tithing giving 10% of our income to a church is a common theme here on the Ask Pastor John podcast

and not so much recently but in our first decade it did come up a lot and you can see how

in the Ask Pastor John book on pages 101 to 103 if you have a copy handy. After several years, we return to that theme today

with this question, can a church force tithing? The question is from an anonymous man who listens to

the podcast. Good morning, Pastor John. What do you think about forced tithing? Recently in my church

there has been an expectation that our church leaders will tithe 10% of

their income back to the church as a condition of their ongoing employment at the church.

While I understand the importance of supporting the church financially, I found myself conflicted

about the approach being taken with our leaders. It seems to me that forcing individuals to tithe

can potentially do more harm than good. I believe that true worship is born out of a heart of gratitude and sincerity rather than obligation to Corinthians 97. When Abraham gave his tithe to God, it was out of a genuine sense of thankfulness for God's blessing, not because he was compelled to do so by another person. I've attempted to discuss this

issue with our leadership, and while some have expressed willingness to engage in dialogue,

others seem to dismiss it as unworthy of discussion. This has left me feeling uncertain about

how to proceed. What do you think about forced tithing? The short answer is that I do not think tithing is a New Testament

requirement the way love your neighbor as yourself is a New Testament requirement. I think the New

Testament has put Christian generosity toward the cause of Christ on a new footing of freedom

motivated by the joy of seeing Christ magnified in people's lives. I think tithing was an integral

part of the Old Testament sacrificial priestly system, which God designed for the support

of the priesthood, a system which no longer exists in the Christian church. That's the short answer.

This question is part of the larger question of which commandments from the Old Testament come over into the New Testament as

binding on those who are in Christ. Thou shalt not kill is an Old Testament commandment.

So is Deuteronomy 1410. Whatever does not have fins and scales, you shall not eat.

It is unclean for you.

...