FAQs on Giving
“Giving is more than a responsibility, it is a privilege; more than an act of obedience, it is evidence of our faith.”
— William Arthur Ward
Some frequently asked questions about giving;
What if my personal circumstances don't permit me to financially give? Remember, giving is a heart issue. God knows and sees your heart, that's what he's after. If your personal circumstances affect your ability to give, he knows and he sees. We believe you should only give out of what you have.
What if I've never given before, it feels like a big step. It is a big step but remember, it's a faith step! We would encourage you to take a first step toward giving and make a start. However small, giving for the first time begins the journey. Once you've given for the first time, you can start giving more regularly and commit to giving every month.
Should I tithe ‘gross’ or ‘net’? We suggest you tithe the gross of your salary. This is because the gross is your actual income before tax. The issue is not how much we can get away with keeping, but how much we can get away with giving!
Is the storehouse always the local church? We think so, yes. Bible scholars agree that New Testament local church ministry succeeded that of the Levitical priesthood.
Should I tithe when my tithe is so small? Yes. Small as it is, it is precious to God.
What if I feel my tithe is too big for my local church?! Our church has a world vision. We can’t imagine an amount too big for that!
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).
Should I pay my debts first and then start to tithe? We suggest that you start to tithe right away as an act of faith. Honour God and he will honour you. He will make your 90% go further than you could make your 100% go. But also pay unto Caesar what belongs to Caesar (Matthew 22:21). Then stay out of debt (Romans 13:8, Proverbs 22:7)
Should I pay my tithe weekly or monthly? We suggest you make your tithe in keeping with the frequency of your pay cheque.
Should kids tithe? We suggest you teach them young!
Should students tithe student loans or grants? We suggest that you just tithe on income earned, but not on student loans or fees etc, although it is entirely up to you!
Should I tithe on increase through interest, appreciation etc? We would – any excuse to give!
Should I tithe on my pension? Although pensions are partly formed from money that you should have already tithed on over the years, they are subsidised by other ‘increase’. We would say ‘go for it’! Remember, it’s all about faith and cheerful giving!
If I am behind in my tithes, should I try and catch up? If you can do a lump sum ‘catch up’ amount like Zacchaeus (Luke 19) then do so. If not, just start afresh totally free from condemnation.
