This week, we are discussing four financial commitments I’ve made and that I’m challenging you to make. Today, let’s examine commitment #2:

2. The commitment to give more than the tithe

Within weeks of becoming a Christian I was taught the biblical principle of tithing. I remember thinking: “What a great deal! God has gives me heaven and forgiveness and all he asks from me is 10%!” Now I’ve grown in my understanding of God since then, but my excitement about tithing has rarely waned.

I am a committed tither – not because I think God will punish me if I’m not, but because I believe it honors Him when I am. Here’s what I believe about the tithe:

1- The first 10% of all income I receive should be returned to God.

2- I return it to God by giving it to my local church

3- By returning the first 10%, God blesses the other 90%

I believe that I argue these three beliefs on solid biblical foundation (but please don’t send me argumentative notes or comments until you read the resources I’m recommending in tomorrow’s post). Here’s a belief that I’m not sure I can back up with one or more specific verses, but I do believe it captures the spirit of giving as found in the New Testament:

As I grow as a Christian, the percentage of my income I return to God through his local church should increase in proportion to my maturity.

This is why I’m committed to giving more than the tithe! Do you need to increase your giving to the local church? Is your giving increasing as your maturity is increasing?

More on the pastor’s financial life tomorrow.

Nelson

P.S. A friend of mine is committed to become a reverse tither by giving 90% of his income to the local church and living on 10%. I love it!

P.P.S. Have you taken me up on the offer to receive a free copy of my resource “Debt Free Pastor: Free Yourself to Lead Your Church”? You can request it by sending an email to cristina@churchleaderinsights.com with the subject line “Debt Free Pastor” and we’ll send you a free download – no questions asked. And if you know someone else who might want it too, just invite them to contact me.

© Nelson Searcy. All Rights Reserved.

About Nelson Searcy

Nelson Searcy is an experienced church growth strategist, pastor, church planter and coach, consulting with churches around the world. As founder of Church Leader Insights and the Renegade Pastors Network, he has personally trained more than 3,500 church leaders in over 45 denominations through live events, seminars and monthly coaching. Nelson is also the Founding and Lead Pastor of The Journey Church, with locations across New York City and in Boca Raton, FL. Nelson and his church routinely appear on lists such as “The 50 Most Influential Churches” and “The 25 Most Innovative Leaders.” He is the author of over 100 church growth resources and 18+ books, including The Renegade Pastor: Abandoning Average in Your Life, Ministry and The Difference Maker: Using Your Everyday Life for Eternal Impact, and At the Cross with the People Who Were There. He and his wife, Kelley, have one son, Alexander.