The subject of tithing was spotlighted in the Diocese of Algoma at the 1977 Diocesan Synod. In 1979, several articles on "Stewardship" by the Rev. R.A. Locke, followed by one by Jack Bedggood, appeared in the Diocesan newspaper The Algoma Anglican. The latter article is reprinted here, in part, as the first tract of this series.

The Holy Spirit is bringing about renewal in our time. We, the members of the Body of Christ, are being restored as more and more of us get caught with a "thirst" for roots, foundation, strength-something that we can grasp and hold on to for life.

Through the Holy Spirit many exciting things are happening in the Christian family. Spiritual truths and promises are being rediscovered; the gifts of the Holy Spirit are being manifested in our land. (No wonder the Evil One is working so rampantly in our day). And surely one of God's promises that the Holy Spirit is urging us to rediscover is found in Malachi 3:10-"Bring the full amount of your tithe to the Temple so that there will be plenty of food there. Put me to the test and you will see that 1 will open the windows of heaven and pour out on you in abundance all kinds of good things."

That evidence is there that we are being led to a renewed awareness of this part of Christian Stewardship? First, we have been challenged by those in leadership in our own Diocese: "Resolved that this Synod challenges every Algoma Anglican to renewal in stewardship, which must begin with an acknowledgement that all we have is a gift from God and must produce personal commitment to God that is reflected in the true tithing of time, talent, and treasure, which is our true and reasonable service."

Second, from those in authority in the Anglican Communion, a group of bishops at the 1978 Lambeth Conference: "God Himself is the almighty resource of the Church. We claim that God has already given His people all the human and financial resources to carry out His mission in the world. The problem is that so many skills remain uncommitted and so much money remains firmly in the pockets of Church members. A greater degree of realism about what sacrificial giving means and a wider sharing of knowledge, skills and resources is called for. People will give according to the measure of their love for God and understanding of the Gospel ........

Our own [then] Bishop, Frank Nock, in addressing a parish gathering on Stewardship, said: "The principle of sharing is written across the pages of the Bible and therefore is fundamental to our Christian life. It lies deep in the nature of God ..... It is clear that the Christian Faith and the Christian life are not to be boarded up as a private treasure. They are to be shared and given away to others."

Perhaps the Evil One is at this very moment saying to you, "Don't waste any more of your time with this. The Lord knows where you stand and you don't need somebody else passing judgement on how you use the money you've worked so hard to get! "

loves us all in spite of our "miserable offences." His Holy Spirit gently prods us, speaking to us (ii we are quiet enough to hear). "No, Man, I don't really need your money ...... But ..........

Or perhaps you are asking, "Is the Holy Spirit prodding me about "the true tithing of time, talent, and treasure.,"' or, "How can I be sure of what is right for me in this matter of sharing?" Or you may be already a committed tither and know of God's pouring out "in abundance all kinds of good things," and you are being prodded, (from within) to share with others this part of your Christian Faith and life. Then turn to the fellowship of your Christian brothers and sisters. Raise these questions with them and with your Priest. Seek out answers. To assist others in dealing with such concerns this series of Tracts has been developed by the Diocesan Outreach Committee. Study these care fully and prayerfully in your response to the urgings of the Holy Spirit. Those who were lead by this same Spirit in the preparation of these tracts offer some thoughts concerning their study:

"If we seem to have over-stressed the importance of tithing, this is by no means because we consider other expressions of Christian commitment to be of lesser value. Far from it! We take it for granted that all of us are aware of our other responsibilities and privileges in the Christian life. The reason for the emphasis on tithing is that so little has been said on the subject that it is generally either unheard of or else misunderstood.

"There is no intention of presenting tithing as the ultimate goal, or the tither as a superior Christian. It is understood that tithing no more excuses us from our other responsibilities as Christians and as Church members, than a commitment in other areas excuses us from tithing. Such an attitude misses the whole point. The true Christian response is eager, happy, generous and continually growing until it takes in every area of life."

