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Ask the Experts Discussion: Richard J. "Dick" Towner

Click to read Richard J. "Dick" Towner's bio
What are effective ways to teach about giving in a congregation in which some are well off and others are not?
Dick Towner responds in our Ask the Experts discussion.


Topics:Donations, Giving, Money
Filters:Church board, Financial officer, Fundraising ministry, Pastor, Stewardship, Treasurer
Purpose:Discipleship
Date Added:June 03, 2008

Total Reader Responses: 9 (see below)
Add your own comment

I think we would all agree that giving is a matter of the heart, not of an amount or a given percentage.

In that context, leaders can point out that the historic biblical benchmark for giving is the tithe, generally defined as 10 percent of income. A Christ-follower should desire to give at least this amount back to God's work in the world as an indication of his or her gratefulness for his presence in their life.

If it is a person's desire to tithe, but he or she is not currently doing so, a plan needs to be developed for how to get from where the individual is to a stated goal of a tithe. It won't happen without planning.

I would also point out that while the tithe is a worthy goal for a person who is giving less than 10 percent, it's a terrible place to stop if one is. A tithe by a family of four making $25,000 may be near sacrificial giving. But to tithe on $250,000 income and live on $225,000 minus taxes is not even close.

I also believe that there are situations—such as a mother of four children whose husband has walked out and stripped the bank accounts—in which the question is not how much she should give to the church, but rather, how much financial help the church should give to her!

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Christina C   (Guest) Posted: October 30, 2008
Oh my, where did everyone get the 10% figure?? To Old Testament saints the tithe was close to 33% and in the New Testament of grace it is 100%!!! EVERYTHING we have belongs to the Lord of our lives - He has asked us to be stewards of what is rightfully His, and we will give an account as stewards. We are giving it all because it all goes somewhere, so the real question is "what am I doing with the Lord's money?" The Lord does not need any of my money, but thankfully He wants ALL of me. Giving is just a picture of what is going on in my life spiritually - maybe we should concentrate on that instead of number crunching.


femi kayode   (Guest) Posted: June 20, 2008
One thing about giving and tithe that people should understand is that when u do any of this you will move the hand of God for more blessing, the book Malachi says prove me with this wethier i will not move devoral for your, it is all about understanding what the scripture says,that is why the bible says in getting wisdom we must get understanding.


Lawrence   (Guest) Posted: June 12, 2008
I am in total agreement with Dick Town and with some of the comments I have read. The New Testament church should give with a generous heart. If one is looking for a good percentage than 10% would be it since 10% is emphasized in the Bible. But it seems to me that the New Testament church were instructed to give proportionately from a generous heart with the expectation of good stewardship being practiced. Because giving is part of Christian stewardship and that is where most Christians are weak and it shows up in our giving and our possesions of too much and too expensive. When we give with a generous heart proportionately God will see to it that the church ministries are finacially supported by His people.


Toyosi   (Guest) Posted: June 10, 2008
I am a living proof of what God can do when you tithe. Its so convenient for me that by His grace I dont reckon with at least 10% of my income as mine. I do pay more than 10% and this is because I have realised that Grace requires even more from us than the Law. Tithing is an appreciation of the Source of your income who is the King of the Kingdom. Because you are a citizen of the Kingdom you have a duty to contribute to it so as to enjoy the benefit of the Kingdom. I therefore pay my tithe with all joyfullness and thanksfulness to my Father, the Source of all good things and Sustainer.


Pat Thomas   (Guest) Posted: June 06, 2008
I agree with Dick Towner, I believe, if we are to tithe, then that is only the starting place. Paul says that a "each should give what you have purposed in their hearts to give, for God love a cheerful giver." 2 Cor 9:7. I have tithed for many years and still lacked what I needed. I, now, give above and beyond 10% of my salary because I believe that this is what I should be giving. God is a God of grace, mercy, and compassion and I think like Mr. Towner as far as the mother of 4 children whose husband has left her. In my opinion, someone, who earns $250,000 (and anyone else who is living in debt because of living beyond their means) and is in debt, needs more than to just tithe/give, they need financial counseling. Just my 2 cents worth.

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