Giving FAQs

 What is "tithing"?

A tithe is a tenth.  In terms of Church giving, tithing is giving 10% of your income.   The New Testament confirms tithing in Matthew 23:23 (and its parallel in Luke 11:42).  Here Jesus says to the Pharisees that they are so fastidious and pernickety that they are even tithing the increase in their herb garden, and yet are neglecting the more important matters of the Law—justice, mercy and faithfulness.  His next statement is, “You should have practised the latter without neglecting the former.”  Stronger than it may at first appear, this is an endorsement of tithing, even of the herb garden!

That verse alone will be enough for some, but it may not be convincing for all.   However, two principles that the New Testament clearly states are that giving should be proportionate ("in keeping with his income" 1 Cor 16:2) and generous.  Jesus reckoned the widow who gave the two mites (Mark 12:41-44) more generous than those who gave much more.  For her, what she gave was everything.  For a millionaire, the same amount would have been virtually nothing.  We can express and appreciate generosity only in proportionate terms.  The New Testament may not specifically say that the proportion should be 10%, but it does say that we should give a proportion.  When considering what this proportion should be, it’s hard to see how we could settle for less than the Old Testament standard of 10%, and think it’s generous.

Our Liberty Church conclusion is that we should take the proportion as 10%, and so should tithe as the baseline in giving.  It’s not the Liberty rule, but it’s the Liberty recommendation.  Many have come to this same conclusion and can testify to the faithfulness of God in honouring it.   Less ...

 What is an "offering"?

 What are tithes for?

 Where should the tithe be given?

 Can I designate my offerings?

 What if I'm not earning?

 What is Gift Aid?

 How do I add gift aid?