Your Expectations From A Church - When You Tithe

When you tithe what would you expect from a church

  • something

    Votes: 2 25.0%
  • nothing

    Votes: 4 50.0%
  • a whole lot

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • i expect to even give more!

    Votes: 2 25.0%

  • Total voters
    8
Just to think better of you, I will pretend you did not just post this as I already explained it. Who was the rich person?
We aren't going to come to any sort of agreement on this so I'm done discussing it with you. God provides but sometimes I think that requires dropping your pride and asking someone for help.
 
We aren't going to come to any sort of agreement on this so I'm done discussing it with you. God provides but sometimes I think that requires dropping your pride and asking someone for help.

What is wrong with Asking God for Help? he a lesser person or incapable? Does anyone have more power than God? Does he ever not keep his Word?

If you ask the One that has it all and is faithful, You go pull on people also and ask them? you said that was greed, remember?
 
What is wrong with Asking God for Help? he a lesser person or incapable? Does anyone have more power than God? Does he ever not keep his Word?

If you ask the One that has it all and is faithful, You go pull on people also and ask them? you said that was greed, remember?

You should be asking God for help, but He may lead you to ask someone specific in the church, or the church itself.
 
You should be asking God for help, but He may lead you to ask someone specific in the church, or the church itself.

No, God would speak to that person, and they would come to you. God would not ask you to speak to a person for a need.

Lots of folk in the (I always Hear God) movement have believed God said a certain pastor would meet a need or go to someone they felt God told them would meet the need to find out the other person won't meet the need and never heard God about it.

This is why I don't ask anyone for a need, never............ People have come to me, and said the Lord told them to do this or that for me though.

It's real easy to not hear God under pressure and in need. Folks in that position claim God tells them lots of things God never said.

Now, God will led you to go to a job and apply. Might tell you to get food stamps which is set up for that purpose. He does lead to pull on others or make them your source ***edit***.

But If I ask God for 10.00, then I don't need to ask someone else for 10.00.... (Unless I want 20.0 :) )
 
Last edited:
No, God would speak to that person, and they would come to you. God would not ask you to speak to a person for a need.

Lots of folk in the (I always Hear God) movement have believed God said a certain pastor would meet a need or go to someone they felt God told them would meet the need to find out the other person won't meet the need and never heard God about it.

This is why I don't ask anyone for a need, never............ People have come to me, and said the Lord told them to do this or that for me though.

It's real easy to not hear God under pressure and in need. Folks in that position claim God tells them lots of things God never said.

Now, God will led you to go to a job and apply. Might tell you to get food stamps which is set up for that purpose. He does lead to pull on others or make them your source ***edit***.

But If I ask God for 10.00, then I don't need to ask someone else for 10.00.... (Unless I want 20.0 :) )
Whatever you want to believe. This has gone so far off topic and I blame you entirely.
 
I personally do not tithe, because tithing is an old testament covenant [I do give]. I do believe in LOVE. A church should give, and God loves a cheerful giver. The church should give first to the storehouse, ie bank, and that wealth then be primarily used to: 1. meet church running costs, 2, pay the pastor, 3. meet the NEEDS within the church ie you need a new washing machine and you can t afford it the church should buy it for you. 4. spreading the gospel, 5 supporting missionaries, 6 supporting the poor outside the church. POINT 3 is why most churches will never be blessed by God because they miss the whole point of giving and love. They take the attitude oh god will bless you so you don't need our help, Wrong Answer, if you see your brother in need well what is the best way to help him? its with money. Deut 14 is very clear the Tithe was to be spent by YOU ON YOURSELF in worship of God, and every third year on the priest orphans and widows, look it up verse 26. "But the gospel we have to spread the gospel", excuse me, they will know you are Christians by your love, not your HUGS, your love. what love? If you want to preach while your congregation is full of debts what are you preaching, pie in the sky that God is going to pour out on you for what he has already provided to you, through jobs and income? if the church puts aside money for a building but not its people then it will not build the real church, only a hall that in a couple of generations will be dead, backslidden or drifted away, I've seen it, big expensive buildings that cost a million bucks but where are the people? they all drifted away unloved, unhelped. I do believe indeed in the God of miraculous provisions, I have been blessed yet never tithed, how come? Because God is not you give me one dollar i'll give you two, He's you love and follow me and i'll give you the earth and eternity. Works for me.
 