Can we afford to ignore any longer the words of our Lord Jesus Christ when He said: "Give, and it shall be given unto vou; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, Shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that Ye meet withal it shall be measured to you again"?

One of the Resolutions on Stewardship passed at the 1977 Synod of the Diocese, of Algoma reads as follows:

"Resolved that this Synod challenges every Algoma Anglican to renewal in stewardship which must begin with an acknowledgement that all we have is a gift from God and must produce personal commitment to God that is reflected in the true tithing of time, talent. and treasure which is our true and reasonable service."

Read this carefully. It isn't only about money. It isn't an appeal for money. It isn't an "order" to tithe. It is a CHALLENGE.  Now, a challenge is like a dare; it implies adventure, a Quest, risk, danger, excitement, fun! Many of us find these things have an irresistible attraction for us.

Let's begin with the thought of a Quest, and first, do some searching. Look up the word "Tithe" in dictionaries and encyclopedias. Search the Scriptures. Here are a few references to begin with: Genesis 14,.20, Genesis 28:22, Leviticus 27:30; Deuteronomy 14:22; 11 Chronicles 31.4-12; Malachi 3:8-10; St. Luke 11.42; St. Luke 18..12. There are many others. Find a Concordance, and look under "Tithe" and "Offering." Read the Offertory Sentences in the Communion Service. Ask the Rector about it. Talk to people of other denominations who make a regular practice of tithing. Don't be satisfied with just one view- point; get several.

When we have learned all we can about tithing, the only way to find out if it will work is to try it. Think of the challenge our Lord gave to His disciples, telling them to let down the net--and they did, catching more fish than the net would even though their night's work, just over, had yielded nothing. Think of Peter, challenged by Jesus to walk on the water. He tried it, to find could only do it when he put his hand into that of Jesus.

Are you ready to take the risk? Let's begin

It has been practised in some form from the earliest records we have of primitive races and people, even in their mistaken worship of heathen deities.

It seems that man has always been instinctively aware that all he is and has is a privilege he enjoys at the pleasure of some power or person beyond himself, and he has never been able to feel secure in the assumption that it will automatically continue without his recognition and response to the giver. As exciting and attractive as the pursuit of luck and chance seem to be, man still hungers, instinctively, for certainty and security.

In early biblical accounts we are assured that this right relationship, in which we put God first in all things, is the key to the certainty that we will continue to receive from God all things need- ful for our highest good.

Scripture establishes beyond any doubt that a "tithe" consisted of a tenth of the increase of the flock or the crop or the proceeds of labour, and these were presented through God's representative at the temple or synagogue.

In modern times, many of us recognizing these higher commitments, have struggled valiantly to order our time and talents accordingly; but we have not succeeded in applying the same diligence where our treasure is concerned. Time and talents are often intangible and therefore, elusive; they are very difficult for us to manage or regulate. It is surely no accident that the first principle of tithing revealed to man had to do with tangible, manageable, material things.

As Christians, we would never suggest that the end and fulness of our commitment lies in the tithing of our money, but there is overwhelming evidence to show that is a necessary beginning.

IV - THE TITHE IN ITS PROPER PLACE

Tithing is giving the tenth to God; of our time and talent, in worship and service; of our treasure, in money given to the church. Strictly speaking, it is not "giving" but "giving back" because it is already His.

In the Old Testament, tithing is included in the Law given to Moses. "All the tithe of the Land ....... is the Lord's; it is holy unto the Lord." (Leviticus 27:30-31). But, long before the Law, Abraham gave tithes to Melchizedek, priest-king of Salem, (Genesis 14:20), and Jacob promised to God the tenth of all that He would give him, (Genesis 28:22). The tenth, or tithe, was considered as God's due. Shocking as it may sound, in Malachi 3:8 we are told that to withhold the tithe is to "rob God."

