Southern Baptists and Tithing

Russ,
I am not a leader in the SBC, but you are correct. The tithe is not part of the church. Free will giving the first of every week is wthout any mention or thought of percentages, and any suggestion that the tithe is for the church does detract from grace and how we are to give. I am always amased at those who claim the tithe and they themselves do not follow the tithing system of the law. Sort of hypocritical.

 

"Tithing" is not required, nor is "10%" set in stone. But structured giving is encouraged in the SBC.

Ten percent is used as an example, not a directive. Any level of giving is greatly appreciated.

If a person is not willing to give to the church, he is not usually very interested in it. When we give, we gain "ownership" in the whole ("ownership" is a term used to describe the mental acknowledgement that part of the results were because of our contribution).

I and my family tithe. It's not always 10%. Sometimes it is less, sometimes it is more. But we give to the church in acknowledgement of the fact that God has given us all that we have.

In Christ,
Trotter

 

I think it is a bit of a 'stretch' to demonstrate that it is a scriptural mandate. But, it certainly is a scriptural principle. When we talk about it in SS, I usually frame it in relation to home financial management and responsibility (gotta pay those bills, letting your children run naked is bad, etc). - Wow, hope this doesn't get me in trouble!

Michael

 

That's what happens when leaders manipulate people trying to get them to do what they want.

 

I am a SBC pastor who teaches the New Testament principles for giving. I do not use the word tithe when teaching my people about giving. I always teach them that giving is not a matter of finances, but a matter of the heart. I do not know what you are speaking of about the SBC "position", but anybody who knows anything about the SBC is that they don't and cannot mandate anything to the local churches. They do not nor can they tell a local church what to believe or teach. The day they try is the day I fly.

Bro Tony

 

Is there a link to a document that contains the Tithe requirement?

I can tell you that there are quite a number of denominations actually putting it in their doctrinal statement. The Apostolic Church for one.

 

Bingo!!! <- Wow, hope that doesn't get me in trouble.

About that "a matter of the heart" thing, I not sure which verse it is in, but I'm real sure it is a 'scriptural principle'.

Michael

 

Ben W,

The Baptist Faith and Message

This is a link to the Baptist Faith and Message, a statement of beliefs held by the SBC. Look for the section on Stewardship.

Notice that it says nothing about a 'tithe'.

Source: http://sbc.net/bfm/bfm2000.asp#xiii

"cheerfully, regularly, systematically, proportionately, and liberally" does not constitute a ten percent tithe. Now, what individual churches do, well, that is up to the churches. The SBC does not try to 'force' anything on member churches.

In Christ,
Trotter

 

There were no 'Southern Baptists' until around the Civil War era. Therefore of course our papers from 1649 'till then wouldn't have anything about tithing in them--they didn't exist!

And yes, the SBC position on tithing is unscriptural (this comes from an SBCer). As long as you're giving what you feel is right and not lying about it (yes, you Ananias and Sapphira), then you're good.

 

Russ,

Thank you for the link. It does not surprise me that would be the position promoted in the literature of the SBC. Many times in the past they have tried to promote things that are not clearly biblical. I remember years ago the material dealt with the book of Jonah, the writer of the material stated that he felt that Jonah was an allegory and did not literally take place. That is why in our adult classes we have qualified teachers who teach out of the Word and not material sold by the denomination. It is also why I teach my people to be biblically literate so they can evaluate all things to see if they have biblical foundation.

I find it sad that the denomination would be going in this direction rather than teaching the New Testament standard of giving oneself totally to the Lord and giving of your finances as the Lord leads out of the wonderful relationship you have with Him.

I hope you will find a SBC church in your area that has not given up its autonomy to the denomination. One that understands the denomination exists to serve the churches and not the other way around.

I do fear that the denomination is overstepping its role in the life of the local church. Before long, if things do not change, there will be a literal hiarchy in the SBC denomination. I again say when that happens I will be forced to leave the denomination. I believe it is getting close. May the Lord help us.

Bro Tony

 

I think giving from your heart is what its about not how much because in truth God doesnt need us to give but he likes "a cheerful giver" I believe as long as we give a regular monthly offering to God that he will be pleased.

 

Bro Tony,

I wish to thank you for the love that you have for Christ and His people, and the way that you demonstrate that love as a Baptist pastor.

 

The Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature has a good article in volume 10 on tithing from the Biblical perspective. The Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics has a good article in volume 12 on tithing from the historical perspective.