Q: Do you pay tithe? Why or Why not? Do you think it should be okay to give your tithe to Mission projects or charity organizations instead of the church?

Russel, 24, Philippines: Yes I pay tithe. The Bible is clear in Malachi 3:10 that we should bring the tithes into the store house. In this case the store house is the conferences, the missions, and the divisions. Let them take care of the making of mission projects and charity organizations. IF you're really itching to give money to any charity organizations just systematically budget your money and allot a certain amount from it to be used for such organization but do not get anything from the tithe.

Janet , 29, NSW/AUSTRALIA: Yes/No. I have my own personal battles and reasons for not. I would love, love, love a 100% guarantee that my tithe is going to support the mission projects and charity organizations.

CEPHAS, 19, Accra, Ghana: Yes I do pay tithe, because it’s a divine law. No, I don’t think we should give the tithe for mission projects because it’s for pastors.

Pillan, 18, Boise, Idaho: Personally, it's been difficult for me keeping up with the tithe giving, but it's more than a blessing with what I give. When I give, it's not just what others see, which is that I have money to provide for myself or I have money or have ALOT of money I just don't know what to do with it, but more than what I wanted to do for others. For a lot of people, it might be difficult to give, especially us humans who happen to be greedy. But a lot of people out there are more than in need than we are. If the church is in control of distributing the money for the pastors and other projects they have been planning for the future, then it's definitely alright. If the money will benefit the church too, if it'll attract believers to worship and learn more about God, then it's alright.

Lawrence, 21, Ghana: I have been paying my tithe since I entered the university. I am only paying it to secure my blessing from GOD as he has promise those who pay. Since GOD said we should pay so that there will enough food in the house of the Lord. I think some should be use for charity but a greater amount should be left in the church.

Cristina, 27: I tithe because I am so grateful to God for all the blessings I receive from him, including my job. I believe it is OK to give my tithe to charities, projects and other ministries as long as they are Adventists. There are too many ways to spread the gospel and the church cannot do it all. Many times this charities or ministries have a more aggressive and effective approach, while the church remains too traditional. I also agree with Jemma about tithing anonymously - I have never liked the idea of having other church members knowing such personal information as my salary.

Rozana, 20, Zambia: Yes I pay tithe and I do not think there’s anything wrong with the money going to mission project and charities. After all, it is required of us as Christians even by the bible. Moreover, it may be the only way to spread the gospel of the soon return of Jesus. If the church can still survive even without the tithe, why not give it to projects or people who really need it? As Seventh Day Adventist, our goal should be to prepare people for the Second Advent, and if tithe is one of those ways, then why not give and enhance the gospel?

Akhona, 16, South Africa, Cape Town: No, I don’t pay tithe-not any more. I say this because I used to pay tithe when I was younger than I am now. It was something that I enjoyed doing and I saw the blessings that came from paying tithe. But as I grew older I lost the concept of it and I stopped paying it. I gave many excuses to run away from paying tithe till this day. According to my understanding, tithe is meant to go to the church as it was devised to fund for missionaries back in the days. If the church wants to give to mission projects or charity organizations it could collect special offerings.

Joash, 24, Kenya: I give 10% because it belongs to God. I used to have temptations of not giving. I later faced hardship until one time my conscience strongly directed me that this could be due to my unfaithfulness to God. I asked for repentance and now I feel am free that even if I face many challenges I’ve promised God I can’t be tempted to pinch Him.
The money we pay as tithe I think is used appropriately, but I suggest that as we are using the money to evangelize to the whole world, we should at the same time consider the youths in the church, who can’t access the education/talent developing facilities probably because lack money. Youths are the church and if we keep evangelizing without thinking about those we have in the church, the future church might be in trouble.

Jemma, 24, England: In the church manual on p53 it states that all church officers should tithe and if a person does not tithe they can not be elected. What happens if a person chooses to tithe anonymously (as many members do), does this mean that they too can not be elected because they do not wish to share their financial information publicly (to treasurers or local church members)?

