I wish every church-goer would read this article. I have seen a lot of this kind of spiritual abuse and it needs to be called out.
On the other hand, believers should understand that the principle of tithing is not a law Jesus set us free from. It did not start with "the law of Moses" but Abraham, who gave tithe to Melchizedek after he blessed him and God gave him victory and spoils of war. It was a free-will offering as a token of honor to God, a natural response for His blessing him first. Jacob also offered a tithe as an expression of faithfulness for God sustaining him when he had nothing as a fugitive. I believe every child of God has been blessed with something to give as a "tithe", if not money then time, or effort or whatever, and if not to the local church then wherever God is honored. And "tithe" is not mathematically 10% as mentioned.
In the old days, the tithe was given "so there is food in My house" God said. His desire is to have fellowship around the table with His people, and He still desires to come and sup with us today if we could only hear His voice.
Hey, good morning Brian! “Carry forward” is how I described the portion of giving that actually moves beyond the institution into real outward impact—missions, benevolence, relief, and direct aid. It’s the opposite of retained funds that stay inside the system for salaries, buildings, operations, and expansion.
True. They did. Thank you for your response. I asked because there a relatively recent teaching called Practicing The Way by John Comer that I believe to essentially be New Age.
The idea of "needs-based" gifting and taking is broken from both ends. IMO.
The way the modern church expects it and the way and reasons why we as members of a church pay it. I liken it to a government tax.
1-The government demands taxes from its citizens.
2-The church expects tithes of its members.
The first is for the roads and parks we all use.
The second is an indulgence for the strip club on Friday. We pay it so we can skip the 'renewing of the mind' part of the contract, treating the tithe as a bypass for actual transformation.
I stumbled across #4. It was so good I went back and listened to #1-3. What an excellent series. It addresses things I've been thinking about a lot lately. Thank you.
Just what the doctor ordered, a balanced take what the tithe is and isn't. The next time my old pastor asks if I'll ever come back to the brick church, I might borrow one of your lines and ask if I'd be welcome if I have no intention of contributing a dime. Or am I expected to write a check to belong?
To those who feel pressured to tithe, ask your church if they have fully transparent books or if they filed a complete IRS Form 990 (optional for churches). The 3% Sergio cited isn't an exaggeration. It's the norm for megachurches. For smaller, rural churches it's a bit better, but the majority top out around 10%. There are, of course, exceptions. But here's the kicker...why does a church ask me to give 10% of my pre-tax income when they (unless they can prove otherwise) don't contribute 10% outside their four walls. And they don't pay taxes!
Spot on about giving to widows, homeless individuala, and kids in impoverished families. The reward is always much deeper and greater than the applause of men for "giving" or "doing". Good stuff Sergio.
The modern idea of supporting a church is actually covered by the Old Testament notion of keeping your oaths and making your vows and keeping them seriously.
If you have gone through a membership process or made any kind of promise about supporting the local church or a building program, you need to take that seriously.
Vows matter—no argument (Eccl 5:4–5). But “membership/building fund” isn’t automatically a biblical vow. Scripture also warns against rash vows and getting trapped by them (Prov 20:25). If you promised something freely, keep your word. If you were pressured or misled, don’t let people baptize coercion as covenant.
Giving is to be voluntary and cheerful (2 Cor 9:7).
I wish every church-goer would read this article. I have seen a lot of this kind of spiritual abuse and it needs to be called out.
On the other hand, believers should understand that the principle of tithing is not a law Jesus set us free from. It did not start with "the law of Moses" but Abraham, who gave tithe to Melchizedek after he blessed him and God gave him victory and spoils of war. It was a free-will offering as a token of honor to God, a natural response for His blessing him first. Jacob also offered a tithe as an expression of faithfulness for God sustaining him when he had nothing as a fugitive. I believe every child of God has been blessed with something to give as a "tithe", if not money then time, or effort or whatever, and if not to the local church then wherever God is honored. And "tithe" is not mathematically 10% as mentioned.
In the old days, the tithe was given "so there is food in My house" God said. His desire is to have fellowship around the table with His people, and He still desires to come and sup with us today if we could only hear His voice.
Amen 👊
So true! Excellent article! Wanda
Excellent.
A misunderstood, abused idea of tithing is preached more than the gospel
Sergio, this is written excellent and so true!
I don't understand what is meant by "carry forward". Can you define and clarify please?
Hey, good morning Brian! “Carry forward” is how I described the portion of giving that actually moves beyond the institution into real outward impact—missions, benevolence, relief, and direct aid. It’s the opposite of retained funds that stay inside the system for salaries, buildings, operations, and expansion.
Thank you for the clarification!
Curious... why you signed "The Way?"
Because the early believers literally called it ‘the Way’ (Acts 9:2). It’s my reminder that faith is a walk, not a label
True. They did. Thank you for your response. I asked because there a relatively recent teaching called Practicing The Way by John Comer that I believe to essentially be New Age.
The idea of "needs-based" gifting and taking is broken from both ends. IMO.
The way the modern church expects it and the way and reasons why we as members of a church pay it. I liken it to a government tax.
1-The government demands taxes from its citizens.
2-The church expects tithes of its members.
The first is for the roads and parks we all use.
The second is an indulgence for the strip club on Friday. We pay it so we can skip the 'renewing of the mind' part of the contract, treating the tithe as a bypass for actual transformation.
That’s a great way to put it, self compensation and appeasement!
Yes, precisely. 🙏🏿✝🕊
"Church" is a business model not a way to serve the people
I stumbled across #4. It was so good I went back and listened to #1-3. What an excellent series. It addresses things I've been thinking about a lot lately. Thank you.
Thank you for taking the time to read em. 🙏
Just what the doctor ordered, a balanced take what the tithe is and isn't. The next time my old pastor asks if I'll ever come back to the brick church, I might borrow one of your lines and ask if I'd be welcome if I have no intention of contributing a dime. Or am I expected to write a check to belong?
To those who feel pressured to tithe, ask your church if they have fully transparent books or if they filed a complete IRS Form 990 (optional for churches). The 3% Sergio cited isn't an exaggeration. It's the norm for megachurches. For smaller, rural churches it's a bit better, but the majority top out around 10%. There are, of course, exceptions. But here's the kicker...why does a church ask me to give 10% of my pre-tax income when they (unless they can prove otherwise) don't contribute 10% outside their four walls. And they don't pay taxes!
Spot on about giving to widows, homeless individuala, and kids in impoverished families. The reward is always much deeper and greater than the applause of men for "giving" or "doing". Good stuff Sergio.
🙏 thank you 😊
The modern idea of supporting a church is actually covered by the Old Testament notion of keeping your oaths and making your vows and keeping them seriously.
If you have gone through a membership process or made any kind of promise about supporting the local church or a building program, you need to take that seriously.
Vows matter—no argument (Eccl 5:4–5). But “membership/building fund” isn’t automatically a biblical vow. Scripture also warns against rash vows and getting trapped by them (Prov 20:25). If you promised something freely, keep your word. If you were pressured or misled, don’t let people baptize coercion as covenant.
Giving is to be voluntary and cheerful (2 Cor 9:7).
shalom