Eventually I wound up in Deuteronomy 14 where there was an entire chapter devoted to tithing. Basically it said to spend it on whatever my heart desired. Now why hadn’t I heard about this passage in my 40 years sitting in churches?
As I explored further, it dawned on me that the Lord had the perfect opportunity to instill tithing as a requirement for believers when Paul met with Peter and James to argue that the gentile believes didn’t need to be circumcised as Peter and James were arguing that they should be. If tithing was so important, why didn’t even Peter and James mention it in addition to circumsion (which was done only to males and when they were babies and not capable of making a decision to follow Jesus).
Suddenly, I had to realize that I was wrong about tithing. As the apostle Paul said, “each is to give as he is able”. Some people just cannot give 10%, some can give much more. It is a matter of allowing the Holy Spirit speak to you. Then there is the matter of who are we to give to. To answer that delves even deeper into just who the “church” is in the first place.
This started me on my exodus out of the confines of the institutional church system. Once I was out began to see just how many of them are so wasteful of the money that is given to them. Why do they need a million dollar sound system when there are widows, orphans, and those in need who are going without?
Anyway, try to step away from what you’ve been taught through the years, read God’s word completely with regard to this issue and ask Him to speak to you about it. It took a while for me to come to the realization that I did and I am sure it will with you as well. I pray for God’s guidance for you on this journey.
Hey Doug, thanks so much for the comment. What you had to say was balanced and spoken in a kind way.
I had never thought about Paul’s meeting with Peter and James in the context of tithing. That is an excellent point. Another issue that comes to mind is the Jerusalem Council. They did not mention tithe as a practice for the the Gentiles to follow. Instead, it was simple issues like avoiding sexual immorality and eat the blood of animals. Pretty basic things that, even from a sanitary level, make absolute sense.
Keep posting comments, Doug. People like you bring life to this blog!
Matthew,
I have always tried to teach my congregation that God’s expectation of us is total commitment. We do not sing, “10% to Jesus I surrender; 10% to Him I freely give …” It’s supposed to be “ALL to Jesus”. I believe it is shameful to give less out of love than we would under the law, so the tithe should be the floor of our giving, not the ceiling. But I don’t get legalistic about it. In fact, my denomination just asks members to faithfully support the ministry of the church, to take care of pastors so they can devote their full attention and energy to the work of the ministry.
When people give a tithe legalistically, God does not bless. But when they give cheerfully (the Greek word is the source of our word hilarious, meaning “with abandon”), God honors their giving. I have found that God’s arithmetic works differently from mine. When I don’t tithe, I don’t have enough to pay my bills; when I do tithe, I seem to have extra. God has blessed me in so many ways, I can only give to say thanks to Him. It is sad to see so many people get hung up on the tithe, forgetting that we owe so much more to God. Indeed, how can I say thanks for all He’s done for me. The tithe seems such a petty thing.
David,
Do you think others would look down on you if you stopped tithing a minimum of 10% to the church and, instead, used the money to buy groceries for your neighbor in need?
How would you view some people in your church if they stopped giving 10% of their income, but instead devoted time each week to visit the orphans and widows and those in prison?
David:
I sense your heart and know that you mean well in trying to be faithful to God. It appears (and I could be wrong since I don’t know you) that you probably at one time either believed in and/or taught tithing as something close to mandatory, although most pastors won’t put it in those exact terms. If you really want an excellent book on the subject, one of the best I’ve seen is Dr. Russell Earl Kelly’s book “Should the Church Teach Tithing.”
I believe that you are headed in the right direction, although I would challenge you to go further in your journey. Too many well meaning people still want to bring up the subject of tithing saying it is a good place to start, God will bless you by your faithfullness, etc. etc. My suggestion to you is to just trust God. God will lay on people’s hearts what they need to give without any man-made methods or teachings. How wonderful and what a blessing it is to see people given the freedom to really listen to God on their own. Try it, you might be pleasantly surprised.
There were several opportunities in our New Testament scriptures for the Lord to make it clear that the subject of tithing was being carried over in any way, even as a guideline. If you are a student of scripture, you know what I am talking about. Further, we are told that “each is to give as he is able.” To me that scripture is clear that we, listening to the Lord, will know what we are able to give. For the life of me I don’t understand why so many well intentioned, good hearted people, want to fall back and mention the word “tithe”. They do so out of a lack of faith because they know what that word does to people’s guilt complex.
There are several people I know of that cannot afford in this economy to give 10%. There are just as many people who can probably afford to give a lot more than 10%. The point is that this should be left between each believer and the Lord. If they are guilted into it or give 10% expecting the Lord to give them enough to pay their bills (even when the math doesn’t work), you will be left with a group of people who are not taught to listen to the Lord.
My brother, search your heart and ask yourself if you do this out of fear. Remembe God has not given us a heart of fear. Take that step of faith and just tell those that you teach that each of them should prayerfully ask the Lord what they are to give. I can guarantee that the Lord will let them know exactly how much amounts to what they are “able” to give.
I come hear being one who used to believe that tithing was close to being the 11th Commandment.
. Let go of one more vestige of our man made reliance on rules and set God’s people free.