In our Lord's teachings, tithing was taken for granted, as being part of that Law which He came not to destroy but to fulfill. (St. Matthew 5:17). In St. Luke 11:42, although the violence of our Lord's condemnation of the Pharisees is directed at their lack of sincerity and love, He tells them very plainly that they "ought not to leave the other (tithing) undone." These are harsh words to be spoken by our loving and compassionate Lord! They have a message for tithers and non-tithers alike. By no means have we "got it made" when we tithe! Where is our love for God if we are satisfied to give Him only that which is strictly His due?

The purpose of tithing is not to enrich the church, or to solve its financial problems. Its purpose is to help us find our right relationship with God and with His world. When we acknowledge the tenth as being "holy unto the Lord" we establish the principle in our lives that everything we have, and everything we are, belongs to Him. "All things come of Thee, and of Thine own have we given Thee." When we tithe, we are not saying, "Here, God, here's Your share; now I can do as I like with the rest. " The 90% is His also, to be used in His service and under His guidance.

God has promised blessings to those who tithe. Read Malachi 3:8-12 in which God throws down a challenge: "Bring .... the tithes .... and prove Me .... if I will not .... pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. " Can't we take Him at His word?

Where do you stand? Are you one of those already tithing, perhaps without realizing it? Are you, perhaps, already giving more than the tenth, and are you afraid that tithing is a legalistic process that will take away the spontaneity of giving? Or, would you like to tithe but you are held back by debts? Are you, perhaps, one of those who have control over only a very small part of the family income? Are you one who has the very natural fear that if you tithe you or your family will suffer? In whatever situation you happen to be, all that is asked of you is that you accept the principle of tithing, that the tenth is "holy unto the Lord." Then, ask God to show you what is, for you, the next step. Then take that step, in faith and joy and in the spirit of adventure!

(1) Why not just give, when and as you feel like it-for the joy of giving, or when there's a specially urgent need?

The need is always there, whether or not we feel like giving, whether or not we feel any joy in it or are moved by a generous impulse. There needs to be a basic standard of giving. Giving on impulse is something beautiful and wonderful-- when it is over and above the tithe. The simple basic standard is as necessary in giving as it is in prayer and in worship. A few minutes regular morning and evening prayer, and regular attendance at church once each Sunday, regardless of whether one feels like it or not, are basic requirements. The extra services attended, the extended times of prayer and praise, are the happy overflow. The other is the standard below which we try not to fall.

There's nothing wrong with that! But this can be one of the over-and-above things. We shouldn't have to hold a tea in order to pay the minister's stipend, or to buy fuel to heat the church. How good it is to be free to hold the tea because working together at it is fun! The proceeds can be for "extra" givings, not for day-to- day maintenance. Also, there are many excellent reasons for holding a rummage sale, for instance, quite apart from fund-raising. One very simple one is that it would be downright sinful to throw away good clothes, and sometimes it's hard to find anything else to do with them!.

(3) What about giving to charities--the cancer Society, Children's Aid, the Blind, and so on?

This is indeed a part of responding to God. Our Lord has said, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me." (St. Matthew 25.-40). Tithing is not a substitute for giving to charities, any more than giving to charities is a substitute for tithing. If a decision to give the tenth to the church would make it necessary, in our present circumstances, to cut down on our commitments to charity, perhaps the Holy Spirit is trying to tell us there are adjustments we need to make in other areas of our lives. Later, we will find He makes it possible for us to do both/and!

Derek Prince, a contemporary Christian writer, is very definite about this. He says: "We do not have the choice of putting our tithe where we please, for two reasons. First, the tithe is not ours, for the Bible says the tithe "is the Lord's; it is holy unto the Lord. " (Leviticus 27.-30). Now, it is not only His when we give it to Him; it is His even if we keep it ourselves. So then the tithe is not ours; it belongs to God. Second, God tells us where to place the tithe. 'Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse (church). (Malachi 3:10) ..... In addition to the tithe there are two other main forms of giving referred to in Scripture; OFFERINGS and ALMS. The TIME is a fixed proportion of our income over which God has a special claim. OFFERINGS are what we give to God over and above the tithe. ALMS are what we give to meet the needs of our fellow-men."

