Giving Guide
90-Day Tithing & Faith Challenge
"Test me in this." — God (Malachi 3:10)
What Is Tithing?
A tithe is simply 10% of your increase given to God. The way I see it, He is a business partner — the best you could ever have. He put the ability in you to earn a living, gave you a sound mind, and opened doors of opportunity. In return, He asks that we acknowledge Him by returning a small portion of what He has enabled us to produce.
God promises in Malachi 3:10-11 that when we bring our tithe into the storehouse, He will open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.
History of the Tithe
The origins of the tithe trace all the way back to the Garden of Eden, where God gave Adam and Eve access to everything — except one tree. That was the first tithe: the 10% that belonged to God.
The tithe was later formalized under Moses. The Levites received tithes as compensation for full-time ministry (Numbers 18:21-32), and Deuteronomy 14:22 added a potential second 10%.
Three purposes of the tithe:
- Maintain reverence toward God
- Fund full-time ministry workers
- Provide for the poor
Is Tithing a New Testament Principle?
Absolutely. In Matthew 23:23, Jesus affirmed tithing while rebuking hypocritical application — showing it was important but not the whole picture. Matthew 6 frames giving as a "firstfruits" practice.
Irenaeus, an early church father and disciple of both John and Polycarp, taught that tithing continued in the New Testament but was a starting point, with full generosity as the ultimate goal.
The early church lived this out radically: "All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need." (Acts 2:44-45)
My Personal View
I question the endless debate over exact percentages. Consider this: approximately 53% of global church wealth is held by American Christians, yet only about 10% of U.S. Christians give 10% of their income. Instead of debating numbers, I think the better question is: "What is God calling me to give?"
Three Commitments to Oaks Church
1. Modesty — We avoid financial excess and extravagance. (Ephesians 5:3)
2. Fiscal Management — We operate efficiently, maximizing every dollar. (Proverbs 21:20)
3. ROI (Return on Investment) — Our goal is to maximize "treasures in Heaven per dollar given." Every financial decision considers eternal impact.
My Personal Giving Practice
I have always tithed, even during seasons of financial hardship. I separate my giving into two categories:
- Tithes — go to the local church (the "storehouse")
- Offerings — go to additional ministries and charities
I budget intentionally for both categories.
Recommendations for You
Start wherever you can, and work upward. Here is a simple framework to build toward:
- Live on 80% of your income
- Save 10%
- Give 10%
"God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." (2 Corinthians 9:8)
Where Should Tithes Go?
Scripture is clear: "Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the Lord your God." (Exodus 23:19)
- Tithes → your local church (the "storehouse")
- Offerings → other ministries, charities, and causes
"Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, 'How are we robbing you?' In tithes and offerings." (Malachi 3:8)
For context, Oaks Church spends approximately $30 per week (~$1,500 per year) per regular attendee to operate and serve our community.
Gross vs. Net Income?
Most scholars argue you should tithe on gross (pre-tax) income. However, I deprioritize the exact calculation in favor of heart posture. God looks at your heart, not your spreadsheet.
The 90-Day Challenge
We believe so strongly in God's promises about tithing that we offer this challenge: commit to tithing for 90 days. If at the end of those 90 days you don't feel that God has honored His promises from Malachi 3:10, we will refund your tithe — no questions asked.
Key Scripture References
Malachi 3:8-11 • Proverbs 3:9-10 • Proverbs 11:25 • Proverbs 21:20 • Matthew 6:19-33 • Matthew 23:23 • Matthew 25 • Ephesians 5:3 • Numbers 18:21-32 • Deuteronomy 14:22, 28-29 • Exodus 23:19 • 2 Corinthians 9:8-11 • 1 Timothy 6:6 • Acts 2:44-45
Written by Pastor Joel Scrivner