David,
Thanks for your comment. The issue of tithing can be extremely controversial in the Body of Christ. Over the past year my stance has radically shifted. I used to believe that a “minimum of 10% on the gross” was a prerequisite for receiving blessing from the Lord. Of course, I would never have phrased it that way back then, but that is how I practically lived. I do not believe the 10% tithe is a biblical command. In fact, I believe it is an extreme misapplication of Scripture, creating proof texts outside of the original context or meaning.
That said, I would say that we – as believers – are called to be extravagant givers. Note my word: “extravagant.” The type of giving we see modeled in the New Testament is excessive, over-the-top, and sacrificial.
I also believe that the proper demonstration of an extravagant heart will manifest itself in different ways. It is easy to find comfort and a sense of fulfillment of duty when all you are asked to do is write a check every week. However, what about the most costly forms of giving? Here are a few I can think of:
- Being interrupted on a daily basis by your co-worker who is going through a rocky time in his marriage and need to talk
- Taking a single mom to the grocery store to buy her some food
- Teaching a hispanic family how to speak English
If anything, I think that we (as believers in Jesus) need to be open to all the ways that God may call upon us.
Thankfully, I no longer tithe out of fear. I am learning to cheerfully give of my time, emotions and, yes, sometimes finances. Thanks for your post!
Doug,
I’ve heard all the excuses for not giving (let alone tithing) to the church: “It’s not scriptural”. Matthew is correct in stating that we are to be extravagant, and not limited by the tithe. I gave a nod to 2 Cor. 9:7, where Paul says that “God loves a cheerful giver.” The Greek word means “with abandon” or extravagantly. It is the source of our word “hilarious”. That is, giving with no limits.
“I can’t afford to give”. But we can afford soda, chocolate, iPods, etc. We can afford what we love; and we can afford what we want. If we want something, we will find a way to afford it. If we love something (or someone), we will find a way to give to them. “I can’t afford” really means “I don’t want to” or “I don’t care about that”. To give as one is able may be to give just a dollar. You’re correct – it may be less than a tenth. But when we love soda more than God, more than the Body of Christ, there is a problem. When we “can’t afford” to give, but we just have to have the latest gizmo, tv, or gaming system, it’s not “afford”, it’s priorities.
I think the discussion boils down to a love of money. And the real argument is that we want to keep what we think is ours. My point is that God owns it all, and gives to us as He pleases. One way we acknowledge God’s ownership is by giving. It may be giving groceries to a needy person – that’s why our church has a pantry. It may be giving clothing to those in need – that’s why we donate regularly to the Salvation Army and other used-clothing programs. It may be buying a meal for a hungry person, giving to a Compassionate Ministry or a mission program – Wycliffe, Gideons, child sponsorship, etc. Paul collected offerings to relieve famine and took them to Jerusalem.
You think it’s possible that I respond out of fear? I have been a pastor for nearly 28 years, and have missed paychecks, and raised my family, lived in church-owned parsonages, fully aware that I was living on the generosity of my congregation and their willingness to give (or not). I do not tithe – I give far more. In one church, I was giving back more than half of my salary to the church. The church I pastor now is in financial crisis, and I may not get a paycheck this week. I will write a check to the church in faith. I am not wealthy (except by 3rd-world standards). My wife is my secretary, and she may not get a paycheck this week. She will still give an offering. In 28 years, God has not failed us, and I don’t believe He ever will. My wife and I also sponsor a child in Mexico, donate to our church’s pantry and clothing drives, use our car to bring people to church, donate blood to Red Cross, and buy meals for hungry people. I have also been on three mission trips to build churches and evangelize the lost.
Don’t praise me. Don’t even thank me. It’s not about me. I do what I do because God has given so much to me over the years and I have no other way to thank Him. I do whatever I do for Jesus, and the only reason I tell you what I do here is because this is somewhat anonymous. Everything I possess belongs to God, and is available for His use.
It’s not about tithing; it’s about love for God, and for His Church. I am deeply in love with Jesus. How could I ever, in good conscience … How could any Christian, who claims to be in love with Jesus, get hung up on the “legality” of the tithe? How could I ever do less than that?
Well said, David. If someone feels blessed by writing their church a check every two weeks that is great. Ultimately, each person must ask God how they should use their finances. Unfortunately, even though that may be taught from many pulpits, the normal expectation is that a mature Christian will respond by giving primarily to the building and leadership structure that they interact with on Sundays and Wednesdays.
You said that a giving lifestyle is “about love for God.” Ultimately, that is the key.
Thank you for your thoughts and the time you took to write on this site. I pray the Lord will reveal Himself to you in a powerful way during this difficult economic times.
I had come to the same conclusion long ago in my life. It isn’t about percentages, it’s a heart issue. Am I willing to trust God more than my savings account? I do give, freely, to my church. I do it to honor God, I do it to honor the church leadership and I do it first by asking God what he wants me to give. Then I give that amount. We also give to those we come across in need and to many other entities and ministries.
Once I was loose to just follow the Lord’s leading in this, it was way more refreshing, way more blessed (and I don’t necessarily mean financially) and way more freeing.
Thank you for your post. This is an awesome site, btw.
That is great, Bill. How did you come across this site?