(4) Then what about taxes? Our tax-money is used for services that used to he provided by the Church but are now provided by the government.

(5) But does the Church use the money wisely? Aren't there other organizations that put it to better use?

That should make no difference to our giving. While we do indeed have a responsibility to see that God's money (not ours!) is used wisely by His Church, and to see that at least "the tithe of the tithe" (Numbers 18; 26-29 and Nehemiah 10:38) is turned over by our parish, by our Diocese, and by our national Church--beyond that, we must leave it in God's hands. What He does with His own is His own concern. If, one Sunday, He should choose to send fire from heaven and consume the contents of the offering-plate, has He not the right to do so? When Abel brought the first precious lamb of his flock as an offering, might he not well have thought it wasteful to bum it, when his mother could have made it into a sheepskin coat, tallow candies, mutton dripping, and a few good roasts? Might it not have been more charitable to feed it to a hungry neighbour? (A neighbourly lion, perhaps, if there were no other humans around). What possible use could it be to let it go up in smoke?

But Abel offered, and God accepted.

The question is not whether God needs the lamb, or the money, but do I need the act of giving?

(1) St. Luke 6:38 "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. "

(2) Proverbs 3:9,10. "Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase; so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine."

(3) St. Matthew 6:20,21. "But lay up yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

(4) -Tithing won't save a man, for Jesus in speaking of the tither says, 'But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgement and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.' (St. Luke 11.42).

5) "Faith is the gift of God which He promises to give us, but, like every gift, it can only be received when certain very specific conditions are provided. The Good News is a rhythm. 'You do this,' God says, 'and I will do that.' 'Believe (accept My gift of Faith), and thou shalt be saved.' 'Be faithful (continue in that gift of Faith) and I will give you the Crown of Life.' 'Give (responding with thanksgiving and in Faith that the gifts of God are limitless and unfailing) and it shall be given unto you.'

"it is not that God assumes an arbitrary position, saying, if you don't do so and so, I will retaliate by refusing to do something else.' But He is saying, 'if you do not do so and so, or if you insist on doing such and such, it is impossible for you to receive the gifts I so dearly want to give you." The Rev'd. R.A. Locke

Is tithing for everyone? Yes, but-

(1) How can it work for old Mrs. Jones? She lives in a nursing home, and doesn't have the control of her own money?

(2) What about Mary Jane? Her husband left her, and she's trying to raise three children on a mother's allowance.

(3) How could it work for Mr & Mrs Smith?  He goes to a different church--and the income is his.

(4) And what about little Johnny? His parents couldn't care less about Church.

(5) And here's Mrs. McGillicuddy. She really wants to tithe, but the rest of the family are only lukewarm.

(7) What about Bill? Everything he makes has to go back into the business.

(8) And then there's old What's-his-name. He already gives much more than he can afford, anyway.

If, on the other hand, you are one of them yourself, or if one of them has come to you personally to ask Your advice regarding tithing, there am a few points to consider. In each instance, before anything else, ask for God's guidance. if you sincerely want to tithe, or if you only want to want to, or even if you don't want to at all but the thought of it won't leave you alone, ask God to show you what to do about it. Then, try to accept the principle of tithing--that the tenth is "holy unto the Lord"--even if the practice of it appears to he absolutely impossible. Beyond that, there is no blanket rule that will cover everybody.

(1) Mrs. Jones: "The important thing is to be willing to give as much as we can-that is what God accepts, and no one is asked to give what he has not got. " 11 Corinthians 8:12 (Phillips).

(2) Mary Jane: perhaps the same will apply; or it could be that she actually receives more than she realizes, and her need is for help in adjusting to her circumstances.

(3) The Smiths: they too may need a bit of help in other areas than tithing. Do they both acknowledge that they are worshipping the same God? Would it be better if they would both belong to the same church? or could they agree to divide a tithe equally?

