Jeremy Williams asks: Hey gentlemen. Is tithing for today? My Pastor states that we need to give a 10% of our wages in order to participate in the church. He uses Malachi 3, and always says that whoever doesn't give is robbing God. What is you take on this? Thanks in advance?

Hey there Jeremy. Of all the questions that we answer on this site and in person, this seems to be, by far, the most sensitive. So before we answer your question, we would like to point out that without the contributions from church members, churches would not be able to pay their mortgage/rent, help the community, nor help members in need, as we are continuously instructed throughout the Bible (Proverbs 19:17, 1 John 3:17, Hebrews 13:16, Matthew 5:42, James 2:14-17).

With that being said, there is absolutely no question that tithes (meaning tenth in Hebrew), was part of the ceremonial law in the Old Testament (Genesis 28:22, Deuteronomy 14:22-29, Numbers 18:26, Nehemiah 10:38, Amos 4:4, Malachi 3:8-10).

In fact, this ceremonial law was still in practiced in the New Testament as we find in Matthew 23:23 (Jesus had not died on the cross yet, thus the law remained). The problem is, these ceremonial laws (tithes, circumcision, sacrifices for sins, grain offerings, the Sabbath etc.), were signs and shadows that pointed to the coming Messiah. These ceremonial laws were fulfilled in Jesus, as he paid our debts on the cross, and provided us salvation by grace rather than than by keeping to the letter of the law. (Galatians 3:13, Ephesians 2:8-9, Hebrews 9:15).

Therefore, tithing is no longer a requirement in order to maintain salvation (Colossians 2:14-17, Romans 6:14; 7:6; 10:4, Galatians 2:16; 3:10; 5:18 etc.).

However, as believers, we are instructed to give cheerfully, "each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver". Again, as stated in the beginning, without resources, our churches would not be able to help those in need, help the community, nor pay the bills necessary to run a church.

As far as your current situation, the Pastor should not require a mandatory tenth in order to participate. If that is the case, then he needs to stop worship on Sunday's, and return to the Sabbath, since if we live by the law and break one, we are guilty of breaking them all (James 2:10). Also, if your Pastor says you "must" give a tenth in order to participate (even if it means you can't pay your bills), then your Pastor "must" help you when your bills are due, since that is what tithes are for.

However, we will give your Pastor the benefit of the doubt. If he is asking for a tenth, hopefully it is with the understanding that those who have it, should give it, as those who have more, should give more, and those who have less should give less.

"For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have." (2 Corinthians 8:12)

We are pretty sure that a 4% of someone struggling, could mean more to God than the 10% of someone who has no financial worries.

Lastly, a well-balanced church would not tell a member that they cannot participate unless a tenth is given. Especially if it means you will default on a mortgage payment or have financial problems. Participation in the body of Christ is not tied to a tenth. If this is the case, we would consider leaving. Hope this helps. God bless you.

Comments:

Ken Martin: Hi Guys! I'm a Pastor in Toronto, Canada. I just wanted to commend you in how you answered this. Very well said. Participation in church should never be tied to seeds of a thousand dollars, 10 percents, or any money in general. This type of mentality is what causes people to accuse the church of extortion. Thank you for keeping in Gods word!

BRC Hosts Joey and Chris: Thanks Ken. We appreciate you taking your time to read this. And giving us feedback. In some extreme instances it can become extortion. This has been the case with many from the Word of Faith. Peter Popoff. Dionny Baez etc. But thanks and God bless you Ken.

Ken Martin: Yes, and they will one day give an account to God for what they are doing. But God bless you brothers.

Jeremy Williams: I'm going to forward this answer to my Pastor. If things don't change, I'll be going elsewhere. Thanks for your answer. God bless you.

BRC Hosts Joey and Chris: Glad we could help. God bless you Jeremy.

Amy Grey: I believe everyone should give a tenth. But the participation part really bothered me. That sound like a church that is not here to make disciples, but here to make a buck. How sad.

BRC Hosts Joey and Chris: God bless you Amy. Yeah, unfortunately.

2 Corinthians 8:12

"For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have."