For modern-day believers who practice tithing, the act of giving 10% of one’s income to the church is often seen as a biblical principle of obedience, stewardship, and faith. Traditionally, tithes are used to sustain the operation of the church—paying staff, maintaining buildings, funding ministries, and supporting missions. But this raises an important question: Is this what God intended tithing to accomplish?
The Old Testament tithe had a dual purpose:
- Sustaining the priesthood (Leviticus 27:30-32, Numbers 18:21)
- Providing for the vulnerable—orphans, widows, and the poor (Deuteronomy 14:28-29, Malachi 3:10)
By the time of the early church in the New Testament, believers were practicing radical generosity—not just to sustain church leaders but to ensure “there was no needy person among them” (Acts 4:34-35). The focus was outward, not just inward. It was about community transformation, not just church maintenance.
The Problem of Church-Centric Giving
In many cases today, tithes are used almost exclusively to sustain the institution of the church, with little to no direct benefit for the wider community. If the majority of a church’s financial resources are spent on salaries, buildings, and programs that primarily serve only those who are already members, is it truly fulfilling its mission?
Consider this:
- If the church ceased to exist, would the surrounding community notice or care?
- Are the tithes of faithful givers making a tangible difference beyond the four walls of the sanctuary?
- Is the church a beacon of hope for the community, or just a clubhouse for believers?
If the answer is that the church exists mainly for itself, then it has drifted from its purpose.
What If Tithes Went to Local Charities Instead?
Some might argue that if churches are not effectively serving their communities, it would be better to tithe to organizations that are actively feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, supporting youth, and providing crisis care. After all, if Jesus emphasized caring for “the least of these” (Matthew 25:35-40), shouldn’t financial giving reflect that priority?
Imagine if believers saw their tithe as a kingdom investment, not just a church obligation. Imagine if:
- A portion of every tithe was set aside to support food banks, shelters, mental health services, and community arts programs.
- Churches partnered with local charities rather than operating in silos, recognizing that kingdom work is not limited to religious organizations.
- The tithe became a tool for justice, compassion, and transformation, rather than just keeping the lights on in the sanctuary.
The Bigger Question: Where Should Believers Give?
Tithing should not be about blind obligation but intentional impact. If a church is actively involved in serving the poor, mentoring youth, advocating for justice, and meeting tangible needs in the community, then tithing there can be an extension of God’s work.
But if a church is insular, stagnant, and self-serving, then believers should ask: Is my giving truly honoring God’s heart for people?
At the end of the day, God is not after money—He is after hearts aligned with His purposes. Giving should be about more than institutional survival; it should be about advancing the kingdom in real, measurable ways.
So, where does your tithe do the most good?