Last edited:
I personally do not tithe, because tithing is an old testament covenant [I do give]. I do believe in LOVE. A church should give, and God loves a cheerful giver. The church should give first to the storehouse, ie bank, and that wealth then be primarily used to: 1. meet church running costs, 2, pay the pastor, 3. meet the NEEDS within the church ie you need a new washing machine and you can t afford it the church should buy it for you. 4. spreading the gospel, 5 supporting missionaries, 6 supporting the poor outside the church. POINT 3 is why most churches will never be blessed by God because they miss the whole point of giving and love. They take the attitude oh god will bless you so you don't need our help, Wrong Answer, if you see your brother in need well what is the best way to help him? its with money. Deut 14 is very clear the Tithe was to be spent by YOU ON YOURSELF in worship of God, and every third year on the priest orphans and widows, look it up verse 26. "But the gospel we have to spread the gospel", excuse me, they will know you are Christians by your love, not your HUGS, your love. what love? If you want to preach while your congregation is full of debts what are you preaching, pie in the sky that God is going to pour out on you for what he has already provided to you, through jobs and income? if the church puts aside money for a building but not its people then it will not build the real church, only a hall that in a couple of generations will be dead, backslidden or drifted away, I've seen it, big expensive buildings that cost a million bucks but where are the people? they all drifted away unloved, unhelped. I do believe indeed in the God of miraculous provisions, I have been blessed yet never tithed, how come? Because God is not you give me one dollar i'll give you two, He's you love and follow me and i'll give you the earth and eternity. Works for me.

Apart from the red part. This has been the most useful, straightforward, non-mumble-jumble-lets-just-hide-behind-a-Christian-façade, honest point.
Thank you for this.
 
Hey fellow 'forum siters',

I am only voicing this because its anonymous, otherwise only God knows this question in my head.

Just wanted to know your thoughts on what you expect in exchange if you do tithe to a particular church. Even if you didn't - what would you expect?

I know its not a business, its a church but for me personally, if I am tithing to a church I would expect:
1. Personal Attention (Open doors if I need to chat or be counselled by someone)
2. If I am running a ministry - financial assistance even if its just for petrol
3. If I ever needed help - an open door

I think these are things people don't like to talk about - but I feel its such a commitment to tithe, that the receiving church 'better make it worthwhile'. I don't feel I should run tons of ministries at my cost after having done that. Or pay extra money to some attending visitor. Havent we already taken care of the church.

oooohhhh vent vent! It did sound a bit mouthy hunh?

Its a question that's in my head - that's all.

:)

I already receive some of the things you've mentioned from my church (just not the money for ministry since I don't run a ministry and I also don't think the church needs to fund *especially* individual ministries. I've been in a few ministries outside of church and they were always in someones home in which that person provided food and drinks), therefore I have never thought of wanting anything in return. I was in a desperate situation a few years ago when I could not pay my rent and even with tithing, could never get myself to ask for assistance, even though I knew they offered it. For some reason, I just always had the thought that someone in more need could use it. Some may have called it pride, but my heart just told me it wasn't the right thing, so I tapped into my retirement instead.

I honestly tithe because A) I feel convicted by the Holy Spirit to do it and B) Because our church does so much for everyone that it brings me pleasure to give back. There are some months when I was unable to tithe and others when I simply forgot. What I would do, is usually pray to God about the amount and then tithe again when I was able. Usually if I couldn't tithe for a few months, I made my next tithe larger. If I can't or don't tithe very much one month, I don't believe that God is judging me for that.

I don't go by the 10% rule. I simply ask God what he wants me contribute and go by that. Sometimes it's more than 10%, and sometimes it's less, but at least I feel confident knowing that God is guiding me and that I am doing my best not to stick by a rule, but to go by what the Holy Spirit is telling me. I think that's a large part of giving by the heart.