Gem, 29, Singapore: From the start I work and got a pay, I feel complete when I separate and give tithe and offering coz it is one way I can give thanks to God from all the things He has given to me, healthy body, food, shelter and everything. And after I made my task everything flows smoothly, even the pay I got is not enough a lot of un expected blessing comes my way. Tithe is tithe and whatever stated in the bible must be done. Bring the tithe into the storehouse... that there may be enough penny for the proclaiming of the gospel of God to the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

Jacquelyn, 22, Virginia, United States: Before becoming a member of the Adventist Church, I had a problem with the paying tithes to a church because in some other Christian denominations, the tithe (which should, according to the Bible, be returned to the Lord to farther His message of salvation throughout the world) went, instead, directly into the pastor's pocket. Once, while attending a Presbyterian church, two elders visited our family and demanded that my parents pay over 10% in tithes so a million-dollar renovation could be done on the ancient church building. My parents refused to put the Lord's money into make a building that was perfectly fine look fancier to rival the Baptist church across the street. Shortly afterwards, for many different reasons, including that one, we stopped attending that church.
After we joined the Adventist Church in 2002, my family was amazed at the simplistic method of tithes and offerings. There was no doubt that any money given, either in tithe or offering, would go to the places where it was most needed. Sometimes the money will stay at the local church, other times it will be used to help community out-reach programs, missionaries, assist schools, etc. We have no problem returning our tithe to the Lord and feel confident that He will guide the money into the area where it is most needed.

FARANICA, 22, KOTA MARUDU, SABAH, MALAYSIA: I think it is okay to give my tithe to mission and I pay it. My tithe will help other peoples who are need help from us although I don't know who they are. When we pay tithe, means we support god's plan.

Jedseline, 21, Curacao, Netherlands Antilles: Sure I pay tithe, because when I do it I feel like I'm giving thanks to God for the blessings that He gave me during the month.

Sabelo, 21, Eastern Cape, South Africa: I would first like to respond to the question on tithe given directly to the charity organizations, etc. This is not good for it gives a wrong picture about the church as a unity (one body). While it may be so good, this is often done driven behind by jealous motives or those who are working against the main objectives of the church: Matt 28v19-20. What can be given directly to these external organizations is an offering cause is a free gift, whilst the tithe is God's, and never anyone else's!

Siphosenkosi, 22, South Africa:It is said in the bible bring tithes and offering to the storehouse of the lord such that there might be food. This is a clear statement that the money has to go to the church and not elsewhere. The part about taking tithe to mission projects is showing concern for the poor which is not the instruction given on tithes.

Michael, 18, WA United States: Whoa this is a tough one. I think tithing is good and I pay tithe and offerings (though perhaps not as regularly as I should; I tend to let them pile up.) In theory, I think it's just fine to give your money to other church projects except I've recently been made aware of a big problem to this whole idea and that is what then happens to the budget of your local church. If all of you money is sent away (which don't get me wrong, is still good) then your local church is left without money to keep the lights and the like. I must admit that I really don't have the solution here. Have any of the rest of you reading through these thought of this and have any insight to share?

Stephanie, 15, Delta State Nigeria: I think giving tithe to mission projects or charity organizations is also giving to the church. And I think God ordained the leaders and we should accept their decisions, pay our tithe regularly and pray that God blesses whatever it is used for.