Matthew,
I’m not sure. I was following some links this morning and ended up on the “Lover or Prostitute” post. I don’t remember which site I came from. I started with Wectar, which is a del.icio.us aggregator and somehow ended up here. Anyway, I think’s that how it happened.
Well, however it happened, thanks for dropping by. If you come across any thought-provoking articles or wish to write some of your own, let me know. I’m always looking for new content to add to this site. Blessings!
Our giving is personal and it is a heart issue. I didn’t grow up in the Church, but heard and responded to a salvation message while visiting. I loved the people at this particular church and decided to attend regularly. The tithe message was taught out of Malachi 3:8-12. Having no prior knowledge of the tithe, I believed it was a right thing to do because it was in the Bible and the church was doing things to help people. The pastor was such a loving and kind man, I didn’t believe that he would mislead us in his teachings. So I started faithfully giving 10% of my gross earnings to the Church. You know, I did feel blessed in supporting the work of God in that Church and many others like it. But as I look back, the issue was not tithing for me, the issue was becoming a giver. I was a stingy @%$#^?, selfish, non-giving person, and the Holy Spirit was working in me to become a giver.
From there the Holy Spirit led me to give to several different Outreaches/Ministries that were doing a great work for His Kingdom. Between these different Outreaches/Ministries, people’s lives were being changed and people were being fed, clothed and helped. And I was blessed, because I was obedient to His leading and because I was a giver. The Holy Spirit had taught me the “Joy of Giving.” In helping to meet someone else’s needs, I never was really that concerned about my own needs. My Heart was changed forever and I had now become a giver.
Jesus always taught His disciples, a “Higher Way.” For example, the Old Testament (OT) taught not to sleep with someone other than your husband or wife. It was sin to commit such an act, punishable by death. Jesus taught in the New Testament (NT) not to look at a member of the opposite sex with the wrong heart, wrong motives or better said in a lustful way. Jesus always “raised the bar” on how to live in His teachings. OT teaching- Don’t sleep with . . . NT teaching- Don’t look at improperly.
I wonder if the Holy Spirit is not doing the same thing with us Christians by “raising the bar” from being a “Tither” to becoming a “Giver” for His Kingdom purposes? We have to remember, whatever we do is always about advancing God’s Kingdom. What advances His Kingdom more than becoming a “Giver” that is led by His Spirit to meet the needs of people as He leads and instructs us? It has taken me many years and a lot of growing up to follow Him in my giving.
The Holy Spirit started by teaching me the Law of the Tithe (and blessed me in more ways than one for my obedience) and gradually led me through a process of learning to give where He instructs. When I tithed and gave offerings, I was blessed and had such joy because He was blessing me based on my obedience and the information I was taught and had learned at that time. Then He led me to give in other ways (beyond 10% and sometimes up to 50% of my income not including the giving of time, food, clothes, cars, property and houses). It’s being led by the Holy Spirit that matters.
If you tithe 10%, you have to ask yourself, “Is my giving based on being led by the Holy Spirit?” AND/OR “Is my giving based on what I have been taught and learned? Is what I have learned and been taught now my personal conviction at this point in my walk with God?” THEN We need to ask ourselves, “Could the Holy Spirit lead me to give in other ways and possibly go beyond the 10% and offerings? Could He or would He lead me not to give anything at all?” He has led me this way many times in my life.
Could this way of giving (being led by the Holy Spirit) be just as pleasing (and possibly more pleasing) to Him? Just as with Abraham, in winning the battle and getting Lot, his family and his possessions back, Abraham’s giving was personal and was done out of a grateful and thankful Heart knowing that his God did this for him.
We have to challenge ourselves, challenge the teachings and doctrines we have learned and have been taught. We must search the scriptures for ourselves, study to show ourselves approved to God and also test the spirits to see if they are from God. Many well intentioned Pastors, Teachers, Evangelists, Apostles, Prophets, Preachers, Rabbis, Priests and Outreaches/Ministries have taught on “The Tithes and Offerings.” We must all grow up until we come into the “Unity” or “Oneness” that the Bible teaches us. Psalms 133:1, Ephesians 4:3 and Ephesians 4:13.
Without digging too much deeper in my response, and if you truly want the truth from the Word of God, Ask yourself these questions, “Where did Jesus tithe? Certainly the Author and Finisher of our faith would set the example and teach us to follow it. Where in the scriptures did Jesus teach His disciples to tithe? There certainly should be examples listed in the scriptures for us to follow as well. Where did John the Baptist tithe? If John was the forerunner to Jesus’ earthly ministry, certainly John would have obeyed the OT Law of Tithing. Where did the 120 in the upper room tithe? Certainly they should be concerned, considering they were all Jews being taught The Law from early childhood. Where did Paul tithe? He was a Hebrew of the Hebrews and followed the Law explicitly prior to his conversion. As we can see, after searching the scriptures for ourselves, tithing is not the issue in the NT. But giving is. The word “tithe” is mentioned only 2 times by Jesus in the NT. Matthew 23:23 and Luke 11:42.
Whatever your learning and growing process is, I encourage you to follow the Word of God as you understand it AND the leading of the Holy Spirit in all of your giving. Once again, our giving is personal and it is a Heart issue.
Well said, Jim, well said!
Excellent comment Jim, right on!