(4) Little Johnny: if he has a weekly allowance of $1.00 and puts $.10 of this in the offering plate each week, he is just as much a tither as the man who puts in $20 from his $200.

(5) Mrs. McGillicuddy: she is in much the same position as little Johnny. If she has a spending allowance, that's it. If not--see Mrs. Jones.

(6) The Dingbat couple: Right; there's no way they should tithe. But if they accept the principle of tithing, they'll sort out their priorities and as soon as they're out of debt they will make sure they don't get back in.

(7) Bill: Perhaps he too needs a bit of help over priorities, or maybe he just needs to take the leap in faith. God honours rashness in such matters.

(8) Old What's-his-narne: Why worry about him? if he's already having a great time giving, don't spoil his fun by suggesting he's doing more than he need! Perhaps you can add to his joy by helping him to see his giving as the tithe plus, and to see the relationship between his giving and his increasing ability to give more.

For each one-the only sure way to find out how tithing can work is to give it a try.

VIII - BUT HOW CAN I TITHE?

But that is not what is being proposed. To begin with I am simply asked to accept the truth that this tenth belongs to God, and to establish and maintain a right relationship with God I must see that He gets it.

Here comes probably the most difficult obstacle of all, because to accept this truth is also to accept the fact that for all these years I have been stealing from God, and human pride urges me to rebel and refuse to face the facts.

A just and loving God does not expect me to do things that are impossible, and if I have committed my whole income above reasonable necessities, he doesn't expect me to renege on my agreements that I have made in good faith.

What He will expect is that as soon as I fulfil any of these obligations I will redirect that amount to its proper place until God is receiving what is His rightful share of what He freely gives to me.

Once I have sincerely undertaken to do this I am a tither as far as God is concerned and He is willing to wait for me to work out the "How" as it does become possible.

IX - THE GIFT OF GIVING

God gives His gifts in as many different ways as there are different people. Some receive the Gift of Giving as part of a "package deal" and scarcely realize that they have it. Some receive it in answer to specific prayer. There are some to whom God offers the gift, but they have to struggle with themselves before they can accept it. They will be pushed and worried by doubts, questions, and arguments. 

Yet, the Gift of Giving is one that by its very nature must be shared. And, while we have great joy in the "flower," may we never neglect the "root"--the plain tithe!

X - TITHING IS...

A. Tithing is the practice of regularly setting aside and devoting to God the first tenth of our income, whether in money or in produce or in some other form.

- a relationship with God, the scriptural way by which we acknowledge His Priesthood.

- the taproot to total Christian stewardship; the primary source of our Church income; the mainline root that becomes the financial mainstream for the ongoing of God's kingdom in the world.

- our response, in returning to God in love and gratitude what is His, in faith and obedience to His will for us.

- God's plan for financing His church. It cannot be improved upon. Every man, woman and child can give the same amount. Not in dollars and cents, but in proportionate giving.

B Tithing is a good practice for Christians because

- it is scripturally sanctioned; no other financial plan is. The principle of tithing is very old, and applies to all God's people. (See Genesis 14:20).

- there is no New Testament verse that outlaws or contradicts the principle of tithing, and there is at least one verse that commends it, (Matthew 23:23), showing that tithing has Christ's clear approval.

- it places upon believers a gentle constraint to give. It is wholesome for us to feel a sense of duty. This puts our activities on a regular and businesslike basis. To tithe regularly is as good for us as to go to work daily--and to attend Church each Sunday. Giving should not be left to impulse. There may be a place for impulse giving. but it should be outside the regular commitment a Christian makes to God through his own church, and over and above his tithe.

- it establishes proportionate giving. The Bible clearly approves giving according to one's ability or earnings.

- God's work deserves support. If we do not regularly and cheerfully support God's cause, there is not "meat in His house" and God is unable either to bless His people or to reach the lost with the Gospel.

