Few Church Goers Tithe anymore study says

[StMark]

Few Churchgoers Tithe, Study Says

05-30-08

Linda Pateo of Gardendale, Ala., says she and her husband, Robert, try to give 5 percent of their income to their church and 5 percent to Christian charities, but it's difficult with three children in college.

"I have strong feelings that God expects first fruits," Pateo said. "Sometimes we fall short. It's something we are all called to do."

A recent poll by pollster George Barna shows that only 5 percent of Americans say they tithe, or give at least 10 percent of their income to religious congregations and charitable groups.

[StMark]

complete article here


http://www.ethicsdaily.com/article_detail.cfm?AID=10547

[StMark]

~ ~ ~ QUESTIONS ~ ~ ~

Is this just happening in the "other" churches as in denominational churches or is this trend happening in Pentecost too ???


Do you still pay tithe?? If not, why ?


I wonder with the enconomy and the gas crisis if it will have a big effect on churches financially

After studying the scriptures, I don't tithe anymore. Now, I believe that if people want to pay tithes, then there is nothing wrong with it at all.

[StMark]

Originally Posted by Oneness Man

After studying the scriptures, I don't tithe anymore. Now, I believe that if people want to pay tithes, then there is nothing wrong with it at all.

Boy o boy, It seems like the folks on this forum are just letting go of everything !

how are churches suppose to survive if everyone stops giving

Giving is biblical, but there are no scriptures that show the NT Church has to tithe.

BTW, I only let go of manmade doctrines that are preached and taught in Apostolic churches today.

[Brother Price]

Originally Posted by Oneness Man

Giving is biblical, but there are no scriptures that show the NT Church has to tithe.

BTW, I only let go of manmade doctrines that are preached and taught in Apostolic churches today.

Amen! Things that we have taken as orthodox for years, when we study the scriptures, are not biblical. The tithe is among the biggest lie around.

If one desires to give 10% of their income freely, willfully, and cheerfully, then that is biblical and accepted of the Lord. If one does because they 'have to', then that is none of His. And many pastors, when confronted on this issue, do a good dance, but can never ever back up this false doctrine.

I will never forget when I was kicked off of another forum because of this issue. I was accused of 'disrespecting' an elder when I challenged the tithe doctrine. But, one pastor told me, when I finally showed the doctrine a lie, he said, "You're not a pastor. You would not understand." This was the nail in my coffin, because I said, as honestly as I could, that I would never have to lie to my people to keep the doors of the church open.

The tithe doctrine is a deception, a lie. We are called to give freely, willfully, and willingly. If it is of compulsion, it is not accepted of the Lord, plain and simple. And the pastors have the fault for this.

[Sherri]

The majority of our church tithes, because we teach it very strongly. Anyone in leadership (platform, teaching, mentoring, etc.) is required to tithe. We believe it can either bring a blessing or a curse on your church, as well as yourself.

Originally Posted by Brother Price

Amen! Things that we have taken as orthodox for years, when we study the scriptures, are not biblical. The tithe is among the biggest lie around.

If one desires to give 10% of their income freely, willfully, and cheerfully, then that is biblical and accepted of the Lord. If one does because they 'have to', then that is none of His. And many pastors, when confronted on this issue, do a good dance, but can never ever back up this false doctrine.

I will never forget when I was kicked off of another forum because of this issue. I was accused of 'disrespecting' an elder when I challenged the tithe doctrine. But, one pastor told me, when I finally showed the doctrine a lie, he said, "You're not a pastor. You would not understand." This was the nail in my coffin, because I said, as honestly as I could, that I would never have to lie to my people to keep the doors of the church open.

The tithe doctrine is a deception, a lie. We are called to give freely, willfully, and willingly. If it is of compulsion, it is not accepted of the Lord, plain and simple. And the pastors have the fault for this.

[jaxfam6]

Originally Posted by Sherri

The majority of our church tithes, because we teach it very strongly. Anyone in leadership (platform, teaching, mentoring, etc.) is required to tithe. We believe it can either bring a blessing or a curse on your church, as well as yourself.

I have to say I am in the same boat as you all.

Besides if you want a place to gather and worship with like minded people you really need to tithe and give offerings.

I watched as my mother who made $80.00 a week for about 3 years paid her tithes faithfully. God met all of our needs and then some.
It may not show as a NT commandment but it certainly is a principle that is taught and stressed strongly throughout the Bible. My suggestion, stop robbing yourself of a blessing and follow the Patriarch Abraham's example and tithe.
Some people choke on a gnat and swallow a camel.
A Biblical principle should not have to be taught as a command and should not be fought against as oppression.