Tithing

[pastor_chris]

All I know is that in the early church they gave all of it! I think we are just to be honest too materialistic as spoiled American Christians. Honestly, we did a report in my church last year and fewer than 7% of our church gives 10% or more of their income. Why? Because they'd rather play slot machines in Laughlin! (We live 40 minutes from Nevada). No one in my church would ask people to go with out food or clothing or any neccesities to give to the church coffers. But the reality is that many ministries are suffering because the people would rather gamble, or buy a new car.

In addition pastors are severley underpaid and underappreciated. WHy? Because most of our church members are not generous! This is a greedy spirit, not the Holy Spirit of God. My salary (while I am thankful fo it) is hard for a man with a family to raise his family on. We dont have health insurance, and we never will. I love what I do, but lets face it we are a materialistic people. Most do not give simply because they dont want to. Do you know that most pastors struggle to buy clothes and shoes for their kids? Maybe some are "flush" with cash but that is a rare situation. While I am not an advocate of legalistic giving (its anti-New Covenant) I believe God's people should put their money where their heart is. And to many have their heart on Earth.