Where to Give?

For those of you new to Free Money Finance, I post on The Bible and Money every Sunday. Here's why. The following is an excerpt from Dollars and Doctrine which deals with the issue of where Christians should give.

By now you have seen why you are called to give and how to go about giving, but one question has yet to be answered:  where am I to give?  In one sense there is a simple answer to this question--in another sense it is much more complex.  The Old Testament gave specific instructions as to where one’s contributions were to go, who was to receive them, and how much was to be given, but the New Testament is much more vague in its instructions of who should receive our giving.  Therefore, we will start with the simple answer to this question.

When one attempts to condense the new covenant’s instructions into one basic or primary premise, the following principle emerges:  Christians are called to give to those who provide for their spiritual growth.

“The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him.” (Gal. 6:6)

“If the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they are indebted to minister to them also in material things.” (Rom. 15:27)

“If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you...Do you not know that those who perform sacred services eat the food of the temple, and those who attend regularly to the altar have their share from the altar?  So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel.” (1 Cor. 9:11-14)

Those who provide “spiritual things” are due “material things” from those whom they serve.   Primarily, we are called to financially support the needs of those who contribute to our spiritual growth.  The most obvious example of this is your church.  There is no verse in the New Testament that literally commands believers to give to their church, only the verses above.  Many argue that by looking at Old Testament commands to give to the temple and priests, we can logically assume that we should give to our church.  Either way, you are commanded to give to the needs of those that lead you and teach you spiritual things.  If your church does not meet these criteria, you need a new church.  On the most basic level it is evident that our church should be receiving some (or all) of our contributions.

It is important to mention that our giving must be considered just that--giving.  A gift.  We are not paying for spiritual services the way we would pay the boy down the street to mow our lawn or the mechanic to fix our car.  This “purchasing” mentality is degrading to God’s workers, God’s work, and ultimately, God Himself.  We must view our contributions as a donation, not compensation.  We give that the good work that is going on may continue; that we may continue to reap spiritual gain from these good men and women.

When digging into this issue many, “What if…” and, “What about…” questions begin to surface.  The most common question is:  “Do I have to give only to my church or is giving to a Para-church organization or ministry the same thing?”  Throughout the New Testament we see that many Christians in the early church gave to needs beyond their immediate “church family.”

“For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.” (Rom. 15:26)

“I robbed other churches by taking wages from them to serve you [Corinthians]; and when I was present with you and was in need, I was not a burden to anyone; for when the brethren came from Macedonia they fully supplied my need.” (2 Cor. 11:8-9)

“For it is superfluous for me to write to you [Corinthians] about this ministry to the saints; for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the Macedonians, namely, that Achaia has been prepared since last year, and your zeal has stirred up most of them...For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God.  Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all.” (2 Cor. 9:1-2,12-13)

The early church supplied the needs not only of their local Christian community, but also throughout the world.  Believers are called to give beyond their local church.  Returning to our original question of whether or not giving to a Para-church organization is the same as giving to our church, the Biblical answer is yes and no.  The New Testament does not give a clear distinction between “church” and “non-church.”  The best answer I can give to this question is that we should always be giving to the work of the Gospel in the world, but never at the expense of those who minister to us.  Giving to a Para-church organization, ministry, or Christian non-profit is an excellent, honorable, and Godly action, but is never to be done in a way that neglects our immediate church family’s needs.  If we don’t give to those who minister to us, we are not following the commands of scripture.  Outside of this, it is impossible to pin down a theology with any kind of authority.  The only thing that can be said with certainty is that Christians are called to give to both their church and beyond.

To wrap up this section, I will offer some pragmatic solutions.  Many Christian thinkers have arrived at a simple solution to the dilemma of where to give:  tithe (10%) to your local church and then all contributions beyond that go to the places the Lord leads you (even if that is giving more to your church).  We are required to give to the places that minister to us, but that does not inhibit us from giving to ministries we are not personally involved in.  (All Christians are involved in the work of the Gospel around the world.)  The believer’s primary concern with giving is to support those meeting our spiritual needs, then secondly, to support those places meeting the needs of others.

