Tithing and Differentiation

If we understand tithing to be a fixed biblical mandate applicable to all Christians then differentiation has little meaning. The same message of 10% will be communicated to everyone. We believe, however, that differentiation needs to be taken seriously on two grounds.

Firstly, our understanding of the biblical basis of tithing is that tithing is in the nature of guidance not mandate. To properly understand tithing some differentiation is required. Giving 10% on minimum wage requires the kind of sacrifice that tithing a six figure salary does not. The biblical standard of giving cannot ask more of the poor than of the rich.

Secondly differentiation attempts to take seriously the varied nature of a congregation. The question is not just what is said and taught but what is heard by the listener. 2005 research found that 90% of respondents had been taught why they should give and 75% had been taught how much they should give. Interestingly only 30% of respondents stated that they tithed their income and this was within the evangelical community were tithing is most strongly taught.

Differentiation tries to balance the reality of congregational life with the biblical and the underlying principles that find expression in tithing. Sensitively done, articulating tithing as the normative standard of christian giving will reap financial blessings and challenge people to life changing generosity. But in the context of a stewardship initiative such as Giving in Grace it is inappropriate to make tithing the exclusive response from the entire congregation. Such an approach is not sensitive to either the richness of what the bible says about tithing nor the realities of where individuals and families find themselves. Some practical suggestions are offered for how tithing can be taught in the context of Giving in Grace.