When tithing a percentage of my income, should it all go to my home church or can I give some to a Christian ministry?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Tithing was part of Old Testament Mosaic Law (Leviticus 27:30-33). Now, believers are under the Law of Grace because Jesus gave His life as the atoning sacrifice for our sins and in so doing, fulfilled the Law’s requirement for our sin (Matthew 5:17; John 3:16). But the New Testament provides guidelines for giving. Believers are to financially support those who work hard in the church (1 Timothy 5:17-18) and those whose main job is ministry and missionary work (1 Corinthians 9:14). This can include our local church and any Christian ministry doing God’s work. Additionally, we should financially help brothers and sisters in Christ who are in need (1 John 3:17-18). Ultimately, we should give as we have decided in our heart to, “not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Many people today use the word “tithe” as a synonym for “church giving,” but it actually means giving ten percent. In Old Testament Mosaic Law, the Israelites were to give ten percent of their harvest and flock each year (Leviticus 27:30-33; Deuteronomy 14:22-29).
• The Levites were the tribe responsible for serving God in the tabernacle and later the temple. The Israelites were to take care of the Levites’ needs through tithing (Numbers 18:21-24). The New Testament contains a similar principle of taking care of those whose main occupation is serving the Lord, such as pastors and missionaries.
• Tithes were also to be used for widows and fatherless children, showing that God’s people then, like God’s people now, are to help the needy (Deuteronomy 26:12).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Christians are not required to tithe, i.e., give ten percent, but we are exhorted to financially support those who run the church. That includes pastors as specified in 1 Timothy 5:17-18, but even to others, such as those who manage the church building or care for it (office managers, secretaries, cleaning staff, etc.).
• Our support should also include missionaries (1 Corinthians 9:14) and the needy (1 John 3:17-18).
• Our attitude toward giving matters to God. Second Corinthians 9:7 says that “God loves a cheerful giver.”
• Giving should also be done "in keeping with income" (1 Corinthians 16:2 NIV). The "tithe" or ten percent is, therefore, a cultural custom, not a biblical mandate.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

If we're not required to give a set amount, and if the New Testament tells us to provide for three categories of people, how do we decide how much to give to whom? The Bible doesn't say, so there is no hard and fast rule. Many preachers say to give ten percent to the church and give other donations to parachurch ministries and the needy, but again, that's more of a cultural guideline. As a member of a local body of believers, it's every church-goer's responsibility to make sure the needs of the church are met as the church practices good stewardship. In addition, we can spread Christ’s love to those outside the local church through giving. Part of developing spiritual maturity is learning to discern God's moral will for us through His word. As long as we understand that everything we have is a gift from God and He wishes us to use it to support the church, ministries, and the needy, we don't need rules to dictate specifics. Every believer should pray and ask God how they can give, and if God brings a need to our attention, we should do what we can to fulfill that need in cheerfulness, not compulsion or guilt.

UNDERSTAND

• Biblically, believers are to give to those who manage the church, missionaries, and the needy.
• Believers are also free to give to other Christian ministries.
• Believers should have a generous attitude toward giving, realizing that everything we have is from God.

REFLECT

• How do you decide whether to give more to your local church or to other Christian ministries, and what guides your heart in that choice?
• When you give, how can you ensure your attitude reflects cheerfulness and gratitude rather than obligation or guilt?
• How does recognizing that all you have comes from God influence the way you distribute your resources?

ENGAGE

• What are some misconceptions that even believers have about giving?
• What challenges or temptations might believers face when deciding where and how much to give?
• What are some principles of giving that all Christians should familiarize themselves with?