From the Pastor’s Desk (297)
I’m writing to you because there has been some confusion regarding this topic. I’ve heard the following statements from various people:
- “As long as you commit to eventually work your way up to tithing, you can sign the Class 201 covenant and graduate.”
- “You don’t have to tithe from your gross income—you can tithe from your net income and still graduate from Class 201.”
Because of this confusion, I’ve had interns who came to my home for the shepherds’ orientation—right before their house church was about to multiply—who were not actually tithing but said they were “working toward it.” In such cases, I had to pause the multiplication process and give them a three-month tithing challenge before they could proceed and serve as deputy shepherds.
Furthermore, last Sunday’s tithing was $102,906.64, while the general offering was $615.30. This would seem to indicate that almost everyone who gave an offering last week tithed—but that simply isn’t true. Quite a few people are either tithing from their net income or giving less than 10% while still checking off “tithing.” This should not be the case.
Those of you who check off “tithe” in our church planning center but are not actually tithing are either misguided or being dishonest. And if I have to choose between the two, I hope it’s the former. I don’t want members of New Life to lie—intentionally or unintentionally—by marking “tithe” when you are not truly tithing.
Going forward, this will be our official definition of tithing at New Life:
“Tithe is the first ten percent of our gross income brought to the place of our worship, which is New Life.”
When you sign the Class 201 Covenant Card, it means you are committing to begin tithing from the very Sunday you graduate from Class 201.
Furthermore, tithing is a requirement for certain ministries such as serving as a shepherd, a Bible study teacher (whether for children, youth, or adults), a short-term mission team leader, or a praise team member. According to Scripture, managing our financial resources in a way that pleases God is considered a small thing compared to shepherding and caring for human souls. That’s why we make tithing a requirement for these ministries.
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?”
(Luke 16:10–11)
Please remember this and bring your tithes and offerings to the Lord with a joyful and thankful heart.
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
(2 Corinthians 9:6–7)
If you tithe with a joyful heart, God will richly bless you with His heavenly blessings.
Your pastor,
Eric
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