The scripture refers to the money that we give to be set apart because “it is holy to the Lord.” (Lev. 27:30)  I believe the Bible requires our contributions to be “Christian.”  Our giving is to be in places where the glory of God through the pursuit of Christ is of first importance.  Giving to medical research, pet adoption agencies, and your local school’s PTA are all great things, but this is not the portion that a believer has set apart unto God.  Just because the IRS treats them as the same thing doesn’t mean we should.  The Christian is called to be marked with generosity, and therefore will inevitably find himself giving to many “non-Christian” things, but this must be separate from what he has allocated to the Lord.

Does all of this mean I have to pay everyone that is a part of my spiritual growth?  Yes, starting with the author of this book.  My mailing address is… only kidding!  Obviously we do not bring our checkbook to every Bible study, small group, or Sunday school class.  This would appear that we are purchasing services from our brethren.  God only calls us to support the needs of His people who have dedicated their professional lives to His service.  Your small group leader is not teaching your class to put bread on the table.  His needs are met by God through his “day job.”  In addition, many of these men and women minister to us out of service to the Lord.  To pay them for doing so would rob them of this service.  Common sense will usually answer these types of questions; however, the believer that deeply meditates over verses like: “The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him,” (Gal. 6:6) might begin to exhibit some strange behavior.  What if you approached your small group leader, Sunday school teacher, Bible study leader, or spiritual mentor and said something like, “You have been such a gracious gift to my walk with Christ.  For years you have been such a blessing to me.  Please allow me to be a blessing to you.  Here are two movie tickets.  I will watch your children so you and your wife can have a night out…I would like to take you and your family out to dinner…I have reserved a weekend at a Bed and Breakfast for you and your wife to enjoy…  Please accept this small token of my appreciation for all that you have invested in my life.”  The church must begin to emphasize generosity inside its own walls as well as outside.

“Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all.” (2 Cor. 9:13)

“By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35)

Comments

[Robert in SF]

I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate this column in particular. I am not a great studier of the Bible, although I am a Christian. I often times wonder where certain Christian "traditions" come from, meaning, are they biblically based, or did they evolve from the organization of religion (read, long term "corporatizing").

As you might have guessed, I am somewhat cynical about certain beliefs, traditions, practices, and expressions of faith, that I don't believe they are biblically based.

This topic, giving to the church (lowercase) instead of directly to the persons in need, has been a sticking point. I am glad to see that the support of those being spiritual mentors is addressed!

Sometimes I think the organization of churches and their administrations has removed a real personal part of the expression/practice of religion. We now can outsource our works and not feel bad since we paid for it.

I have believed for some time now that when the Bible refers to the "church", it is referring to the collection of believers, not a building, or a local or national organization with elected leaders, regional heads, board of directors, administrative presidents, etc. Those are all corporate ideas, to help run a business.

I think Christians might be better off to stop thinking of themselves of members of a church, and think of themselves of members of The Church. Stop letting an organization get in the way of getting personally involved. But maybe that's just my experience growing up and seeing a lot of Sunday morning Christians?

[Jason @ One Money Design]

A great post on where direct giving as Christians. I think many people struggle with this one and the excerpt does a good job of comparing giving to the local church, other leaders (Bible Studies, etc.), Christian ministries, and secular charitable organizations. I align with this article in my own personal giving as our family does focus giving to our church first and then try to stretch or giving further to a few Christian ministries. I'll be tweeting this one!

[Todd]

I think that's the longest Sunday post that I have read yet. I do have one question. Is the statement "we are called to financially support the needs of those who contribute to our spiritual growth" refer only to providing to other members of the church or could that mean the church leaders who are paid to teach?

I have no concerns with the interpretation of supporting the fellow saints, but would have an issue with paying a clergy. I attend a church that has lay clergy, meaning that they donate their time, talents, and service for others and lead the church as they are called to do so and not for money or for a job. I cant judge the hearts of those that are paid clergy, but I believe it would be terrible if ones intent was to make money off God.

