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April 16, 2008
4 tithing questions from a seminary student
John, a Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary student, recently e-mailed me some questions he was working through for his research paper on titihing. I think they are questions that many of us are asking too. I thought I'd share his questions and my responses below.
Feel free to hit the "comment" button below and answer John's questions yourself too.
John, good luck on your research paper and keep thinking about Stewardship and Giving!
1. What is your opinion on the issue of the tithe being for the New Testament church?
Please see my recent post about Ken Hemphill's latest article from Baptist Press. I would concur with him.
2. Do you believe there is a biblical mandate for Christians today to tithe?
Again, tithing is just one piece of the pie. Stewardship means acknowledging that everything we have - our time, money, and talent - are assets given to us by God to be managed for His glory and the advancement of the Kingdom.
3. What differences do you see between stewardship and tithing?
Just like Baptism, giving or tithing to the church is an outward sign of an inward commitment. Stewardship is a lens through which we interpret the world around us--one that believes Jesus is Lord and that all we have and are is a gift from God to be managed for Kingdom growth.
4. If churches were to begin teaching a free-will giving concept what do you foresee could be the possible ramifications (positive or negative)?
The debate on free-will giving vs. tithing is just that--a debate. Both sides can equally defend their position. In the end, we have to believe that the church is only the entity empowered by God at Pentecost to carry out the Work of Christ until His return. There is no plan B. That means it's of paramount concern to every church leader that the Church as an entity and organization be fully funded and sustainable to ensure that we have more money for more ministry. And I think we can do that in many ways.
I can say this with confidence: No Money. No Ministry.
Posted by bstroup at April 16, 2008 1:39 AM
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