Quote:
Originally Posted by Scanner
ActYourWage,
I just don't think it would be ethical of me to sit in church, consume the seats, space, air conditioning, the time of the pastor and not pay my way for that.
I know you say, "Well, we don't care." but I think that's being a bit disingenuous when probably 10-20% of worship services are dedicated to collections (whether passing up the little basket or a lengthy sermon on tithing or outside enrollment in tithing).
Anyway, until I can figure out how I can work 10% in, I think it's just fair to everyone that I not be a "freeloader."
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When I first attended church, I did not tithe for a few years. Church is going to continue to 'work' regardless if new person or member is tithing or not. That is not the point of the church and church has been around for a long time and nothing will change that.
Church is not like a public theme park where you have to pay for your rides. It is open to anyone of all kinds. Granted there are good and bad churches but both are always around if you search.
I tithe now because I want to give more and more along with services and enjoyment of gathering friends for fun, fellowship, ministries and missionaries. I love what I do and the life I have. If you are a believer, God only wants you to give yourself and accept you as you are.
I just find the more I give into my relationship with God, there were more opportunities and things happening in my life that keeps popping up. Every person has different needs and gifts so there are no clear cut rules.
A true gift is to love or give and expect nothing in return. There are churches that offer their service without expecting finance in return. They are happy to see you. You should not have to feel like you must give something to receive anything either otherwise you might have your joy stolen away.
But because God is the center of my life instead of just a small part of my life, this is why I include tithe in my budget as one of the top priorities hence the question the OP was asking. It does not mean it is right for everyone but it just works for me at the moment.