How much to tithe? A question that many congregations struggle to answer. Tithing, the practice of giving a portion of one’s income or produce found throughout the Bible, is deeply rooted in the religious and historical context of the ancient Near East. Today, approximately 10 million tithers in the US contribute $50 billion annually to churches & non-profits.
However tithing is more than a financial contribution; it embodies a spiritual gesture of gratitude, trust, and obedience toward God. This tradition, which typically involves donating ten percent of one’s earnings or agricultural yield, supports religious institutions and the clergy while assisting the poor and fostering collective well-being.
Historically, tithing has played a crucial role in developing and sustaining religious communities, acting as a tangible expression of faith and commitment among believers. Nevertheless, many individuals don’t know how much to give to the church weekly.
In this article, we will explore what tithing is in the Bible by looking at its foundations and practical applications. We will discuss modern tithing habits and reveal how churches can increase their regular giving using online donation platforms.
How Much to Tithe According to the Bible
“A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord. Whoever would redeem any of their tithe must add a fifth of the value to it. Every tithe of the herd and flock—every tenth animal that passes under the shepherd’s rod—will be holy to the Lord.”
— Leviticus 27:30-32 (New International Version)
In the Old Testament, the ancient practice of tithing is tied to the people of Israel walking in covenant with God. As time progressed, the Christian tradition began to form in the New Testament and tithing was continued in its practices.
Over the centuries, different churches have mandated the tithe legally and morally. More recently, church members have considered it an optional practice, with some implementing the tradition and others refraining from it.
Regardless of individual opinions, the church teaches and encourages the tithe globally. Almost every church worldwide offers dedicated time during its service for people to give financially to the church or to a specific cause. Tithing is a tradition that has never stopped.
But what does the Bible say about tithing, and how much should you tithe? Let’s consider some key points regarding the origins and development of tithing in the Bible.
Old Testament Origins
Tithing in the Old Testament was essential to Israel’s community life and covenant life with God, making it a critical practice that helped Israel prosper while forming as a nation.
Early mentions of tithing
- Abraham and Melchizedek: The first explicit mention of tithing is found in Genesis 14:18-20. After Abraham’s victory over the kings, he gives Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High, a tenth of everything. This act is seen as a voluntary offering of gratitude.
- Jacob’s Vow: In Genesis 28:20-22, Jacob vows to give a tenth of everything God gives him if God protects and provides for him. This vow signified a personal commitment to God.
Institutionalization in Mosaic Law
The practice of tithing is formalized in the Mosaic Law. Several passages in the Pentateuch outline the requirements and purposes of tithing. Here are a few:
- Leviticus 27:30-33: A tithe of the land, whether seed or fruit, and a tithe of livestock, is holy and belongs to the Lord.
- Numbers 18:21-24: The Levites, who served in the temple and had no land inheritance, were to receive the tithe from the Israelites as compensation for their religious duties.
- Deuteronomy 14:22-29: Instructions are given on how to use the tithe, including bringing it to the central place of worship and using it for a communal meal. Every third year, a special tithe (the “poor tithe”) was to be given to the Levites, foreigners, orphans, and widows.
New Testament Context
While the New Testament does not emphasize the more demanding aspects of tithing found in the Old Testament, it does reflect on the principles behind the practice:
Jesus’ teachings
- Jesus mentions tithing in the context of criticizing the Pharisees for their hypocrisy. In Matthew 23:23 and Luke 11:42, He acknowledges their meticulous tithing practices but condemns them for neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness, highlighting the importance of the heart and attitudes behind the giving.
Principles of generosity
- The New Testament emphasizes generosity, sacrificial giving, and the support of the Christian community. For example, in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, Paul encourages believers to give generously and cheerfully, as they have decided in their hearts.
The origins of tithing in the Bible are deeply intertwined with the religious, economic, and social fabric of ancient Israel. It began as a voluntary act of devotion and gratitude, became institutionalized under Mosaic Law to support religious functions and social welfare, and continued influencing New Testament teachings on generosity and stewardship.
Overall, the tithe has historically been understood to be a giving of a tenth of all profits, whether in crops, livestock, or other financial gain.
Tithing Habits in Modern Times
As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”
— Luke 21:1-4 (New International Version)
The word “tithe” itself means a “tenth.” However, today’s understanding of the word concerning church giving varies widely.
- Around 43% of Christians say they understand how much to tithe, while the rest are less sure.
- The Barna Group found that out of all Christians (practicing and non-practicing), only 21% give a tithe, meaning they offer 10% or more of their income to a church regularly.
