Oh' the perennial sticky-topic of tithing. No one really wants to
make an issue out of money, especially when many in contemporary
culture cynically view the church as being only about money. But
supporting the church is, of course, vitally important.

The Question:
How can we encourage church-wide commitment to the Biblical principle
of tithing, without encouraging church-wide resentment?

My theory...
On a fundamental level, humans require connection. Be it the
"tribe", the "team", the "club", the "nation", the
"party", the "clique", the "gang", or the "hobby", once
found, these niches become an extension of ourselves, forming some of
our deepest understanding of who we are and what we are about.

So, it is not that there are those at TCN that refuse to support the
church, it is that this church is still something external to them; it
is not yet truly their church. When we preach tithing, we may only be
talking to those who have already committed themselves to the church
(AKA, the choir). For everyone else, we need first to nurture
participation (being needed and filling a need), knowing that
supporting the church financially will be an eventual byproduct.

The good news is, if my theory is correct, we have already started down
a path to better the situation. Membership and Discipleship curriculum
have been developed and continue to evolve, service trips continue to
change lives both in our community and across the world, ministries
designed around church segments (Ladies Ministries, weekly motorcycle
rides, men's Bible study, etc.) are alive and well, Small Groups
continue to expand, and Jill as Outreach Coordinator is doing a
fantastic job getting people involved.

What more can we do? I would personally like to see additional service
opportunities continue to materialize (perhaps a Service Coordinator to
facilitate activities?). I could see more people involved in regular
church-life; Sunday morning scripture reading by members of the
congregation was great (I thought), as well as (regular?) opportunities
to voice announcements, prayer needs, and praises.

But enough of what I think, what do you think? Reply by clicking the
link below.

In Him,
Aaron Gosser
gos...@artintroy.com

I agree.  If people don't see themselves as a member of the group (not
necessarily a church member, but a member of the fellowship), they will
not feel the need to participate through their tithes and offerings.
Getting them involved is the first step.  Helping them own it (the
church) is the second step.  Teaching them the Biblical principle of
bringing their tithes to the storehouse is the next step.

We casually assume that people understand what that whole offering time
is about.  Many people, even if they were raised around the church,
don't have a clear understanding of the principles of tithing.  If the
idea of giving 1/10 of their $5.00 allowance was not instilled in them
as kids, they still need to be taught about it as adults.  They may
throw a $20 in the offering plate and assume that they have done their
share.

It is uncomfortable to always be talking about money from the pulpit,
so we need to be teaching this principle in our small groups, in the
classes we offer, etc.  Maybe we should offer some of the money
management classes that Larry Burkett and other Christians have
written.  Those courses are designed to help people get ahold of their
debt and begin to treat their finances like the spiritual issue that it
really is.  Let's face it, most people could make a hefty car payment
with their monthly tithe amount.  If you don't have a firm grip on your
debt and you don't recognize the importance of giving as a part of your
growth as a Christian, it doesn't make a lot of financial sense to just
give that much money away!  Many times it is only through hearing the
testimony of other Christians about the blessings of tithing really hit
home, which makes the small group setting the perfect forum for this
topic.

I could go on...and on...and on...but I won't.  :)

Blessings,
Janet Larck