Advice on "tithing"?

[Chainless]

I have been struggling on where to give. I'm not looking to debate about whether tithing is a requirement or not. You're free to believe that it is.

My church is gigantic. It's extremely wealthy. They don't need my money first of all. Secondly, I don't agree with where a lot of the money goes. Thirdly, most of the staff have amazing jobs aside from their church pay and therefore, imo, don't need more wages from the church. I have narrowed my giving down to two options: A. I will give to something like World Vision, Cure.org or Compassion International or B. I will give to a struggling church in a part of town that isn't affluent like where I live. Financially I can't do 10% but I can do something. My question is: Are both of these options acceptable? I'm kinda struggling to decide.

Grace and peace.

 

[blankCrossfire]

I personally see nothing wrong with giving your wealth to those in need. Whether it be a church, charity, shelter, etc.

I do question World Vision after recent events but that's for another discussion.

 

[Kingsdotter]

"Bring the FULL amount of your tithes to the TEMPLE, so that there will be plenty of food there. Mal. 3:10
I think your tithe has to be ten percent or more, nothing less, and God was specific when He said take it to the Temple. If your Church is richly blessed already, there's nothing wrong in adding to it. God is capable of directing your Priest or pastor and enabling them to use the funds properly, if you are worried about that. Godbless

 

[Chainless]

I personally see nothing wrong with giving your wealth to those in need. Whether it be a church, charity, shelter, etc.

I do question World Vision after recent events but that's for another discussion.

blankCrossfire, thanks! I'm trying to decide whether to give to the charities or to a church in need. Both are good I suppose.

"Bring the FULL amount of your tithes to the TEMPLE, so that there will be plenty of food there. Mal. 3:10
I think your tithe has to be ten percent or more, nothing less, and God was specific when He said take it to the Temple. If your Church is richly blessed already, there's nothing wrong in adding to it. God is capable of directing your Priest or pastor and enabling them to use the funds properly, if you are worried about that. Godbless

As I said in my OP I'm not here to debate whether tithing to the temple is a requirement. I know the scriptures and I have fully researched the subject at length and with great care and have come to the conclusion it is not. You do you, though. If you feel you're required to tithe 10% to your temple that's cool. God is also capable of directing me to use my funds properly. I'd rather it go to a meal for a hungry child than another coffee bar or Mac for the cafe.

What I'm looking for is opinion on whether I should give to a charity or to a local church who needs it even though I don't attend that church. I'm also curious if others give this way.

Grace and peace.

 

[parsley]

Since the original tithe was about making sure people were fed, it would make sense to give to an organization that feeds the hungry.

Research your choices with the same savvy that you scrutinize your church. Some large altruistic organizations have the same top-heavy structure you describe. Also, some have ties with foundations and are used to make the foundations look charitable...used to improve the relations between countries... used indirectly to promote agendas.

I have found the most peace of mind in donating to a local shelter, where I know the funds will help build up needy lives in my community. I know their small staff is not overpaid, and their intents are sacrificial. They need the donations.

Don't feel guilty (if you are) for assessing how your church uses funds. There is no spiritual reward for blindly supporting a cause. The Bible is full of financial advice, showing God does not expect our heads to be in the clouds.

You might also look at how they use their funds, and whether the organizations are solvent:
GuideStar Exchange Reports for CURE International, Inc.
GuideStar Exchange Reports for Compassion International, Inc.
GuideStar Exchange Reports for WORLD VISION INTERNATIONAL

 

[Chainless]

Since the original tithe was about making sure people were fed, it would make sense to give to an organization that feeds the hungry.

Research your choices with the same savvy that you scrutinize your church. Some large altruistic organizations have the same top-heavy structure you describe. Also, some have ties with foundations and are used to make the foundations look charitable...used to improve the relations between countries... used indirectly to promote agendas.

I have found the most peace of mind in donating to a local shelter, where I know the funds will help build up needy lives in my community. I know their small staff is not overpaid, and their intents are sacrificial. They need the donations.

Don't feel guilty (if you are) for assessing how your church uses funds. There is no spiritual reward for blindly supporting a cause. The Bible is full of financial advice, showing God does not expect our heads to be in the clouds.

You might also look at how they use their funds, and whether the organizations are solvent:
GuideStar Exchange Reports for CURE International, Inc.
GuideStar Exchange Reports for Compassion International, Inc.
GuideStar Exchange Reports for WORLD VISION INTERNATIONAL

Wow, thank you so much for all the suggestions, encouragement, and links. I appreciate all your effort! Gonna do some reading there now.

Grace and peace.

 

[parsley]

Sure thing! There was a different site I was looking for -- Ministry Watch -- but was glad I found this one.

 

[Max Shade]

I said the following recently in another thread:

Here I am going to get controversial. I believe giving is obligatory, tithing is not. Tithing is law, legalism, something one can feel self righteous in if done and condemned by if neglected. Over and over Christ said that the condition of a man's heart was what mattered to God. Like seriously, you look at the Scriptures where Jesus talks about money and the point is ALWAYS the heart. Ya just can't give a set amount and be cool with God. It isn't like He needs it to pay the rent. You do give to people you love, giving is a way of showing love & God wants that. Whatever you can give "with a cheerful heart" is exactly the kind of gift God loves. Check out 2 Corinthians 9

My church is always quoting this, it is so important. Man, do you have a guess how many people have been chased out of churches over the century by pastors harping on the 10% when they are having trouble making the car payment (to get to work and avoid welfare) because somebody ain't paying child support? Ask a single mother for 10%. . . see if she comes back or feeds her kids . . . or worse, comes back and feeds the kids and tortures herself because of guilt. What does Mark 12:41-44 or Luke 21:1-4 have to say? Man, we as a faith need to quit picking and choosing OT law to try and inflict on people. It is wrong!

