Does our tithe all have to go to our church or can part of it go to a Christian ministry?

Answer

This is a challenging matter to discern biblically because the Bible does not mention “special offerings” for Christian causes or parachurch Christian ministries. The Bible simply instructs us to give to the Lord (1 Corinthians 16:2;2 Corinthians 9:7). Certainly, we should give to the church we attend, serve at, and worship in! If a Christian believes the Lord is leading them to give 10%, does the entire 10% have to be given to the church, or can it be divided between the church and other Christian purposes? Unfortunately, the response to this question often varies depending on who is answering. Churches and pastors typically teach that the full 10% should be given to the church, and any additional Christian giving should be on top of the 10%. On the other hand, Christian ministries and causes generally teach that the 10% for giving can be shared between churches and ministries as guided by the Lord.

So, which perspective is correct? Even as a parachurch ministry, GotQuestions.org maintains that a believer’s primary giving should be to their local church, with any “extra offerings” directed towards other Christian causes. However, we do not believe that a believer is obligated by legalism to give 10% or any specific amount (refer to Christian Tithing). The Bible encourages followers of Christ to give generously, joyfully, and consistently. There is no prescribed biblical method for dividing a tithe between a church and another Christian organization. If a Christian views the tithe as obligatory for present-day believers, the 10% should be allocated to the church following the principle of the storehouse in Malachi 3:10.

Moreover, if a believer prayerfully chooses to give 10% in offerings, we believe they can allocate the funds as the Spirit guides them; for instance, 8% to their church and 2% to other Christian causes. What is important is that believers make sacrifices in their giving efforts.

It is important to give generously and cheerfully to support God’s work, wherever and however He guides. Followers should seek guidance in determining the amount and recipients of their donations.