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 Cor. 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 Cor. 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 Cor. 9:7-8 (NLT)
