Am I Entitled To Know What The Church Does With My Tithes?

1. 82

   ngurecoposted 14 years ago

   Am I Entitled To Know What The Church Does With My Tithes?

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2. 61

   Kotti KaDottiposted 14 years ago

   Yes, that is a very good question! I use to go to church back in the day before I started working every day of the week to take care of my wife and kids. I remember when I was a kid the church was taking up money for a building fund. I had to be at least 4 or 5 years old, what ever age it is when your in pre-k. Any way that church is still taking money for a building fund and they have not done a damn thang except pave the parking lot in over 20 years. The church has the same preacher and now his son who is my age is starting to preach. So asking about your tithes is a very good question.

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   shirleybillposted 14 years ago

   Actually, the funds are used to run the church, and to pay for costs and expenses. It also pays for the ministers salary. The Bible does give a pretty clear description of how the money is to be used.
   If you were to think of sitting inside a hot church on a very hot summer day, rather than an air conditioned building, then you would not have to wonder about the light bill, and what it cost to keep that building cooled off, so that the members, can sit in comfort.
   There are lots of costs associated with buildings, upkeep, maintenance, lawns, and the utility bills, etc. that are not being added in. Just take some time to add up the overall costs, and you won't need to wonder, you will know.

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   fulloffaithposted 14 years ago

   Yes you are entitled to know what the church does with your tithes. I am a pastor and at my church we have an open policy as far as the finances are concerned on a need to know basis. I believe that the more accountability there is the less chances of corruption. We have a finance committee that determines where funds are allocated. Before I became a pastor I had the same concerns especially since the finances where in question at my previous church home and that taught me, "what not to do!"

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   Born Again 05posted 14 years ago

   When you are a member of a church, you should be allowed to attend the business meetings that are held. At the business meetings all the finances are discussed as well as things that are needed, things that have been purchased, etc. My church does not require tithing, but that which one wants to give from the heart. The Lord loves a peson that gives cheerfully, not begrudgingly. Our business meeting is open to all, but only members of the church can vote on matters of the church.

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   Tanya Coxposted 14 years ago

   I believe that when you give tithes you are giving to God not to the pastor or treasurer of a church.  If after I give my tithes I start to question exactly where my money went, then I have given up on having faith that God is using it where it is needed.  Churchs need to have business meetings and reports to show that they are being good stewards with the tithes received.  I don't always agree with where and how money is being used. I sit back and remind myself that we are here to serve God and my church is not here to serve me.
   
   When I give to God it never really leaves me.

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   desteigingaposted 14 years ago

   I know what's done with ours....
   
   the year my husband took fatally ill- we lost our entire income and our small bible church here in salem, ohio (i dislike the town name- but nonetheless...) brought a check to our home every 2 weeks for six months while we awaited social security.  I have five children who learned for themselves the importance of giving to our little fellowship each week.

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   churchboyposted 14 years ago

   Yes you should. You are entitled to know what the funds of the church are being used for.

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   kessposted 14 years ago

   Yes your are entitled to know...
   
   But my question is why you feel obligated to pay tithe? 
   
   One should not give as an obligation but as they see a need.

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    topgunjagerposted 14 years ago

    Of course not, if you are then the pope wouldn't live in a castle and own bling=)

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    kbennett51770posted 14 years ago

    You have a right to know where your tithes go if you are a member of the congregation and the church should be forthcoming with the financial details to the members.  I do believe that tithes are our responsibility to give to the church as good stewards of God's blessings and the bible says to give 10% of your income.  You should also be a cheerful giver and not give just out of obligation.

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    william_simpsonposted 14 years ago

    What is being taught about tithing ten percent of your income cannot be validated by Scripture in the New Covenant. Not one time! If you would ever take the time to research the history of the tithe you will discover it was a tax paid by the people to the Levitical Priesthood, who were the government of Israel, which was a theocracy, at that time. The tithe was used to provide the needs of the priesthood and for the welfare of people. There were two different tithes given each year and a third tithe was required every third year totaling not ten percent, but nearly thirty percent, much like this nation’s tax system.
    There are commentaries you can read to gain a better knowledge of this subject from Doctors of Divinity who have studied God’s law for a lifetime, so don’t take just my word. And what you might not have realized yet, there is always the Bible. Today's evangelical church has been fed a lie that has corrupted the true message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and it’s time you study the Bible for yourself to then have God reveal His truth.
    We are commanded to give willingly and cheerfully, but tithing is not a New Covenant command. Today's tithe is a money market. Learn the truth!

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    macbeth25posted 14 years ago

    Churches are also businesses and while tithes are not the same as "buying stock," I think members have a right to know how the money is spent.  Perhaps someone among the members might be able to help the Church make better use of its money.

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    grayknightposted 14 years ago

    You are entitled to know whether or not a particular church is truly the Church of Jesus Christ.  If it isn't, then don't give them any money.  If it is, then you don't need to worry about how the money is spent.

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    Torch Harrisonposted 13 years ago

    Of course you are.  Anyone who donates money should be able to ask for and recieve an accounting.  Attend a business meeting.  Ask to speak to the Bishop.  It's not only a moral obligation, but legal as well.

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