Tithe Stewardship & Church Tithing

Associated Baptist Press - Matt Kennedy
Rich pastors not common, but not endangered species

What a life to live. The luxurious lifestyle of being a pastor! Rich pastors will never be endangered. They will always exist. Why? I don’t know? Why do you think? Is it ok that some pastors are walking around with expensive watches, and suits? If one’s earned it, don’t you think that it’s okay for them to keep what they’ve earned? Why should everyone bash on TD Jakes, Joel Osteen, Creflo Dollar? I mean, God’s given that to them, hasn’t he? They have a right to choose to keep that which God has given them. Why should we make them feel guilty about taking so much, when we’ve taken so much in our own lives. Of course not as much as them in the amount, but proportionately, we have. At least i feel that i have.

I wish sometimes that there was no such thing as “things”. i wish it was just all dirt to me. What if they look at that stuff as dirt? Do you think that some of those pastors that live in mansions could actually be right? Do you think there’s anyone that can be justified for what they’ve got? Do you think it’s okay for any Christian to live in any mansion? How much do you think is the right amount for all pastors to make?

This article does talk about tithing. but it mainly is referring to pastor Rick Warren of saddleback church. He lives off of a reverse tithe. That means he lives off of 10% of what he makes and gives 90%. You’ve gotta hand it to the guy for doing this. Do you think Rick Warren is challenging other rich pastors by giving a reverse tithe? I would think Rick Warren would have more authority in finances just because he’s shown that he’s handled the grip of money so well. On the other hand when other rich pastors are preaching tithing, it’s hard to listen.[poll=2]

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Master Tithe

Argus Leader News Article: Church Turns Gopher Holes into Golden Harvest

Now this is what i call practical. A church decides to turn a field that is deemed useless because of all the gophers holes, into something useful. They turned an empty field into an acre full of corn crops. The church is planning on donating a tithe of the whole crop to the community and neighbors. What’s the point of telling people that we have everlasting food when we have a hard time providing them the temporary food? It’s good to see that many of the churches have something to hand out instead of ask for at the end of the day. I’m all for giving our money to foreign missionaries, but if our neighbors don’t see our generosity, then we might as well move our location to where our generosity is going.

I think this is a good use of resources. It really doesn’t take much TLC to plant some crops. There are basically two big tasks - planting and reaping.

What do you think the benefits will be from doing something like this? How do you think the community will react? Do you think your church is capable of a task like this?

Malachi 3,
And try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts,
“If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing

Has anyone read about the tithe challege? C’mon! What’s the big deal about this tithe challenge thing? I mean really? Isn’t the validity of all of God’s promises always on trial? What if God says prove me, “i am going to reward you in heaven for your good works”. Everyone acts like God is double dog daring us to do something out of character.

Isn’t this another way of God asking us to once again hold him to his word? If God says he’s gonna do something in return for what we do, then it’s up to us to prove that he’s telling the truth. All God is saying is, “believe me when i say that i will do something.” In other words, he’s saying, “if you don’t believe me, then prove me wrong.” God’s been saying this throughout his eternal existence. We act as though the bible is the written account of everything that God has said at all times. As if this is the only time God asks us to try him. Isn’t our act of obedience a form of proving God, and holding him to his word? The word “try” here is more of a form of accountability. It is not to be mistaken as tempting God.

In Deuteronomy it says, “You shall not tempt the Lord your God as you tempted Him in Massah.” Well, in Massah (Exocus 17:7), Israel was murmuring and complaining and it was testing the patience of God. In Malachi, Israel was told to prove God on his promises of tithing. They weren’t given permission to provoke God to act against his character and will.

You have permission to test God in all of his promises. Hold him to his word. He wants you to see that he is truthful and just. As a challenge name some other areas in your life that you have already tested and proved God in?

Here is a video linked from you tube about an interview from Reuben Armstrong talking about pastors deceiving others about money, and robbing them.

I read an article today on the Baptist Press by Kenneth Hemphill titled, “Generous Stewardship“. Ken, makes a statement that is very true and consistent among individuals today. He says that the average couple is spending more than they earn, and are getting themselves into dangerous debt. He was basically pinpointing that personally we are spending more on ourselves and that our church finances are struggling because of it. I agree with Mr. Hemphill, but what i am disappointed in is his lack of foresight on the issue.

Let’s take a look at  the church as a whole. After all, it is an example to the believers as well as the unbelievers of how we should serve Christ. Let’s look at the debt that our churches are in. Let’s see how much we are spending on ourselves, our facilities, our programs, Yes - and entertainment! I think in every individual’s case, we only follow the leadership that is set before us. In that case, our debt is in direct correlation to the debt we see our churches getting into. Whose fault is it? Well, of course, every individual is responsible to himself, but who won’t answer for how one’s choices have effected others also.

Our churches and its leaders keep making the excuse to the congregation and to God that we need this debt to continue our pursuit of God’s calling.  But on the flip side I am not allowed to make the same excuse for my own family, but instead my things and possessions are considered to be purchased in light of a self centered heart and poor stewardship. If my vision and goals are the same as my church then what’s the difference between my debt and the church’s debt?

I know one difference. Helping the church out with their debt is commanded by the pastor through the unlawful tithe, but helping me out individual finances will be overlooked without a concern. Does it ever concern you that our leaders feel the Spirit calling the church in a financial direction, but the followers are not allowed to discern through the same Spirit whether this cause is worthy to give towards? Let’s look at the scriptures and Israel for an example. Do you see how Israel was required to give a tithe by the commands of the law, because their calling came from the law? Can you also see how our own giving is commanded by the Spirit because our calling comes from the Spirit? A pastor cannot say this is our calling from the Spirit, so let’s give by the law. It would be hypocritical for the Holy Spirit not to empower financial discernment upon  individuals that he’s asked to perform a task.

I could go on with example after example, illustration after illustration, verse after verse, but this is just food for thought.

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