- it brings blessings to those who give, as well as to those who receive. God lavishly gives of His grace to those who lavishly give of their substance.

[from various sources ]

XI - TODAY'S TITHERS TALKING ABOUT TITHING

Tithing is something we grow up to--and then grow up from. Tithing is not the ultimate goal, but the starting--point. The real joy and thrill begin when we go beyond it. M.E.N-W.

(2) Financial responsibility is actually two-fold. First, it involves our responsibility to God, and second, God's responsibility to us. Only when we can demonstrate to God our maturity in financial matters can He demonstrate His power to supply our every need. G.S.

(3) It is not a question of how much I am going to give to the Lord ....... but how much of what the Lord has provided, am I going to keep for myself. J.C.

But! you need to make the decision. You said you wanted to see my kingdom fulfilled and to be a part of it, and I have shown you that you must start at the beginning. I don't want you to betray any promise you made in good faith, even if you have promised to take what belongs to me and give it to someone else for your own benefit. But if you will only make the decision, I will help you and give you wisdom and a new sense of values so that you will no longer be a slave and a servant to your money and your worldly concerns, but you can be a true son and heir and I can bless you above measure." R.A.L.

(6) Our tithe is not to be divided, neither is it to be scattered about; we are to bring the whole tithe into our local church. God promises us a blessing if we will, and He says we "are cursed with a curse" if we don't (Malachi 3:9). I'll take the nine-tenths with the blessing of God upon it any day, rather than keep all for myself and have God's curse upon me. W.C.B.

(7) Tithing is the minimum of Christian stewardship. It teaches the believer to trust God ....... Anyone who tithes by the conviction of the Scripture, will soon be giving "offerings" be- cause he is able to do so. M.L.G.

(8) A fair and consistent practice of tithing over an extended wage-earning period will prove itself worthy to any man who loves the Lord, M. L. G.

(9) Tithing is 10% of the whole, not of the left. overs. M.E.N-W.

(10) Tithing is not a money raising scheme for the church. Tithing is not giving money--it is more! Tithing is a relationship with God. It is not "my" money. It is not "your" money. It is not "our" money. It is "His" money that He has entrusted to us to manage as faithful servants. "Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, 1 will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." (St. Matthew 25:21) J.S.B.

11) I have found it is utterly impossible to out-give God. The more obedient I become to His invitations to share the money He has given me, in tithing, offerings and alms, the more richly He blesses main good health, joy of Christian fellowship, and yes, even in material blessings. I have begun to find out what the "joy of the Lord" in St. Matthew 25:21 is all about ! J.S.B.

(12) So many parishes live on the "crisis by crisis pattern" where finances are concerned. And it is not necessary to live this way. The answer to our "crisis financing" is biblical and scriptural; the answer is tithing. Until we com- mit ourselves to the principle of tithing, until we come to trust God that blessings follow tithing we will always be in a crisis situation. F.F.N.

XII - SCRIPTURAL AUTHORITY FOR TITHING

An obvious observation from this list is the predominance of Old Testament references. And an actual reading of those from the New Testament shows them to be indirect rather than explicit in their reference to tithing. Does this suggest that tithing then is not relevant to us today, but is in fact an obsolete, historical practice? To the contrary! Careful studies of these New Testament references show that our Lord Jesus clearly expected not the tithe only from the believers, but more. In St. Matthew 5:20 Jesus warned His disciples, and us, "except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees (who paid tithes), ye shall in no case enter into the Kingdom of Heaven."

"The one who sows sparingly, will reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work."

Finally, it is well to note that the practice of tithing is very much in use today by many individual Christians. In fact, many denominations openly encourage and enjoy such regular financial support from their congregations. The Gospel Hall, Pentecostal and Wesleyan congregations find tithing, realistic and workable.

"Almighty God, whose loving. hand hath given us all that we possess, Grant us grace that we may honour Thee with our substance, and remembering the account which we must one day give, may be faithful stewards of Thy bounty; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen" (Book of Common Prayer, page 7-34).