Expert: Brian Thompson - 1/23/2010

Question
QUESTION: Brian-

From reading some of your posts, it looks like I agree with your view of tithing. Do you know of any  non tithing church networks. I live in Tampa.

Thanks.

Jeff Lewis
Citytaker Ministries
www.citytaker.com

ANSWER: Hi Jeff

no, I guess I am a dissenting view that is held by many Christians, obviously there are a number of churches that do not insist on tithing but it appears general among pentecostal churches

the reality is that I believe that New Testament christianity is more than this, just as the early Christians believed. It is not about law it is about relationship and when you have relationship you will give to God's purposes and you will be blessed because he has told us so. There is not calculation and no limits. Preach generosity, preach giving and leave tithing to tradition. Listen to the Spirit of God, and give what he tells you to give.

I have listened to many sermons on tithing and it seems to me they are all trying to prove something, and I will not give in to condemnation or false interpretation. What my studies tell me is that I am not under Law but under Grace, and as a result. the old has passed away and the new has come. I am am a child of God, a believer in the redeeming sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the law has been fulfilled so that I don't need to

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Looks like you go to an AG church. Do they teach tithing and if so, how do you teach new disciples in your small group the whole truth without bringing division?

Answer
Tithing is preached in my Church however what is given is optional there is no attempt to identify the source of church funds and enforce a tithe.

When I talk about giving I tell those I am teaching that I am not talking about tithing and that the New Testament standard is that everything belongs to God anyway, therefore we are to be good stewards of our money and support the work of God. I have a very strong testimony of God's provision arising out of giving. I also tell them if they want to know about tithing they must study all Scriptures regarding tithing and the way in which the Church was funded in Old Testament times. I find it is better not to go there unless you have to..

Jeff, I'm sure you are aware this is a difficult subject with many views among churches and Pastors. I know many people who find this subject very confusing and even a source of condemnation. Therefore I find the simplicity of 2 Corinthians 9 a much better platform from which to preach giving to the church with no need for division to arise.