You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous.
2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (NLT)
The bottom line to me (my opinion and belief) is that as Christians, we should ask God where He wants us to give and how much.
I’ve been asked numerous times, “Pastor, do I need to give 10% of my income to the church?” My response (even as recent as this past Sunday!): “You give the percentage or any dollar amount you want to give. Just give from a heart of worship, obedience, and joy!”
Personally, as a pastor, I’ve wrestled with the idea of my paycheck coming from people giving their “tithes/offerings.” I especially have a hard time hearing pastors or spiritual leaders put a percentage on what people should give. Nor do I like answering the question, “Should I give a percentage from my gross or net pay?” Some may give 3 percent of their “gross or net pay.” Some may choose to give 5… 8… 13 percent. I give various percentages depending on my season of life, with a heart to obey and please God, giving joyfully. That is what Paul is saying above in 2 Corinthians 9:7-8!
I do believe tithes or offerings to support a local church and its pastor, are needed and have a Biblical truth. I’ve been asked, “Do I need to give to your church?” To me, the bottom line is no. But if you call New Hope Mānoa “your/our church” and support what I do as a pastor, I believe in being an owner (not a renter-mentality) of our ‘ohana.
Mahalo to those who are part of our church ‘ohana or connected to my life or ministry – who give financially. I am humbled and grateful for your prayers, support, and giving. I ask that you do not use your charge card to give if you are in credit card debt. I also believe in worshipful, generous Kingdom giving as unto God, not “to a church or pastor.”
If you are a part of our church or connected to me personally, and have any questions, comments, or concerns about church finances, please contact me at rod@enewhope.org. I want to lead our church with honesty and transparency. I welcome conversations to discuss our perspectives and convictions involving church finances and the topic of “tithes/offerings.”
If you belong to another church, I encourage you to support your pastor and give to your local church.
And I conclude with this reminder: “You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.’ And God will generously provide all you need. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous.” 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (NLT)