[BD]

Thank you for posting on topics like this one! I didn't realize you did Christian Financial posts. It's greatly appreciated.. thank you! :)

[Jose Paclibare│Christian Business]

Where to give was a question I was asking myself few years ago when I was living in a big city. I was attending a rich church so I felt my tithes/love offering would be most helpful if I give them to my poor pastor friends.

But that's not an issue for me now because I no longer live in a big city and my church needs my tithes/love offering.

Anyway, thanks for this enlightening post.

Jose

[FMF]

Todd --

I believe he means all of those that contribute to our spiritual growth including clergy/pastors, etc. After all, they deserve to make a living too, right?

[Todd]

FMF - Deserve? I view that along the same line as entitled. I think that one of the arguments against organized religion is that there are those that seek to profit from the message that they share, and I dont disagree with that argument too much, although I do believe that there is an organized and structured church established on the earth today.

Does a paid clergy deserve $50K a year? Would a paid clergy deserve $650K a year? Using these two examples, one might suggest that one seems more reasonable than the other, but that may or may not be the case. The one making $50K could be over a congregation of 50 and the other over a congregation of 25,000, meaning that the one making $650k would seem more reasonable if more tithes are gathered. But I think that most would agree that the paid clergy making $650K is deserving of this amount is stretch.

I think we have to agree to disagree.

[Scott]

Great Post! Well written and enlightening.

[FMF]

Todd --

The amount is up for discussion (and we have discussed it here before), but in my opinion, pastors do provide a service and do deserve to be paid for it. If you look at scripture (including the verses above) I think you'll find that this notion is supported there.

[StL Pastor]

Todd,
as a pastor, I have prayed a good bit about the appropriateness of paid ministry (I admire the Quakers and church of the Brethren that do have unpaid pastors). For me, part of the answer lies in the discernment of individual congregations. My congregation (and most Christian churches through history) have made the decision that they would like to have a person commit their time entirely on their behalf, and that those people would pay for that service. The theological question is simple: is the work of God is done more completely by paying someone to handle necessary administrative tasks of the church, focus time on the study of scripture, and organize evangelical efforts, or by the collective efforts of a number of people who volunteer their time as they are able? It is an open theological question, certainly, but I offer my services as a minister not to make money off of God, but because I have been called by many people throughout my life to participate in paid ministry in a local congregation as the best expression of my spiritual gifts.

[Jclimber]

While I donate to my church I am also passionate about helping the environment and don't believe churches do much in this respect (financially anyway) so I also donate to organizations like the Sierra Club and the Access Fund.

[William Madison]

This book looks great! Found the author's blog at http://DollarsandDoctrine.com

[Jean Nate]

Rabbi Bendory-

I need additional clarity of exactly when to tithe to the Levites based on the 7 year cycle. I beleive 2010 is the 2nd year in the cycle that began in 2009. Did we tithe every paycheck to the Levites(i.e Pastors) or do we tithe to them in the 3rd and 6th year? How is the tithing cycle structured? I am looking for more of a step by step guide for modern day beleivers, who gets what in which year with regards to the tithing process, not offerings.

Thanks and Shalom!

[UG]

I think many people struggle with this one and the excerpt does a good job of comparing giving to the local church, other leaders, Christian ministries, and secular charitable organizations. I attend a church that has lay clergy, meaning that they donate their time, talents, and service for others and lead the church as they are called to do so and not for money or for a job.

[Mike @Greater Seas Christian Business]

The biggest thing I think people struggle with so much is concern over what is being done with the money. People often have trust issues with charitable organizations (including their own church) and are therefore skeptical about giving. But one thing I've learned is that our job is simply to give, not give and judge. So even if you are skeptical about what someone is doing with the money you're giving them, give anyway if your spirit prompts you. Leave the judgment to God and know that you did a job well done by simply giving.