- More Christians (37%) will give varying amounts, while a quarter (25%) of Christians will give no financial donations to their church.
Church pastors have varying responses to these statistics.
- Ninety-nine percent of pastors know the importance of the tithe but still struggle to explain it to their congregations.
- A third of pastors believe regular church members should tithe 10% of their income.
- One-fifth of pastors believe the tithe should be whatever the church member can give sacrificially or willingly.
A separate study by the Barna Group found that 44% of all U.S. adult givers do so by digital means. While these digital givers are often more open to exploring online innovations, they also cite the confidence they gain in giving digitally. These givers trust the online platforms that manage their donations.
However, around a third of givers struggle to trust online giving. Worries about sharing personal information online are a crucial pain point for these givers, while another worry is that the online platforms will not give most or all of the donations to the desired nonprofit or church. For these givers, a lack of understanding leads to distrusting many online donation platforms.
Overall, most Christian givers see the tithe as voluntary, while most pastors see the tithe as essential. However hazy today’s understanding of the tithe has become, many churches do not mandate a specific 10% tithe from their members. Most will encourage a tithe but stop short of saying how much to tithe.
The biblical understanding of the tithe being 10% of one’s income has given way to allowing each person to decide what is best to give within their present circumstances. Generosity is paramount within the Christian faith, and while there is also precedent to giving a specific 10% to churches and their leadership, an overwhelming attitude of grace has permeated the discussion.
Jesus is the church’s guide in all things. As he praised the widow for giving what she could in Luke 21:1-4, the church is to do likewise in avoiding making the tithe a burden on church members but an opportunity to give whatever the member can.
Using Online Platforms for Tithing
When it comes to church givers, around 60% prefer to give digitally, meaning online donations are a church’s primary method of receiving tithes and offerings. When church givers were presented with a digital option to give, churches saw a 32% increase in donations.
This increase is due to the enhanced convenience for donors that online tithing platforms like Donorbox offer. These platforms make it much easier to give at any time and anywhere through a wide variety of payment methods. Additionally, donor portals improve donor engagement, allowing users to manage their donations without having to contact the church office.
Churches can also utilize personalized communications to automatically send thank-you notes and other important financial or legal information, making the process more efficient and streamlined.
Donorbox MinistryMomentum offers a suite of features designed to boost church fundraising and church giving, with a strong focus on recurring donations. Here are some of the key features related to recurring giving:
Key Features of Donorbox MinistryMomentum
- Customizable donation forms: Donorbox provides customizable recurring donation forms. These forms allow donors to set up recurring donations easily, specifying the frequency (weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annually) and the amount they wish to give.
- Donor-Managed recurring giving: Donors can manage recurring donations through a self-service portal. This includes updating payment information, changing donation amounts, and modifying donation schedules without needing to contact the church administration.
- UltraSwift™ Pay: This feature streamlines the donation process, making it quick and easy for donors to set up and manage recurring donations.
- Multiple payment methods: Donorbox supports various payment methods, including credit/debit cards, ACH bank transfers, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, ensuring a seamless and secure donation experience.
- QuickDonate™: This feature allows for fast, one-click donations for returning donors, enhancing convenience and encouraging repeat giving.
- Integration: Donorbox integrates with various church management and planning tools, such as the Planning Center, to streamline donation tracking and donor management. This integration helps churches keep their donor data organized and up-to-date.
- Donor profiles and insights: Churches can access detailed donor profiles and insights, helping them understand giving patterns and engage more effectively with their congregation.
- Automated receipts and thank-you notes: Donorbox automates the sending of receipts and thank-you notes, ensuring timely acknowledgment of donations and enhancing donor relations.
Conclusion
The question of how much to tithe today varies widely among Christians. By exploring the different scriptures on tithing in the Bible, we can quickly answer the question, “How much is a tithe in the Bible?” However, deciding what amount to tithe becomes the key question.
Jesus’s words and actions reveal that tithing should come from the heart rather than from a strict command. While the word “tithe” means “a tenth,” many modern Christians have shaken off any legalistic notion of tithing to offer what they can. Some church members give 10% or more, while others give less.
Regardless, your church can meet everyone where they are with an online donation platform.
Churches that utilize Donorbox MinistryMomentum see a significant increase in recurring donations thanks to the streamlined and automated process, providing church members with a hassle-free way to give regularly. Make the simple change today by signing up for a free 30-minute demo to see how Donorbox can transform and improve your church donations.