I've never been on the other end so I don't know if I would feel the way you do, but it would concern me if any church didn't allow you to speak to a pastor (or anyone) in the event you needed counseling. That to me just doesn't sound right. There is always someone available in our church if we need prayer or to talk. I couldn't imagine a church not having that.

My husband and I had to pay a set amount of $ to get married in our church and we considered that a tithe.
 
Last edited:
I don't really look at what I give to the church as 'buying' anything, whether it is attention, financial aid for a ministry, a louder voice in church planning, or a place to turn to in need.

As I grow older and look back, I can see that setting aside the funds and giving it to the church, and to other Christian organizations, and then not concentrating on how good a Christian I am has benefited me. It helps me understand things like faith and commitment and constancy.

Yes, if I have a need that I truly believe that my local church could and should help me with, financially or through other help, then if they did not respond well, I may feel used. I know that might be a failing on my part. Or, I may be in the wrong congregation.

As the pastor that preached in the first church I attended after receiving Christ pointed out, He desires of our time, treasure and talents. It is for our benefit as much as for the church, When we give the tangible, we receive the intangible (intangible in a worldly sense).

It does not mean that we can expect to be financially rewarded. It does not make us more deserving of the respect within the church.

I have not mentioned the word "tithe" until this point. For many that have been materially blessed, a tenth would not represent sacrificial giving, while for others, placing the smallest bill in the plate would represent a significant sacrifice.
 
I already receive some of the things you've mentioned from my church (just not the money for ministry since I don't run a ministry and I also don't think the church needs to fund *especially* individual ministries. I've been in a few ministries outside of church and they were always in someones home in which that person provided food and drinks), therefore I have never thought of wanting anything in return. I was in a desperate situation a few years ago when I could not pay my rent and even with tithing, could never get myself to ask for assistance, even though I knew they offered it. For some reason, I just always had the thought that someone in more need could use it. Some may have called it pride, but my heart just told me it wasn't the right thing, so I tapped into my retirement instead.

I honestly tithe because A) I feel convicted by the Holy Spirit to do it and B) Because our church does so much for everyone that it brings me pleasure to give back. There are some months when I was unable to tithe and others when I simply forgot. What I would do, is usually pray to God about the amount and then tithe again when I was able. Usually if I couldn't tithe for a few months, I made my next tithe larger. If I can't or don't tithe very much one month, I don't believe that God is judging me for that.

I don't go by the 10% rule. I simply ask God what he wants me contribute and go by that. Sometimes it's more than 10%, and sometimes it's less, but at least I feel confident knowing that God is guiding me and that I am doing my best not to stick by a rule, but to go by what the Holy Spirit is telling me. I think that's a large part of giving by the heart.

I've never been on the other end so I don't know if I would feel the way you do, but it would concern me if any church didn't allow you to speak to a pastor (or anyone) in the event you needed counseling. That to me just doesn't sound right. There is always someone available in our church if we need prayer or to talk. I couldn't imagine a church not having that.

My husband and I had to pay a set amount of $ to get married in our church and we considered that a tithe.


Lifeasweknow it thank you.

I like your name too for some reason, it emanates warmth and scenes of happiness :)

Anyway, thanks for your post. I am no longer with the church I was in when writing my original post.

And now, everything adds up. In my new church ok I don't get a penny. But when I can see where all the money goes, I am more than encouraged.

They are very transparent with their management of funds. For example, 25% of all incomings go towards admin i.e. pastors and staff salaries and paper, overheads, equipment etc. The other 75% goes to missions.

Beautiful because I CAN ACTUALLY see where the money is going. For me this is good enough. We donate blankets, spend 100s of thousands on mission trips with other churches who don't have the money. We as are church are forever out there.

That's what my pastor said - sometimes we just have to take church to the people.

For me, THAT is love.

Don't know, when I see how substantial some of the church members tithes are in a church and then you still ge this one person who has to catch taxis to prayer meetings that end at midnight and she has no money and you can tell she is struggling and then you wonder - what does the church do with that money.