So, what can you cheerfully give? Do that and be blessed in it. Also consider, time is money. Volunteer time = tithed money.

 

[BFine]

Have you spoken to the church leaders about the improper
use of the tithes?

If they don't correct their error, I would suggest finding a
new church that is diligent about making good use of the
tithes/offerings that are given.

 

[Scottmcc1]

Give from your heart, give where it would be a joy to give. 2 Cor. 9:7

 

[Jerico Miles]

I would tithe to whoever, whatever and where ever would be the best way to spread the gospel to as many people as possible.

Giving money to charity is not tithe, it's considered as a gift on the part of the giver. It's good to give, especially if you're a cheerful giver. But when it comes to tithes, make the best judgement you can putting the money into the hands of those that can spread the gospel to as many people as possible.

Yes, poor people need money, but they need Jesus more. If one wants to help them, use a portion of the gifting money (not tithe) you plan to give them and buy them a bible.

And do not limit yourself to 10%, that's just a guideline. Give more whenever you can as either tithe and (not or) as gifts to others. Your tithe is God's money. Your gifting is your money.

Matthew 28:16-20 [NKJV]
The Great Commission

18) And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19) Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20) teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

 

[Kingsdotter]

I would tithe to whoever, whatever and where ever would be the best way to spread the gospel to as many people as possible.

Giving money to charity is not tithe, it's considered as a gift on the part of the giver. It's good to give, especially if you're a cheerful giver. But when it comes to tithes, make the best judgement you can putting the money into the hands of those that can spread the gospel to as many people as possible.

Yes, poor people need money, but they need Jesus more. If one wants to help them, use a portion of the gifting money (not tithe) you plan to give them and buy them a bible.

And do not limit yourself to 10%, that's just a guideline. Give more whenever you can as either tithe and (not or) as gifts to others. Your tithe is God's money. Your gifting is your money.

Matthew 28:16-20 [NKJV]
The Great Commission

18) And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19) Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20) teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

This.

 

[Sketcher]

I have been struggling on where to give. I'm not looking to debate about whether tithing is a requirement or not. You're free to believe that it is.

My church is gigantic. It's extremely wealthy. They don't need my money first of all. Secondly, I don't agree with where a lot of the money goes. Thirdly, most of the staff have amazing jobs aside from their church pay and therefore, imo, don't need more wages from the church. I have narrowed my giving down to two options: A. I will give to something like World Vision, Cure.org or Compassion International or B. I will give to a struggling church in a part of town that isn't affluent like where I live. Financially I can't do 10% but I can do something. My question is: Are both of these options acceptable? I'm kinda struggling to decide.

Grace and peace.

Those options are acceptable. Are you able to designate which specific funds that your offerings to your church go to, and do they stick to your designations?

 

[Christian Soldier 777]

I have been struggling on where to give. I'm not looking to debate about whether tithing is a requirement or not. You're free to believe that it is.

My church is gigantic. It's extremely wealthy. They don't need my money first of all. Secondly, I don't agree with where a lot of the money goes. Thirdly, most of the staff have amazing jobs aside from their church pay and therefore, imo, don't need more wages from the church. I have narrowed my giving down to two options: A. I will give to something like World Vision, Cure.org or Compassion International or B. I will give to a struggling church in a part of town that isn't affluent like where I live. Financially I can't do 10% but I can do something. My question is: Are both of these options acceptable? I'm kinda struggling to decide.

Grace and peace.

First, when people talk about 10%, this is from the Old Testament and is according to the Law. We are not under the law, but grace and mercy. When we look at Jesus' teaching about tithe, we can look at Luke 21:1-4' " And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites. So He said, “Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; 4 for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.” He didn't say look at the rich putting in there 10%..... Know that tithing does not have to be to a church nor does it have to be a financial tithe. When you give a financial tithe it should be from your heart and should go to whatever God places in your heart, whatever it may be!! As long as it Glorifies God through Jesus. Give to a Charity, Give to a Christian TV station, Give to a Christian Radio station, Give to the homeless,,,etc. Do it because this is the way Jesus would want us to tithe. You can also tithe your time, prayers or support for another....as long as it bring Glory to God through Christ! If someone thanks you, tell them to thank Jesus and give Him the Glory † God Bless You †

 

[Chainless]

I have talked to some people in my church about their use of funds when it comes to charities and I disagreed with some of it. They have their "vision" for the church and that boat has sailed. I really don't think we need another gymnasium and I don't think the way there are strings attached to some of their giving is good. They don't allow anyone to designate where their tithe goes, either. I'm actually thinking about switching churches but I like to take my time and be patient when it comes to such important things. To be clear, I disagree with the way my church is run in many aspects but I love them very much. I love every church. They're messy and make mistakes but Jesus loves them and so shall I.

I agree that the gospel is of utmost importance. Organizations like World Vision, Cure, and Compassion are all Christian organizations and I'm wondering how much "witnessing" is done during the whole process as well. That definitely factors in. Yes, it is a charity and not "a church" but it is "the church" doing what they're called to do. I'm gonna do some investigating into them to see how much of the "Great Commission" is being exercised while they fulfill the "Great Commandment".

Thank you everybody for all of your comments.

Grace and peace.