What do baptists believe about tithing

More than half 54 percent of churchgoers say they give at least 10 percent of their income to the church. That includes 37 percent who say they tithe and 17 percent who say they give more than 10 percent.

One in 5 20 percent give regularly but less than 10 percent. Eight percent say finances make it hard for them to give. Two percent do not give to their church. The more churchgoers attend services, the more likely they are to tithe. Fifty-seven percent of those who attend services at least once a week say they give at least a tithe.

That drops to 28 percent for those who go once or twice a month. A third 35 percent of those who attend once or twice a month say they are not consistent in giving compared to 14 percent of those who attend at least once a week. Those who go to church one or two times a month are twice as likely to say finances make it hard to give 13 percent than those who attend at least once a week 7 percent. Two-thirds 64 percent of those with evangelical beliefs say they give at least 10 percent to the church.

Forty-one percent of other churchgoers say they give at least a tithe. Ninety-eight percent say money from tithes can go to their church.

Half 48 percent say funds can go to a Christian ministry. A third say tithes can go to another church 35 percent or an individual in need 34 percent. Some churchgoers 18 percent say their donations to a secular charity can be part of their tithe. That includes more than 4 in 10 Lutherans 44 percent and a third of Methodists. Lutherans 55 percent are most likely to say their tithe could include gifts to an individual in need. So are churchgoers with evangelical beliefs 28 percent.

Whatever amount they give, churchgoers prefer to drop their tithes and other donations in the offering plate at church. Six in 10 churchgoers 62 percent give to their church by check.

That includes 59 percent who give a check at church and 3 percent who mail one. Half say they give cash at church. We give as we have purposed in our heart 2 Corinthians Paul also commands for Christians to give in accordance with what they have 2 Corinthians What that means is that the amount given is directly proportional to the availability of funds for that individual.

For example, a person with a high income and no children could reasonable pay a higher percent than a person with a lower income and many children. A rigid tithe is almost impossible when we consider mortgage, children, food, gas, electricity, phones and every other expenditure in our American culture. So this principle of proportional giving takes a burden off the back of many that have not. This principles also challenges those that have much by taking away a minimum that they are commanded to provide.

Abraham gave a tithe to Melchisedec Hebrews This is a good example and pattern to follow if a person can afford it. But it is not a NT command and is most likely impossible in our high inflation society. With that said, it is burdensome and wrong for anyone to place a rigid tithe on Christians. After witnessing a poor widow tithe only two coins Jesus says "Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them.

For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on. Baptist churches teach tithing income as outlined in the Bible, but they also instruct parishioners in a more holistic view of Christian giving. Baptists believe that everything a person has, including their time and talents, are gifts from God.

Baptist teaching emphasizes God receives glory when Christians joyfully, rather than begrudgingly, give of the blessings he has bestowed. Tithing is an act of worship, and Baptists believe blessings, though not necessarily of a material nature, will follow this act of trust and obedience.

And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.

Pastors within the Baptist church caution congregants and clergy alike that tithing is a worshipful act, and should not be motivated by legalism.