Ask Your Preacher - Archives
“W-2 Much”
Categories: THE COLLECTION, WORSHIPShould my pastor ask me how much I make on my job and how much tithes and offerings I will be giving?Sincerely,
Not An Open Pocketbook
Dear Not An Open Pocketbook,
No, it isn’t right to grill people in regards to their income… in fact, tithing isn’t even a commandment in the New Testament. In the New Testament (which is the law that christians follow), we are told to “give cheerfully” and “give as we have purposed” (2 Cor 9:7). Ten percent is a good rule of thumb because we see that being the standard in the Old Testament, but it isn’t a requirement. If any congregation teaches that you have to give ten percent (or any specific amount) to be a member of the church – it is a false church. That kind of teaching goes beyond the Scriptures and should be condemned for its arrogance (1 Cor 4:6). On the first day of the week (Sunday), the church should take up a collection from the christians, and each member must decide for themselves to give as they have been prospered (1 Cor 16:1-2). The religious world is full of greedy and covetous religious leaders, and they are wrong (Tit 1:10-11). If you would like help finding a congregation that is faithful to God’s Word in your area, please e-mail us at askyourpreacher@mvchurchofchrist.org.
