FAQ · Growth
Giving Under Grace
A biblical answer to common questions about tithing, generosity, the local church, and financial pressure
Begin here
Christians agree that God’s people should give generously, gladly, wisely, and regularly. They do not all agree that the Old Testament tithe functions as a binding ten-percent rule for Christians.
This FAQ names that disagreement without making generosity optional. The New Testament calls believers to grace-shaped stewardship that supports gospel ministry, cares for people in need, and refuses manipulation.
01What was the Old Testament tithe?
A tithe means a tenth. Israel’s tithes belonged to its covenant life, supporting worship, Levites, festivals, and care for vulnerable people. The whole pattern cannot be reduced to a modern recurring payment.
Abraham and Jacob also gave a tenth in particular settings. Those narratives help explain the biblical background, but Christians differ over whether they establish a continuing fixed percentage.
02Must every Christian give exactly ten percent?
Faithful evangelicals answer differently. Some teach ten percent as a continuing standard or wise starting point; others understand the tithe as fulfilled with the old covenant and emphasize New Testament principles rather than a required percentage.
Do not make a disputed percentage the basis of salvation, spiritual rank, or freedom from hardship. Neither should uncertainty become an excuse for habitual stinginess.
03What does the New Testament clearly require?
Giving should be willing, cheerful, planned, proportionate to means, generous, and directed toward real ministry and need. It is a response to grace, not a purchase of God’s favor.
Some seasons allow abundance; others involve genuine limitation. The church should not demand money a person does not have or treat poverty as proof of disobedience.
04Should giving begin with the local church?
Christians ordinarily share responsibility for the faithful local church where they worship, receive care, and participate in mission. Scripture also commends direct care for the poor, missionaries, and believers facing urgent need.
Build a considered plan rather than pitting every worthy need against the church. Ask leaders how funds are governed, reported, safeguarded, and used.
05What are warning signs of financial manipulation?
Be cautious when leaders promise guaranteed wealth, healing, protection, or divine access in exchange for a gift; hide financial information; pressure public pledges; exploit private hardship; or claim questions reveal weak faith.
Healthy ministries welcome appropriate accountability, independent oversight, transparent reporting, conflict-of-interest safeguards, and honest correction. Generosity and financial discernment belong together.
Faithful response
Take your next step.
Review your giving as part of a complete, honest budget.
Choose a regular amount or percentage prayerfully, without comparison or coercion.
Ask appropriate questions about the stewardship and accountability of ministries you support.
Help another man
Continue the conversation.
Teach clear New Testament commands while acknowledging evangelical disagreement about the tithe.
Never promise material blessing or threaten divine punishment to obtain money.
Connect someone in financial crisis with wise help rather than increasing his shame.
Continue the journey
Lead Through Serving
Let the humility and sacrifice of Jesus reshape how you accept responsibility, make decisions, develop others, and use authority.