I know this is analytical thinking and probably a bit too much but I gotta ask. If I keep tithing and a bunch of us do. Doctors, Accountants, whatever and you don't see what the money is doing in a church Then we have a problem.

Your right Life, I don't really expect anything, but I expect to see the church take care of people, I expect to see them use that money - be internally or externally :) That's the gospel in action praise God!
 
I don't really look at what I give to the church as 'buying' anything, whether it is attention, financial aid for a ministry, a louder voice in church planning, or a place to turn to in need.

As I grow older and look back, I can see that setting aside the funds and giving it to the church, and to other Christian organizations, and then not concentrating on how good a Christian I am has benefited me. It helps me understand things like faith and commitment and constancy.

Yes, if I have a need that I truly believe that my local church could and should help me with, financially or through other help, then if they did not respond well, I may feel used. I know that might be a failing on my part. Or, I may be in the wrong congregation.

As the pastor that preached in the first church I attended after receiving Christ pointed out, He desires of our time, treasure and talents. It is for our benefit as much as for the church, When we give the tangible, we receive the intangible (intangible in a worldly sense).

It does not mean that we can expect to be financially rewarded. It does not make us more deserving of the respect within the church.

I have not mentioned the word "tithe" until this point. For many that have been materially blessed, a tenth would not represent sacrificial giving, while for others, placing the smallest bill in the plate would represent a significant sacrifice.


Thanks for this.

I am just happy when I can see the church using the money on other people or activities that further the Gospel. Seeing that the money is spent is for some reason important to me.
 
Hey fellow 'forum siters',

I am only voicing this because its anonymous, otherwise only God knows this question in my head.

Just wanted to know your thoughts on what you expect in exchange if you do tithe to a particular church. Even if you didn't - what would you expect?

I know its not a business, its a church but for me personally, if I am tithing to a church I would expect:
1. Personal Attention (Open doors if I need to chat or be counselled by someone)
2. If I am running a ministry - financial assistance even if its just for petrol
3. If I ever needed help - an open door

I think these are things people don't like to talk about - but I feel its such a commitment to tithe, that the receiving church 'better make it worthwhile'. I don't feel I should run tons of ministries at my cost after having done that. Or pay extra money to some attending visitor. Havent we already taken care of the church.

oooohhhh vent vent! It did sound a bit mouthy hunh?

Its a question that's in my head - that's all.

:)

Greetings,
I don't expect anything from the church for God is my source and provider and not the church.

I tithe because I love my God, my Heavenly Father who takes care of me. I would have nothing without Him.

Let's look at what He said about the tithe.
Malachi 3:8-15
8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.

9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.

10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lordof hosts.

12 And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lordof hosts.

The problem is most believers do not understand the tithe or any of the following.
1. Tithe
2. First Fruits (which is Not the tithe)
3.Offerings
4.Alms

People tend to mix all these together and think God said this to that and that to this. Lol but sad!

There is always seed time and harvest even in the financial realm. However you need to know the kingdom laws governing these, other wise you will not see the results you hoped for.

Scripture also teaches us about having the right heart in giving. This is not only vital in our giving but everything we do in Christ or life.

A willing Heart is Key in every area of obedience in Christ.

You can do everything to the letter with an unwilling heart and I tell you this truthfully. .......another can come with a Willing Heart and miss it and get more credit then the one who did it all right but did not have a willing heart.

Again..... Remember Galatians 6:7-9
7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

This applies in everything a believer says, does and thinks.
Key here is to understand Kingdom Laws and live accordingly.
Blessings
FCJ
 