I agree with what Jim says in that we are to just do as the Holy Spirit directs us. In other words, we just need to get out of God’s way. That includes imposing any sort of required percentage on what we give. Tithing is not a biblical concept for the New Testament believer. Those that preach it do so out of fear and not trusting God, even though they may deny this. Otherwise why would they preach it? Don’t they think that God can speak to every individual heart? So what if people spend their money on latte’s or chocolate, or whatever other indulgence their flesh desires. That is between them and the Lord. What they don’t need is someone teaching a message of guilt and fear to get them to do something different. God will speak to their hearts whether you tell them or not. Preaching guilt results in compulsion and such giving is not glorifying to our Lord. Didn’t the apostle Paul teach that we are not to give out of compulsion. Isn’t making someone feel guilty about buying a latte instead of giving to a church making them compulsory givers? Of course this brings up another point of where did God direct that people are to give to an institution? There is a whole host of issues that this subject brings up.
I don’t mean to be argumentative, but every preacher loves to preach from that one little verse in Micah that says “don’t rob God of the tithes in the storehouse.” Yet, I have yet to hear any preacher teach from Deutoronomy 14 where it basically says to spend it on whatever your heart desires and rejoice before the Lord. It also says to remember the Levite, so I could guess that if someone wanted to twist things around, they could say that pastors are modern day Levites, but that makes no sense since you are a Levite by birth not by personal election. God doesn’t want us twisting His scriptures around to fit our own desires no matter how worthy the cause. God has never been one to teach us that the ends justify the means.
The point is that we need to be free. Jesus came to set us free. Every person is a member of the “priesthood of believers” as stated in Hebrews. The man made pastoral system that is in place today limits people and quiets the voice of the prophets and other saints. People become spectators instead of participants. Our meetings are all geared around one man. It is too easy for heresy to invade a church where only one man can speak the word of God. This is not to criticize the well meaning Godly men who have taken on the title of pastor, but a criticism of the system that perpetuates this unbiblical practice. It is time to let God’s people go. Many pastors are like modern day pharoes who enslave God’s people with fear and trembling and rule them with legalistic requirements. I don’t apologize for coming on strong here because it is the truth.
Here is how I put it to people. What if some remote tribe in a jungle, with no prior human contact, stumbled upon a Bible. They read it from cover to cover, accepted Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. What would their meetings look like? Would they have one man in charge called a pastor? Would they require the tribe members to tithe? Come on folks, its that simple. These are easy answers. We have handed down man made traditions for centuries that have no basis in God’s word. Don’t you think its time to trust and let God’s people go?
“The man-made pastoral system”? See Ephesians 4:11-13. Of course, I could be biased since I am a pastor. Honestly, there have been many days when I’d rather not have been, but my wife reminds me “You have a call”. If I wanted to have power, get rich, be popular, and all of that, why would I become a pastor? Truthfully, I hate most of this job. I love my people, I care about the lost, and I march under orders from my Commander. I weep over the lost and the dying; I cry with the grieving; I’ve done more funerals than weddings – many without any pay at all, except the knowledge that God has helped me comfort grieving families. Why would anyone in their right mind invent such a “system”? I didn’t want it, but God wouldn’t let me do anything else. And believe me, I tried.
You’re right about one thing, though, and that is that “people have become spectators instead of participants.” That is the bane of every pastor’s life, that people just sit there and do nothing about their faith, if they even have any. We have become a people with a “form of godliness”, but no power. Yes, we should listen to the Holy Spirit – key word: SHOULD! But so many don’t. And could it not be that your Pastor is sometimes “the voice of the Holy Spirit”? See Acts 10:44. It’s a terrifying responsibility to speak for God. As I said before, I’ve been doing this for over 28 years, and I’m still terrified to stand in the pulpit, knowing that I will be called to account for my teaching.
One thing that seems to be getting lost in this discussion is this: Please show me anywhere in the New Testament where Jesus countermanded the tithe. I know that he condemned legalistic, nit-picking tithing, “while neglecting justice and mercy.”
Where is the money to come from to fulfill Paul’s instruction in 1 Cor. 9:7-14? “The Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.” To claim that asking God’s people to fulfill their obligations under God’s Word is akin to enslaving them is a radical misunderstanding of the Word. Yes, Jesus came to set us free – “from the law of sin and death”. But he also gave us commands, and called us to lives of obedience to the “law of the Spirit”. Freedom is not absolute. I do not call my people to obey me, but to obey Christ.
“What if in some remote tribe, with no other human contact, stumbled upon a Bible. They read it from cover to cover (Doug, does this include the Old Testament?), accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. What would their meetings look like? Would they have one man in charge called a pastor?” I answer, if they believed what they read, yes. God calls pastors. Would those folks tithe? Probably. This is not “man-made tradition”, but the Word of God.
David:
Please don’t take offense my brother, for none was intended. I am not criticizing the many godly, well intentioned men who serve in the position of pastor in a church. My gripe is with the “pastoral system” as I stated, not with the men therein. Does that make sense? The pastoral system is a man made system. The Greek word for pastor (poimen) only appears one time in the New Testament and we have created an entire industry and church system around it. It is the man made church system that we have today that stifles believes and turns them into pillars of stone sitting in pews. That is not the picture I get by reading 1st Corinthians and the picture painted of the churcher gathering where each is to bring something to share. Nowhere in the New Testament does it describe a pastoral system where a pastor is the do-all for everyone coming to church. That is why it doesnt’ work and why dedicated men like you get burned out. God never intended it to work that way.
