This blog is a continuation of a two-part series on tithing and giving in the Church. In the previous segment, I discussed the lack of evidence in the New Testament that tithing is mandatory for Christians. The ‘Mosaic Law’ has been canceled by the death and resurrection of the Messiah, Our Lord Jesus Christ. No New Testament passage has, as a tenet, the doctrine of mandatory tithing for believers. The Bible does offer instructions on how church ministry should be financed.
The New Testament provides enough evidence that those who ‘work’ for the Kingdom of God should be supported by the congregants (Matthew 10:10; Luke 9:4-5; Luke 10:7; 1 Corinthians 9:9-14; 1 Timothy 5:18). The question is not if, but rather how. I agree that giving is compulsory for believers, but the Bible does not prescribe how much material wealth to give.
Some theologians have proffered reasons why tithing, as it relates to the ‘Mosaic law’, should continue in the church. The arguments and reasons given are not based on Scripture[1][2]. These include that the church should be pragmatic and view tithing as the best way for pastors to guide congregants on minimum contribution[3]. Also, that the New Testament does not mention mandatory giving of ten percent of income as it is “entry-level discipleship”[4]. There is also a debate on ‘covenant theology’[5], that is, the new covenant requires tithing without the attendant ceremonial activities of the ‘Mosaic law’.
I disagree with these approaches on giving in the church. The church should not implement doctrines that are contrary to God-given tenets in order to address a crisis (John 8:31-32, 44). Also, God does not allow us to add to and subtract from his word (Deuteronomy 12:32; Revelation 22:18-19).
Believers should acknowledge that God owns all their possessions. Giving is just returning what was His in the first place. Giving should be taught as part of discipleship by pastors and should rely on new covenant tenets.
The new covenant relies on principles of giving[6][7]. These include:
- The primary focus of every believer should be on taking care of their own household and relatives first (1 Timothy 5:7-8).
- Jesus Christ commands believers to give themselves to God first and be
obedient. Abundance of financial resources cannot replace obedience (Revelation 3:14-18)
- Giving should be motivated by a believer’s response to God’s love and faithfulness (1 Corinthians 8:9; 1 Timothy 6:17-19)
- A believer should seek guidance from God regarding their giving (James 1:5)
- Christians should give willingly and cheerfully (2 Corinthians 8:3; 9:7)
- Giving should be based on ability (Acts 11:29; 2 Corinthians 8:11-12)
- Giving in the church is part of excellence (Acts 4:32-37; 2 Corinthians 8:7).
- The Bible encourages believers to give sacrificially (Mark 12:42-44)
- The Bible encourages believers to give honestly (Acts 5:1-9)
- Believers should have a system for giving (1 Corinthians 16:2)
- Giving in the church should be motivated by faithfulness, love for the work of the Kingdom of God and pursuit of excellence (example in Ephesians 4:15-18)
- Giving in the church should encompass includes giving one’s time, expertise, gifts, and talents
Each congregation should be open about their finances and skills required in the ministry. Let each individual be guided by the Holy Spirit on what and how to contribute.
Short Bio: Matodzi Lawrence Mukwevho CA(SA) BTh Hons (cum laude) BCom Hons CTA HCCL MBA has held financial management executive positions across several industries. He is now in full-time ministry in Pretoria East with his wife Tumi.
Source:
[1] Cole SJ 2013. Why you should not tithe? (Selected Scriptures). Online article. Accessed from https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-4-why-you-should-not-tithe-selected-scriptures.
[2] Köstenberger AJ and Croteau DA 2006. Reconstructing a biblical model of giving: a discussion of relevant systematic issues and New Testament principles. Bulletin for Biblical Research 16(2):237 – 260.
[3] Allitt PN 2006. The art of tithing. Online article. Accessed from http://incharacter.org/archives/generosity/the-art-of-tithing.
[4] Ortlund R 2017.Jesus and tithing. Online article. Accessed from www.thegospelcoalition.org.
[5] Barclay W 2017. The Bible commands Christians to tithe. Online article. Accessed from www.thegospelcoalition.org.
[6] Pretorius M 2015. To tithe lawfully or give joyfully: a scriptural journey to financial liberty. Klerksdorp: Destined To Win Ministries.
[7] Van Rensburg RD 2002. Tithes and offerings in the South African context: the Bible and reality. Doctoral dissertation, University of Zululand. Empangeni, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa.