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Silas Notes

A new way of tithing?

Posted by Rhea on January 16, 2007
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The Chronicle of Philantrophy (CoP) recently highlighted a new level of “sophistication” in the way people tithe. Of particular interest is the way technology has a role in the said developments. Highlighting a New York Times report, CoP writes that the “collection plate is being superseded by technology.”

The article is a reminder of the new perspective on giving - more and more people look at their donations as investments. These investment-oriented donors are quite involved in securing where their money goes. They want to make sure it is used well so they research the organizations they give to. They want to track returns (albeit non-monetary), so they keep abreast on what the organization is doing. Technology allows them to do that by specific communication sent by way of emails, website updates, or even personal logins to see their donor history, among others.

Read the original article on “Tithing evolves as donors gain financial savvy: Churches turn to technology to keep congregants giving” by the New York Times and let us know what you think!

  1. I think you should be careful in saying “tithing” for this article. Biblically tithing goes to one’s church and offerings (or gifts) are above the 10% tithe.

    With that preface, I think it’s great that people are scrutinizing where their money goes once it’s donated (over and above their tithe.) It is very much like an investment, but with eternal rewards not monetary return. Making sure an organization is indeed spending the money in a way that the giver intended, is exactly what the nonprofit world should about. Simply put, whatever purpose the nonprofit is serving, what percentage is going towards it and what percent is paying its staff?

    However, it should be left entirely up to the church how it sees fit to spend the income from tithing (our first 10%.) Generally, that’s why a church’s budget is set and voted on, by the local body. It’s dangerous for an individual to have the “power” to say what the church can or can’t do with a contribution if it is indeed intended to be tithe. It’s not “their” tithe. The tithe belongs to God. Period.

    Stipulating how the tithe can be spent would be like telling God what to do and that just doesn’t make sense.

    Posted by Trey Hendon Jan 17

  2. Great points, Trey! I think that the thoughts you raise should provoke thought in individuals and churches.

    Unfortunately, the media can interchange the words “tithing” and “giving.” So just to clarify, I am not making a statement about tithing. Rather, What I am hoping to do is bring to our attention how people are beginning to perceive giving within churches or in faith-based groups.

    I agree, while some practices used by non profit groups might be helpful, not all of them will fall in line with the mission of the local chis urch. I think the subtle question posed “how should churches respond to this perception of giving?” To take that question further, how can it respond in such a way that takes advantage of the technology without compromising their message? Recognizing that there needs to be further education on tithes and gifts and offerings, how can churches (and ministries) use online communication and technology to help reinforce that?

    Posted by Rhea Jan 18

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