I would encourage you to study church history and see where these customs and traditions really came from. A good start is “Pagan Christianity” by George Barna and Frank Viola that thoroughly researched many of our present church customs. The fact that there are days that you “hate” your job is an indication of the futility of this system.
Taking this discussion back to the tithe, of course Jesus never came out and stated the tithe was done away with. He also never said for us to stop stoning to death our disobedient children either, but we don’t do that anymore do we? I could go on and on with examples of the legal system for the Israelites, but you get my point. The system of the tithe was for the nation of Israel which was a theocracy and the tithe was their system of taxation. Most of us here are Gentiles and we don’t believe we have to circumcise if we don’t want to nor comply with the many other theocratic laws of Israel.
Have you ever taught about the tithe from Deutoronomy 14 as a pastor? If not, then why not, since that chapter has a whole lot more to say on the subject of tithing than that single verse in Malachai. I’ve sat in a lot of churches my entire life and heard many a sermon on tithing, but not once did I ever hear that chapter brought up. I found it on my own when I decided to research the issue so I could defend the practice of tithing. I was shocked to discover that plus much more on the subject that no pastor ever taught about. Preaching tithing is putting people into bondage. Jesus came to fulfill the law. He is the end, not the means.
David, I sense your frustration and your burnout. You are proceeding forth each day based on committment, but one day you will burn out. That is not good. There is a better way; not a perfect way, but a better way. I would encourage you to ask God to show this to you. Let go of the traditions you have hung onto all these years, they are pulling you down. Jesus is life my brother, not death. You have a heart of gold and are totally dedicated, but you are killing yourself with the burdens that are self imposed. Jesus said His yoke was easy and His burden was light. If that is true (and it certainly is) then you wouldn’t feel such a heavy burden. You don’t have to carry the cross back up to Calvary anymore. It is done. The price has been paid.
My heart goes out to you. If you could just begin to see God’s truth and what He really wants for His Bride, you will see things in a whole new light. Are you willing to take that first step?
Check out Frank Viola’s website http://www.ptmin.org. Here is an extensive article on that site regardign pastors: http://www.ptmin.org/straight.pdf.
I’ll stand in the gap with you David. My intent is not to destroy but to build up. I too used to be where you are today in your beliefs, but God has spoken to my heart and transformed me and allowed me to see way beyond what I was previously taught. My brother used to be an ordained Baptist minister. He too has seen the folly of the traditional insitutional church and for the last 7 years has been part of common fellowship of believers in his home where all are equals and only Jesus is in charge. I do understand and I just want you to see what the Lord has shown me. It is liberating and exciting.
Doug,
In addition to Deut. 14, be sure to look at Num. 18 and Lev 27. But you’re correct in that most Christians today are not Jews. The Jews also believed that the Sabbath was a sign for Jews (according to several Jewish resources in my library), and Sabbath observance by a gentile could be a capital offense. And I would argue that Jesus did countermand stoning disobedient children with his New Command (John 13:34-35) and his focus on bringing children. But how do you deal with Luke 11:42? Jesus is condemning the Pharisees for their meticulous tithing while neglecting “justice and the love of God.” But then he says, “You should have practiced the latter without leaveing the former undone.” Jesus very specifically does NOT countermand the tithe, even though this might have been a good opportunity to do so.
My “burn-out” comes from idle Believers who expect the pastor to do everything. Then when he does something they don’t like, they turn on him. God calls pastors, and if you want to call it a man-made system, then you need to deal with the Apostle Paul, who appointed Timothy, Titus, and others (by any other title) to be pastors — gave them charge of a church or group of churches. If any man is to blame for the system, it would be Paul. What do you call a man who rejects God’s call, God’s appointment? You seem to honor such men as enlightened. But how can that be?
I know we’re off the tithing track, but I’m wondering if this doesn’t all fit together – that rejecting the tithe and rejecting pastoral ministry aren’t symptoms of something more. I understand that God didn’t intend for the pastor to be the sole minister in a church – and I’ve taught that for all of my ministry. I want God’s people to take seriously their own call, their own role as ministers of the Gospel.
I would blame it on a bad translations of the Bible – the KJV (sorry, but it is!). The KJV put a comma that simply isn’t there in the Greek. Eph. 4:12 (KJV) says the task of God-appointed ministers is “for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” That first comma isn’t there in the Greek. It should read, as it does in the NIV, “to prepare God’s people for works of service (or ministry), so that the body of Christ may be built up.” For 400 years, the Church at large operated on the idea that it was the pastors job to do “the work of the ministry”, when in point of fact, Paul intended to say that it was the pastor’s job simply (and it’s not so simple) to prepare God’s people for the work of ministry. THEY are to do it; HE is the teacher and coach. Big difference and a huge paradigm shift for the Church.
