Tithing, Mandate for the New Testament Church?

[MissBrattified]

I've never been certain about the tithing mandate in the NT, but our family gives consistently and we've never regretted it. I do know that in the NT:

1. Giving was never abolished.

2. Cheerful giving was expected.

3. Money was discussed and offerings were certainly given in the NT church.

4. Church administration and charitable outreach was discussed, including payment to preachers and teachers, and the care of widows and orphans.

5. Jesus said to pay taxes and to give God what is His - which part was He referring to when He said to give God His part?

6. The early church had all things in "common" and met needs that way. Instead of having to pay 10% of YOUR income, would you rather sell all your assets, split the expenses of the local assembly by family and have everyone pay an equal amount? 10% is a much better way to divide it up, since everyone doesn't make the same amount.


When I look at these facts, its clear to me that "giving" and meeting the needs of those in ministry and those who need charity was a definite part of the NT church, so whether the 10% tithe was enforced seems irrelevant to me. Practically speaking, the 10% tithe is a good method for people to support the church. (And yes, it does require support--unless you're doing home church--and even then, when you grow beyond your walls and need another meeting place, what then?)