Tithes & Giving
- Why give?
- What are ways I can give?
- To whom do I give?
- Should I give while in debt?
- Can I give online or have my gift direct debit from my checking account?
Why give?
We must remember that all creation belongs to the Creator. We are merely stewards of that which rightfully and truly belongs to Him. Failing to obediently and joyfully give is a reflection of a failure to recognize His sovereign claim to all things. Therefore, the use of our resources, financial or otherwise, is an expression of our understanding of God and consequent disposition toward Him.
What are ways I can give?
Biblical categories include, but are not limited to, tithes, offerings and sacrifices.
- Tithes
Tithes are the consistent and routine gifts of the believer. They are primarily described in the Old Testament and included the giving of 10 percent of the first of a harvest to the Lord. This form of giving was so essential within the Old Testament that failing to carry it out properly was considered robbery (Malachi 3:8-10). It is important to note that the New Testament does not nullify the call for tithes, but rather adds depth and dimension to true tithing (Matthew 23:23; Luke 11:42). In other words, tithing alone is not a sufficient expression of obedience, but it is nonetheless a necessary aspect. Therefore, a wise interpretation of the whole of Scripture should lead us to conclude that tithing is a healthy starting point from which to base our giving.
- Offerings
Offerings are gifts given above and beyond tithes. These can be a consistent gifts or a response to a need which may arise. The point of such giving is a worshipful recognition of God's goodness and providence and a desire to bless others.
- Sacrifices
Sacrifices (as used in this context) are similar to offerings in that they are given beyond the allotted tithe, but are distinguished in that they specifically require some form of self-denial. The overarching narrative of Scripture portrays God's people as those who are called to willingly love others to the point of laying down their own rights. An aspect of this attitude is the desire to sacrifice for the sake of others. A good example of such giving is found in the eighth chapter of 2 Corinthians in which Paul writes that the Macedonian churches gave "beyond their means, of their own free will, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part" in giving to meet the needs of their brothers and sisters. Though these churches were themselves quite poor, the gospel impacted them and created in them a thirst for generosity.
To whom do I give?
In some sense, we are to give to anyone in need. At the same time, we must recognize the role which the Lord has granted to the local church. A considered approach to giving should always set aside tithes and offerings to a local church in light of its responsibility to help: (1) the pastors and staff, (2) missionaries, (3) the needful living in the community, and (4) ministry opportunities in the local community. We encourage our members to give to the local church, as a corporate body of Christ, to support the saints.
In addition, we urge our members to have a lifestyle which is defined by sacrifice. The question is never "how much should I give?" but rather "how much can I give?" Our desire should always be to give as much as possible, to family, friends, and strangers in addition to our local church. We would hope that there would never be a time in which a believer possessed excess and yet failed to give to a need in the community merely because he or she had already given their allotted weekly, monthly or yearly amount.
Should I give while in debt?
Tithing is a responsibility which we must honor. Debt is a responsibility which we must honor. Both duties must be considered carefully.
The Scriptures specifically speak about debt and command believers to work toward alleviating this burden. Debt is definitely not a preferred option and the avoidance of such is commended throughout the text. At the same time, some degree of acceptable, strategic debt (house payments, business loans and car payments could all be considered here, although there other instances which may fall under this category) may be necessitated.
In a sense, almost all Americans are in some sort of debt. Whether that be a house payment, car payment, apartment contract, credit card or otherwise. Therefore, if everyone was to wait until they were out of debt to give, nobody would ever give and the community would suffer as would our responsibility toward giving.
We recommend that anyone in overwhelming debt speak with a financial advisor who can work toward removing non-essential debt and managing reasonable debt. Non-essential debt is typically mere consumer debt which is increased through purchasing perishable and unnecessary goods beyond your means. It could also include debt which is accrued because one chooses to purchase an unnecessary type of a necessary good (for example: driving a car beyond your means or living in a larger or more comfortable house than you require, etc.). Regardless of the type of debt, if your responsibilities are such that you feel unable to give, then you are encouraged to meet with an advisor to work out a plan to allow you to do so.
The call to repay creditors must not be allowed to usurp the command to give and neither should our giving nullify our need to pay off debt. Both must be pursued. Deciding how to allocate funds to achieve both responsibilities will probably not be easy for all of us and therefore should press us toward considered counsel and wisdom.
Can I give online or have my gift direct debit from my checking account?
No, we do not have that capability. However, you can set Fellowship Baptist Church up as a vendor in your bank's online bill pay system and have the bank mail us a check each month.