I’m sorry. I’m sure you don’t mean to sound patronizing, but you do. Please don’t assume that your reader (me) hasn’t studied church history, or hasn’t read the Church Fathers. I have several of Barna’s books. I respect him, but he’s not always right. I’m not trying to defend a “system”. I’m trying to reform it – in my little way, in my little place. But I will not abandon it. I don’t compare myself in any way with these great men, but Martin Luther did not abandon the Church. Even after excommunication, he considered himself loyal to the Church that rejected him, but more loyal to the Scriptures. John Wesley never abandoned the Anglican Church; he attempted to reform it from inside. Abandoning the “institutional” church doesn’t do the Church any good.
I would say more, but it’s Sunday morning. I need to lead my church family in worship and teach as God has taught me.
David:
You are a hard working, dedicated, tireless worker for the Lord, and I totally respect that in you. I apologize and ask your forgiveness if I came across patronizing. That was the last thing on my mind.
My grandfather, a mighty man of God, was a Baptist minister in a little town in Kentucky for over 50 years, a graduate of Southern Theological Seminary, and he never tired of sharing Jesus with others. One of my prized possessions is a letter he sent me when I accepted the Jesus as my Lord in 1967. My older brother is an ordained minister and just about as conservative as they come. He saw many years ago the folly of many of our mand made traditions that have been handed down for so long that we view them as doctrine. For the last seven years he has been in a house church where all are equal and people are allowed to use their gifts as God directs. I was raised in a wonderful Christian home and learned about Jesus by watching my parents. As an adult, I fell away from the Lord, but He never abandoned me and eventually the Chief Shepherd brought me back to His flock. Since then, I have served in childrens’ ministry, headed up a $15 mil. building program for an IC, been an elder,helped plant two instituional churches, and taught at Calvary Bible College.
I bring all this up to show you that the roots of my faith run very deep and I don’t take what I say lightly. It has been a journey of discovery for me over the last three years and I’m not some flake who has been burned by the IC and now seek revenge (there are those like that out there). My life revolves 24/7 around the person of Jesus Christ like it never has before. I’m hoping to show you that I didn’t just fall off the turnip truck so to speak. My heart goes out to you.
Luther and Calvin did many great things for the Lord, but they too were flawed men (Luther persecuted and had killed many Anabaptists for example). Luther came out of the Roman Catholic system and brought some of that baggage with him. He replaced the centerpiece of the Catholic service, communion, with the Protestant sermon. The system he instituted was still a one man up, one man down system; separating believers in two classes, clergy and laity, defying the “priesthood of all believers”.
I don’t want to get into a theological debate and argue the nuances of the Greek language. We would be here all year and never take one step forward. My intent is to allow God to speak through me to your heart. I am a messenger, not a salesman. You say you want to reform the institutional church system. That is akin to rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. You can’t keep doing the same thing over and over again and expect a different result. That is what so many pastors are doing. They bring in a new program, shuffle things around a bit here and there; but really is the same old candy bar, just in a different wrapper.
Why is it that millions and millions of Christians are leaving the IC for a simpler expression of their role as the body of Christ? Pastors don’t like talking about it, but the facts bear this out. Churches are not growing, people are just moving from one church to another. Christians are not growing and maturing in their faith. Their spiritual muscles have become atrophied through non-use by becoming spectators every Sunday morning. It would be like the guy going to the gym to work out and just watching somebody else do all the exercises. He would never grow or benefit from that except maybe gain a better understanding of how to do the exercises.
David, you have such a heart for the Lord. Men like you really have more the heart of an apostle. With your experience and passion for the Lord, just imagine the number of small interactive house churches you could go out in your own city and plant. To me that is exciting. God will take care of you if you are faithful.
My intent is not to tear you down, but to encourage and to build you up. To edify you as a member of the body of believers. I don’t know how old you are, but I’m 51 and have been around Christianity a long time. If anything, my zeal, passion, and excitement for whatthe Lord is doing is at an all time high. I know what it means to take joy in my trials and tribulations. As a follower of Christ, I am honored the Lord would entrust me challenges that push me and allow me to grow.
You are my brother in Christ and I can only say my heart is with you, even if we disagree on certain minor matters. Our hearts are joined in the Lord and our spirits remain in unity through Jesus.
God bless you and your family.
I really believe that if each person allows God to direct their giving, the ability to give with abandon becomes innate. If God gives you a passionate desire for a ministry, or cause, or person the desire to give is absolute.
My husband and I have supported our childrens Christian school (above the cost of tuition) at the exclusion of supporting our church. Though many have tried to argue this point with us, we know that the Lord has laid a burden on our hearts for the needs of this school. That being said the local churches also need supported. I really believe that if the message of the 10% tithe to the church were replaced with God lead giving, in the amount and location directed by God, we would see an outpouring of giving that far exceeds our expectations. Some would be lead to give to the church, some to a family, some to a missionary and so on.
I really think this issue is crucial to churches. Like the elephant in the room that no one talks about. After reading all of the comments it seems obvious to me that the intent of each is the similar, only the direction in which it is delivered differs. I feel the same about the government requiring my tax dollars to fund social programs I may not agree with. If this were not required (as I do not give this with a cheerful heart) the ability to support the social programs you feel lead to would be greatly increased. When the message of a required tithe to the church is given, it lends the same feeling as when the government tells me they are better at deciding where my money goes than I am.
