How would you take tithes/offering? - Page 6

shag · #51 05-02-2010, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam

At our church the pastor has said from the platform that anyone can see the books any time they want.There are times when there is a special need and the pastor will ask for volunteers. For example we had a youth camp last summer. Many children come to church without parents. So, the pastor had 40 or so people volunteer to give $100 to cover that expense. Just a couple of weeks ago an offering was taken up for a family in the church who was having financial problems. The name of the family was not given publicly but the pastor did say that if someone wanted to know who was receiving the money to see him and he would tell you. We were facing major repairs on a bus and the pastor told how much it was estimated to be and asked for volunteers to give a specific amount. I think it was $100. After the bus was repaired he announced that it was not as expensive as they had thought and offered to give some money back to anyone that had donated. I have no idea if anyone asked for a refund but it was offered.

I am curious as to if that remark is inclusive of tithes and where it ends up? (If so be that you all take up tithes there, Sam). They say the same at my church, but what they don't say is that the "open books" does NOT include the tithes money and where it goes to.

I do like the openess of how things are handled in what U wrote in the main paragraph.

Apocrypha · #52 05-02-2010, 04:05 PM

http://webcache.googleusercontent.co.../offering.html

This was a interesting discussion I found by a group of pastors and church planters on the subject. Its worth a read.

Sam · #53 05-02-2010, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shag

I am curious as to if that remark is inclusive of tithes and where it ends up? (If so be that you all take up tithes there, Sam). They say the same at my church, but what they don't say is that the "open books" does NOT include the tithes money and where it goes to.

I do like the openess of how things are handled in what U wrote in the main paragraph.

I did not question him or challenge him. I assume he meant that I could ask to see how much came in and how it was spent. I would hope that he did not mean I could see who gave how much. There are records of who gives what because at the end of the year the secretary provides givers with a detailed list of their giving if it was in an envelope. The list is by date, check number, and what it is designated for. The tithe/offering envelope has a place to put our name, address, date and how much we designate to what. One designation is tithe. I don't remember the others and there is one designation that shows total. I ordinarily just write the amount in the total block with no designation and at the end of the year the treasurer shows those undesignated dollars as tithes. Some designated areas are coats, backpacks, etc. We give away backpacks with school supplies in the fall. We also give away coats. We feed over a hundred people "dinner" on Wednesday and we feed I don't know how many breakfast on Sunday.

Other ways we give to our church are bringing candy in for distribution on Wednesdays, for Easter, and for Trunk or Treat at Halloween. Another way is by bringing in soft drinks, juice, plates, napkins, etc. for the Wednesday meals. Also, food can be brought in for the pantry to be given away. I would suppose I could take the receipt for any of this to the treasurer and she would record it and it would go on my record but I choose not to do that. Also, if I give the pastor money to give to someone, there is no record of that. Or when I buy groceries for people there is no record of that. Today an offering was received for a family. The husband has been unemployed for a while and they have 5 children. The pastor told us to give cash or if we write a check, write it to the person receiving it, not to the church. So, that would be funds that there is no official record of receiving or disbursement. I have no problem with that.

Actually, I have no idea what the pastor makes. I doubt if it is much. His wife works and their house is nice but nothing special. Also, they do not drive expensive or new cars. Knowing how much we give and looking around at others who come to that church, I doubt if there are any big bucks going to the pastor.

By the way, our pastor is called by his first name and so is his wife. Some call him "Pastor" and some call him "Pastor --(his first name)--," but most just call him by his first name. His wife is not called "first lady." They are not placed on any pedestal nor given any royal treatment.

Sam · #54 05-02-2010, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shag

I am curious as to if that remark is inclusive of tithes and where it ends up? (If so be that you all take up tithes there, Sam). They say the same at my church, but what they don't say is that the "open books" does NOT include the tithes money and where it goes to.

I do like the openess of how things are handled in what U wrote in the main paragraph.

Tithing is mentioned but not harped on and the pastor says that he personally does not know how much any of us give. I think that some there think "tithe" means "offering" or "gift" and not necessarily 10 percent. There is no big emphasis on the first ten percent "belonging" to the Lord and I don't ever remember the pastor saying that we are cursed if we don't tithe.

shag · #55 05-02-2010, 08:16 PM

Sounds like a great and GIVING church Sam!

mizpeh · #56 05-02-2010, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shag

I am curious as to if that remark is inclusive of tithes and where it ends up? (If so be that you all take up tithes there, Sam). They say the same at my church, but what they don't say is that the "open books" does NOT include the tithes money and where it goes to.

I do like the openess of how things are handled in what U wrote in the main paragraph.

If the tithe money goes to the ministry, why would a minister have to tell you how he spent the tithe? Will you reciprocate by showing him how you spend your paycheck?

shag · #57 05-02-2010, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mizpeh

If the tithe money goes to the ministry, why would a minister have to tell you how he spent the tithe? Will you reciprocate by showing him how you spend your paycheck?

Uhhhh, what do you mean goes to A ministry or minister(singular)?, scripturally, the NT church is full of ministers and ministries-(Eph 4), and to answer the "why" it is the same purposes of having open books at all, accountability to the body is one reason. Therefore, it is good that the books being open INCLUSIVE of, showing where and how much tithes money goes after it is given/paid.

I was not referring to how/where it is spent by the receiver, but rather wondering at his church, who ALL is the receiver of 10 % of everyones income when I said "where did it end up".

Hoovie · #58 05-02-2010, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mizpeh

If the tithe money goes to the ministry, why would a minister have to tell you how he spent the tithe? Will you reciprocate by showing him how you spend your paycheck?

This would be disturbing if true to the exclusion of the widows and orphans which are mentioned as well as Levites (I assume those OT passages are what would be used to support such a doctrine).

And I really don't care who sees my tax returns or sees my check stubs. It is of no consequence.

notofworks · #59 05-02-2010, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoovie

This would be disturbing if true to the exclusion of the widows and orphans which are mentioned as well as Levites (I assume those OT passages are what would be used to support such a doctrine).

And I really don't care who sees my tax returns or sees my check stubs. It is of no consequence.

Would you mind scanning them and posting them on AFF? If you're broke, I'm probably not going to be nearly as nice as I've been.

Aquila · #60 05-03-2010, 06:21 AM

I'd personally have a march. I see it as an opportunity to state the church's needs and allow for a response. If you set boxes by the door, they'll give as they come in without knowing the need. Unless you expect them to give after the service on the way out.

I'd emphasize that giving is as a man has purposed in his heart, I'd place special emphasis on if one sows abundantly they will reap abundantly. I'd allow "covenant partners" to commit to 10% (tithes) on top of other offerings, but not preach it as a heaven or hell issue.

I also believe in biblical vows.