Apart from the red part. This has been the most useful, straightforward, non-mumble-jumble-lets-just-hide-behind-a-Christian-façade, honest point.
Thank you for this.
well honestly I don't tithe. I have never tithed at any time, okay maybe once or twice, in about 40 years of going to church and being a Christian.
I see some put in nothing while others only drop in a few coins,
if that's their heat then so be it.
However I would endorse tithing to mature Christians as a good practice.
any offering should be an offering of thanks for what God has done, is doing and will do.
If you don't tithe your problem is not tithing,
its the love of money, you need to shake your soul and get money to be a tool for doing good and not a necessity for living.
a lot of lack for some people is simply poor budgeting,
they want to smoke a hundred dollars a week or drink a hundred dollars a week or pig out on fast food
and then cry when a bill comes in, of course that's a negative sentiment I don't know how true it is.
God will bless us with wisdom, budgeting, investing, and also repenting of those things that make us poor.
If you are making out a will, and your alone [the spouse has passed away]
I suggest you leave half to your heirs and half to the church/charity,
I mean you have no more opportunity to do good once you are in eternity, this life is over.
 
well honestly I don't tithe. I have never tithed at any time, okay maybe once or twice, in about 40 years of going to church and being a Christian.
I see some put in nothing while others only drop in a few coins,
if that's their heat then so be it.
However I would endorse tithing to mature Christians as a good practice.

OK so are saying you are not a mature Christian here? I mean these to statements of yours don't flow together here.
Just wondering
Blessings
FCJ
 
Tithing is a huge way we ensure quality and continuity. And while the Grace of God may be free - His servants are not.

Want good preaching? Want good counseling? Want competent and well organized administration? Want a great worship team? Good Sunday school and bible study? A nice building? By and large - none of this stuff happens by accident. All of it relies upon us kicking in.

And it's key to understand that your giving makes a way for those who truly cannot contribute otherwise.
 
I am taken back a step or two as I read all these different views on the tithe. It is as folks work hard trying to prove why they don't have to honor God with their finances.

If you open up your heart unto the Father and His ways you would understand how Holy and Sacred the Tithe Really is. It always has been and always will be.

We bring our tithe unto God because we Love Him and Desire to Honor Him with our finances. It's all His any way. If it were not for His mercy and grace you would not even have the finances that you do.

Be very careful how you view and speak about the tithe......God has been known to allow your river of income to dry up and stay dried up until you change things.

Scripture talks about giving and folks these days are so concerned about their lives and how hard they work for their money that they have become stagnant in His ways.

They have lost sight of the true worship through our finances and lost sight of the truth about giving.

1. The tithe......a little 10 percent

2. First Fruits.......this is nothing to do with the tithe at all.
First fruits is the increase you get each year.
Example......you get a dollar raise starting January 1st. You work 40 hours a week. Your increase is 40 dollars a week.....
The First Fruit would be giving God that 40 dollars plus your tithe. Now this giving of the first fruit is only done once a year so for the rest of the year you keep the extra 40 a week.

3. Offerings and Gifts which is seed.
This is done above and beyond the tithe.

4. Alms. Which is giving to the poor or some one in need.
This giving is the only one you are not giving unto God and this is what scripture talks about when it says don't let the right hand know what the left has done.

This is as to not draw attention to the one in need and God see's this and it always seems to come back to you.

So before you pull bits and pieces of Scripture such as each man must decide in his heart what to give and try to excuse your self from tithing, I would urge you to study this all out and be blessed with the truth.

Have a blessed day
FCJ
 
I have to say I think we as Christians must tithe.

Not from a legalistic stance but from a relational.

The moment I made up my mind to start tithing (and I wasn't forced)
-things changed immensely for me on a spiritual front.

Apart from the financial benefits (which believe me are there)
-I wouldn't trade anything for the new relationship God and I
got out of this.

He is just that much closer and I cant explain why or how.

Take care.

In love.
Merc.
 
I have to say I think we as Christians must tithe.

Not from a legalistic stance but from a relational.

The pastor at the first church I attended after I accepted Christmas used to say that the Lord desired our Time, Talents, and Treasure.

Apart from the pastor's liking alliteration, it illustrates the commitment of the whole life of the believer, as opposed to those who feel their duty is complete after the collection plate has passed.

When a believer looks at his whole life as a gift to the Lord, the believers life is greatly enhanced.

:)
 
I just paid tithes to a man standing on the corner the other day. He was very humble, soft spoken... Did I expect anything just because I handed him a meal for several days? No. God sees are acts of kindness and He rewards us.
From the heart, we give, and expect nothing in return.
 
Back
Top