Thank you for bringing up this issue. It has been wonderful to read other opinions on the topic.
I’m so confused about all of this right now. I am a single Mom with a child who has had medical issues for quite a few years. I have lost a home, apartments, jobs, etc since the economy has taken a downturn. I have been unemployed since February. I have always been religious until this year and I believe that religious spirit is going. What gets me the most is that I tithe and as a result I am three months behind in my car payments and we had to start eating from the food bank. The food is full of msg and starch and has made us both sick. My son can’t eat most of what they give us. We don’t qualify for food stamps. I make too much in unemployment.
I have given and more often than not it is without a glad and cheerful heart. It is out of fear of what God will do to us if I don’t give. I even gave away furniture, dishes, clothes. Have given tons of time in volunteer time. I give, give and give. But my son does without. We really struggle. My car needs work. It’s a vicious cycle.
So, then my former Mother-in-law says, have you thought about Grace Giving? I said, what is that? She said, it is only giving what God tells you to give. I guess I do that with giving things away and giving over the 10%, huh?
So, now, I see your blog and wonder even more, have I been giving out of sheer legalism? With a spirit of religion in my heart? Is that why we struggle so much?
Oh what to do. Religion has ruined me. Jesus has saved me. And as a single Mom, I have to make sure my son has his needs met. And the church I gave all of this money to? Well, when I had pneumonia for a month and my son had two surgeries in the same month, I had one woman dry our clothes for us when my dryer broke. The rest of the church never came by. I often wonder, why do I give all of this tithe to these churches when they could really care less about the widow and the orphan?
Just my thoughts on the subject.
May God bless you Michelle in your struggles. Many of us were taught (and threatened) through years of religious upbringing that in order to receive God’s blessing (and avoid his wrath) we needed to tithe. I discovered that this came from those who were weak in their own faith and couldn’t trust God to provide what was needed. If you study your Bible and the New Covenant, you will see that tithing has no place there. The greatest teaching on this comes in one verse: “Each is to give as he is able”. Taking care of the needs comes before any church.
Your mother is right on point. If you have a relationship with Jesus, then just pray and listen to Him. He will tell exactly WHAT to give and WHERE or WHOM to give it to. You’ll be surprised to He probably won’t tell you to give it your church.
God does not “punish” us for the times we stumble in our walk. If He did, I think many of us would be in a constant state of punishment. What He does do is to allow us to suffer the consequences of our actions. You cannot earn God’s blessings, nor can you earn his punishment. I think the Lord that I don’t get what I deserve because that would mean eternal torment in hell when I die.
Praise Jesus for the freedom He gives us. If you get a chance, listen to a song called “Freedom” by Jason Upton.
Doug,
Thank you so much for your response. And guess what? We have all of Jason Upton’s cds. I love him. I love prophetic worship as well. It has been a struggle, indeed. I think about the thousands I have given to the church and we were turned away and left to be homeless by our former home church (a mega church) after I had tithed to them faithfully.
Now, while we are talking about this. What are your thoughts on the Student Awakening at IHOP in Kansas City? And any thoughts on Bill Johnson? The Ramp in Hamilton, Alabama? I’m just wondering.
Michele:
I too tithed faithfully for many years only to see the money wasted on stupid spending building empires to themselves. God took the scales of my eyes almost four years ago and began to allow me to see that the way we “do” church has gotten way off base. Check out Frank Viola and George Barna’s book “Pagan Christianity”.
Don’t know anything about Student Awakening nor The Ramp but do know quite a bit about Bill Johnson. I was asked to look into his School of Supernatural Healing and attended one session. I felt the present of evil there and had to leave. I believe that Bill Johnson is spreading false and dangerous gospel. (Why would he charge $7,000 to buy the dvd set so you too can start your own school?). You can’t teach people how to use spiritual gifts. God gives us gifts to benefit the body of Christ and we don’t need someone profiting off of them.
Bill Johnson, along with the false prophet, Larry Joyner of Morningstar Church, were the original promoters of Todd Bentley (the Lakeland Revival). As you probably know, Todd was an out of control ranter who eventually was found to be cheating on his wife during his spectacle in Florida while she stayed home with their child. He divorced his wife and is now married to his mistress.
Rather than condemn Bentley and insist he return to his wife, Johnson and Joyner “counseled” Bentley in order to restore his ministry. Because they were his early supporters Johnson and Joyner realized that in order to validate their own ministries, they couldn’t allow Bentley to be exposed as a fraud.
Remember that the Bible warns us of false prophets and false signs and wonders. Yes, even the enemy can perform miracles, but he does them to pull us away from Jesus.
I avoid all the signs and wonders folks out there, but believe in the operation of all the gifts when used biblically and to edify the body of Christ. After over 40 years as follower of Jesus, I have seen quite a bit. The enemy is alive and well and has many people deceived into thinking they are true Christians when in fact they are going to hell. This is a strong statement, but the Lord revealed this to me very specifically about three years ago.
Sorry for the long post, but Michele I sense that you God has been “pricking” your heart about how you practice religion. Religion is man’s creation, not God’s. Seek God’s presence in all that you do. Focus on Him and Him alone. It is no coincidence that you got on this site and this post after all active comments had ended some months ago and that I happened to log of today despite my interenet being down (I was able to latch on to a neighbors signal).
