[coksiw]

The weirdest excuse I've seen is "tithing is also a way to prevent the saints from taking advantage of the pastor". That's a very hilariously twisted idea.

I have personally started two congregations, taught/preached a lot from pulpit and in Bible Studies, mentored, made decisions, sang, played, led, organized, trained, traveled to train others... and I have never received a dime from tithing in my entire over two decades of service! Only voluntary offering! Seriously. Never felt saints taking advantage of me. In fact, the immense majority of the work done in activities like quizzing, camps, children's ministries, conferences, visiting, meals to sick people, etc... is done by unpaid saints!