Teka-Ann, 25, California, United States: Yes I pay tithe because I try to follow the Word of the Lord and He says 10% belongs to Him. Also, those who have gone on before us used to pay their tithe and we should follow their examples. Outside of that, I personally believe tithing is very important. The work of the gospel must continue and it is through our tithe that many projects of the Church are funded. We are a part of an organized body; God is not a God of confusion. So, we should give for the furtherance of the gospel. Also, tithing increases faith because at some points the numbers doesn’t add up with our tithe and our bills. But, I am a witness that God has never failed the faithful. It’s an awesome experience with the Lord.
I do think it is perfectly fine to give our tithe to mission projects or to charity organizations. I do believe the Church as an organized body can not do it all and there are others working in the field who are not funded by the GC, so supporting these are in accordance with the purpose of our tithe and our Church. However, the drawback comes in when we are able to tithe and help fund these projects, but as a means to hold on to our money we use our tithe for these projects instead. This I believe is wrong. Not because God says 10% means we ought to give only 10%. If we can give the Church 10% and give another 5% or 10% to a charity organization or a mission project we should. The Lord is full of blessings and He never ceases to bestow them upon us. So, if we can bless others outside of our tithing with our blessings, we should.

Dee, 23, Kenya: I pay tithe and I think there is a specific reason why—God requires us to return the tenth portion. In my view (and I think the biblical view too) tithe is not the same as the offering. It should be used to support church workers so that there is 'meat in the Lord's house.' I think charity should be supported by liberal offerings

Paul, 21, New Zealand: I think that you should tithe, however it is something that I am slack at doing! I usually use the excuse of being in debt not to pay (although then the money goes to burger king anyway!), although in the back of my mind I realize this is foolish, as God has said that He will provide. Don't I believe He will do as he promises?
Even when I hear testimonies from people who have given beyond their means, and had it returned to them 10 fold, I still find it hard to do!
And I think that any money you give to missionary projects or charity organizations should be on top of your tithe, although considering my current tithe rate, I am probably not one to talk!

Kris, 21, Oklahoma, United States: I pay tithe because it is an essential practice described in the Scriptures. It is a deeply spiritual and immensely rewarding method of acknowledging God's sovereignty in our lives and in the universe. It reminds me that God is big, very big. I believe that the Bible recommends the tithe to be given to fund the "priesthood," which could be interpreted today as for the salaries of pastors, teachers, and other church employees. Tithing is sacred and I am glad to participate in such a beautiful discipline.

Rowena, 27, AB, Canada: It is very important to your tithe. I think that you can always give any amount for any charity works or mission projects if you think you have some extra to give but your tithe is exclusively for the church.

Iva, 23, Bulgaria: Yes, I do pay tithe. I bring it to the church and I know that the church leaders will find the best way to use it; for mission projects or other church related stuff but that's what it's for... to help God's word spread around the world. If, for some reason, the tithe is not used the way it had to be I'm not the person who has to judge. In my family I sometimes have problems when it's time to pay it. My parents are not Adventist and they don't see the point in doing this, probably they think that the church is "stealing" our money but I pray to stay close to my beliefs and not to let other people even my parents to make me change my faith...

Ryan, 25, Manila, Philippines: How could I bring back my tithe to God if I don't have any work at all? Does it make sense, how could I sacrifice something that never cost me anything.
I think and strongly believe that we should not divert any tithe money to mission projects or charity organizations because it is contrary to the Spirit of Prophecy.

Benjamin, 24, Philippines: No I didn't pay my tithe. I just give back it to the Lord because these holy things belong to Him. For me it’s not ok to give it directly to any charitable projects. We should follow instructions given to us in Malachi 3:10 we should bring it to the store house not to any other place.

Courtney, 16, Maryland, United States: I do pay tithe because God has given so much and it is all his. All he asks is 10 percent. He wants us to give tithe out of our heart not out of guilt. God even says that if we give out of guilt he would rather we not give. I think it is okay to give tithe to mission projects or charity organizations instead of church. God works through other organizations than the church. But remember that your local church needs your support as well.

Joy, 19, Lagos, Nigeria: I don't pay tithe—I return my tithe. I see no problem in giving the tithe to charity organizations or mission projects if they are under the church. Because the bible never told us where the storehouse was, it just said BRING YE ALL THE TITHES INTO THE STOREHOUSE...........

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