Shed yourself of the guilt ridden man made system of Christianity. Seek out a body of believers who make Jesus the central point of their time together.
May God bless you and your family.
I am nowhere near as eloquent as the former commenters. In fact, it’s been so long since this article/post has been commented on I may not have anyone reply. My husband and I have begun making the transition from legalistic type tithing to generous giving and I do have a question. What I can’t seem to figure out is how pastors translate part of the Malachi verse… “That there may be FOOD in my house”. Does the word “food” somehow translate to “money?” I just don’t understand how it gets twisted in translation.
I’m thankful to have found your site. We have 3 kids and are taking a HUGE step of faith by breaking out of the “typical christian” mold and seeking to see what God has for us instead.
I loved the website….So many of God’s children are having their eyes opened!
Jesus says that tithing is one of the ‘matters of the Law’ (Mat 23:23). This is conformed in Heb 7:5
Yes the pharisees ‘ought to tithe’ …but let us look at what they tithed (herbs and not money)
Anyone who teaches that tithing is a ‘spritual principle’ is saying that Jesus was not correct.
As a matter of the Law we have no right to ‘change one jot or tittle’…or Jesus says we will make ourselves ‘LEAST in the kingdom of heaven ‘ (Mat5:18-19). The Law itself warns strongly against this.
Who then authouised the following changes:-
1) Tithing was only to be produce of the promised Land (Lev 27:30&32)…who changed it to money as preached today
2) Tithing was only ever to be given to Levites (Numbers 18:21-24) under a covenant….who authorised ‘pastors’ and church organisations to touch it
3) Tithes were given to Levites because they forfeited their inheritance…who said people who own property can touch it?
4) Tithes were for Israel only (Lev 27:1 & 34)…who said Gentiles should tithe contrary to Acts 15 and Gal 2:10?
5) Tithes were to be eaten by the giver and shared with the POOR…Deut 14:22-29….who authorised this change?
Pastors and churches propogating this deception REPENT or you will ensure that your lifes work earns you NO rewards in eternity
regards in Christ
Chris
I just happened to find your website here as I was looking for the topic “what does the bible say about debt.” And, I must admit, what you are saying is true. To a degree, that is.
On one hand, the ten percent rule and the notion of tithing in and of itself was done away with, this is true. However, Jesus commissioned His believers to give with a cheerful heart and with gladness. If anyone asks anything of us, we should give it to them. I think this would apply to us today. We should not be so greedy with what we have, and that included money.
Some might say, “Well, they don’t share. They’re not living right.” Or, “I called so n so church for help, and they wouldn’t help me. They aren’t a good church or christians.” These things are so very common throughout our nation. I think that we human people rely far too much on our own thoughts about the poor or needy (“She/He has been here every month asking for help. Why don’t they try to help themselves?” – or – “We have to set guidelines for our assistance programs because otherwise people would be calling us day and night and would bleed us dry in no time. Then, what would we have to help somebody else? We have to use these guidelines so that everyone gets an equal share.”) People say things like this because they are not relying on the Divine leading of the Holy Spirit or the voice of the Lord in giving!
I must admit, I’ve been to a charity or two in my day, when things were very tough. And you know something? Not once, and I repeat, not once, did any of them stop, find a quiet place, be still or humble before the Lord, and pray for me and with me before giving any assistance. That is sad, but true.
Also, I have never read anything in the bible related to charity or giving where it says that one should equally dish out, in tiny amounts, assistance to individuals, provided they meet certain criteria. Some might point fingers of blame and say, “How can any Christian person pass by a sick homeless person on the street and barely give them a glance, let alone a dollar or two?” To answer them I would say, they pass by because they either are not led by the Holy Spirit to give to that person at that time OR they are so far removed from a personal relationship with God that they can’t hear Him when he calls.
The idea of a ten percent rule is the easy way out, I think. I’ve heard people say, “Well, I don’t have to give to such n so, because I’ve already gave my ten percent out of this week’s check.” I’m guessing some of your readers have heard the same, or even said it themselves. It is too often used as an excuse not to give, and even more often, viewed as a chore, drudgery, requirement, or commandment. Jesus said to be a cheerful giver, yet so many open their hands and plop their offerings in while they cringe in the act. Why give anything to the Lord if you despise the act? Does not the Bible tell us that, with God’s own voice, we were told that He detests the offerings, the sacrifices, the feasts, the songs and dance, because they are not done with a right heart or right mind?
I will say one more comment, and then I must go. I can’t tell you how many times I had money in my wallet, not really needing it for a specific or pressing issue, and I hear that still small voice prompting me to give it to some complete stranger or use it for some strange purpose. And you know, I would much rather give by the prompting of my Father, regardless of if its 1% or 50% or 100% than to delude myself into thinking I’m all great and wonderful by giving a dictated 10% at a place where I think is right, at my convenience, where everyone can see me. No, I would rather know that my gift went where it was supposed to go, according to God’s will, not my own. I’d rather stay away from the tax deductions for charitable religious giving (end-of-year tithing envelopes).
Does the Bible abolish the 10% rule? Yes. Should we stop giving? No! And to be honest, we should give even more now than ever before.