Church Plants And Tithing

October 4, 2007

A lot of conversations take place about the issue of tithing and church plants. Over the last few years I have heard many church planters and church planting leaders passionately defend their viewpoint of the issue of tithing. Should a church plant be required to tithe from the beginning? Should the tithe be directed back toward the birthing entity, denomination or should it be focused on the community in which the church plant is being birthed? What do you think? Here are the three most popular ideas being shared and defended. (Maybe you can add another.)

1. No. A church plant should not be required to tithe from the start. It is expensive to plant a church and they need every dime they can gather in order to survive. A plant should be given at least 3 to 5 years to get on its feet before tithing.
2. No. A church plant should not be required to tithe, but they should give something. A new church needs a lot of money to start off right, but should give a portion of their income toward the birthing entity. The rest of their money should be focused on the community it is trying to reach.
3. Yes. A church plant should be obedient from the start. They should tithe back to the entity that birthed it in order to assist in the planting of other churches. God does not ask us to obey in increments. God will not bless us if we don't do what's right form the beginning. Besides, tithing off of a little, from the start, is easier than trying to tithe once the budget goes up. If tithing is not in the DNA of a church from the start, it will be hard to start later on.

Posted 10/4/2007 in Stephen Gray

3 Comments - Add Comment

Comments:

     Yes. I do not think that tithing should be an option. It is our responsibility to be obedient to God's requirements for the needs of God's work entrusted to us. The same tithe is supporting the fulfillment of the Great Commission commanded by Jesus under who we are.

     What about the tithing? Thats OT, NT sets the example of the church sharing everything in common not just 10%. Although, if everyone actually just put in 10% most churches would be Rock'en. How sold out would we have to be to share everything even the "nest egg" for the great commision. I better be careful, God will expect me to anne up! I will be quiet now. Earl Out!

     Tithing is a bare minimum for giving to God. It is not only an O.T. concept. I agree with Earl that we should share everything in common. If people in the church would simply give, as God called them to give, there would never be a plea for money in the church. Unfortunately, the scripture, "God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Cor 9:7) is so misused and misquoted. A careful study of that scripture, used by many to deny the need for tithing, will reveal that Paul is dealing with a lavish boast on the part of the Corinthian people. Paul was not about to let them renig on the boast that had spurred others into action. So he told them (vs.5) "So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given." Tithing is a simple thermometer of the soul. You can tell more about a person's heart through obedience in this one area, than in any other.