There is a small debate going on, and I would like to know your thoughts. Here is the issue:
A church in the area has asked their members to sign up for direct deposit, withdrawn each Monday morning, for a 10% (or more) tithe. They claim they are thousands short each week, and would like to make sure that, even on vacation or absence from church, people are still tithing the full amount they should be.
So, what do you think? Overstepping boundaries? Taking out the "cheerful" part of giving? Or darn smart idea?
11 comments:
In my humble opinion...
Giving is an act of worship--as much as singing and liturgies and all other elements of the Sunday morning service. That's been forgotten over the years. When we put our money into the collection plate each week, it reminds us that everything we have is God's and that money is not our security (Christ is).
As a church planter, I can understand this church's desire to meet budget (you bet I do). But what are they giving up by setting up these automatic withdrawals? Giving may become thoughtless and without meaning...
Perhaps some education about the beauty and value of giving as an act of worship would be a better place to start.
Well, I can hardly compete with Pastor Dana's wise words =) but my first reaction was a bit of disbelief.
We get a lot of bills directly taking out of our bank account and I never even think about them ... when I tithe I really should.
The only upside for me personally, would be the certainty that I am tithe-ing. That I am taking it "off of the top" That I am not forgetting, in my craziness to give back to God what is His. I have a few of our charitable contribs made by electronic transfer. It's debatable, I don't know if I would do it for church or not, perhaps.
have I no heart?
Giving is an act of worship---It seems like if it comes out automatically, you're not thinking about it...It's just something on the to-do list..might become meaningless.
I agree with Dana on this one. Those were great thoughts.
Dana said it well . . . giving is an act of worship . . . we should be giving out of a grateful heart.
I also agree with Michelle . . . when you just give randomly, you're probably not giving enough - God asks for our first fruits, not our left overs . . .
Mike and I have reached sort of a middle ground here. We have a special checking account that 10% of our money gets directly deposited into. That ensures that the money is being taken from the top - our first fruits . . . but we don't have to think about it.
Then giving is fun! We know that all of that money is for tithing and charitable donations . . . we have the freedom to give it whereever and however we choose.
The calculating is done without thinking . . . the giving is done very cheerfully.
I think it's a great compromise, don't you?
I have no problem with it being an option but I don't think it should be asked of by people. As another church planter I don't think to make budget and such should be the motivating factor to give. It should definetly be about giving back to God.
Chelle, I do think you have a heart and that you would do direct desposit shows that it is important and a act of worship for you. That is why I don't think it is a bad option. But an option and not a requirement.
great discussion gals, I learned a lot.
I agree with Chelle- great discussion! My opinion was appalled. I feel it should be about the giving, not the church needing the money, and it is overstepping boundaries for the church to decide people are not giving enough and try to force people to give. IMO, it would be hard to tell them to stop taking the money out via DD. How do you cancel without feeling like the church will be upset?
I really love Sonny's idea. That makes perfect sense to me! Thanks for all your insight!
I totally expected Braaaad to comment...what gives? ;)
Chelle, Please forgive me, I was out of the office all day yesterday.
I agree with Dana. I'm not a wordsmith so I don't think I could have said it so nicely. I was appalled as well when I first read it. I feel it is something you should consciously do. Sonny's idea is a good comprimise, in my opinion, if you can't do it any other way.
I feel so affirmed braaaaaaad!
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