From the very beginning, God has had a plan to sustain His work on earth. From the Old Testament sanctuary services to the New Testament church, God’s mission has been carried forward through the faithful giving of His people. Our church continues this biblical practice through the return of tithes and offerings, a system designed not only to fund gospel ministry but also to nurture faithfulness in the giver.
The Meaning of Tithe
The word "tithe" simply means “a tenth.” The Bible makes it clear that the tithe belongs to the Lord: “And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s: it is holy unto the Lord” (Leviticus 27:30).
The practice of tithing is older than Mount Sinai. Abraham returned a tenth to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:20), and Jacob made a vow to give a tenth of all God blessed him with (Genesis 28:22). In the New Testament, Jesus did not abolish tithing; instead, He confirmed it while calling His followers to also practice justice, mercy, and faith (Matthew 23:23)
Ellen G. White sums it up beautifully, “The tithe is sacred, reserved by God for Himself. It is to be brought into His treasury to be used to sustain the gospel laborers in their work”(Counsels on Stewardship, p. 67).
The Role of Offerings
Unlike the tithe, which is fixed at ten percent, offerings are freewill gifts given according to one’s blessings and gratitude. The Bible says, “Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God which He hath given thee”(Deuteronomy 16:17).
Paul encouraged believers in the early church, “Let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver”(2 Corinthians 9:7).
Offerings are used to support the local church in its evangelistic programs, building maintenance, children and youth ministries, community service, and other activities that directly impact lives. As Ellen White wrote, “Wherever there is life in the church, there is also increased activity in missionary work… offerings will be brought in to sustain the cause of God” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, p. 54).
How the Adventist Church Uses Tithes and offering
The Seventh-day Adventist Church has a well structured financial system that ensures tithes and offerings are used faithfully. Unlike human systems of taxation or fundraising, God’s plan is simple, equitable, and faith-building:
1. Tithe sustains the ministry. It supports pastors, evangelists, teachers, and those who carry the gospel. 2. Offerings sustain the mission. They provide for local church needs, evangelism, and global outreach. 3. Together, they unite the church.Every member, rich or poor participates proportionately in advancing God’s work.
This divine plan ensures that the work of God never lacks support, while also training believers to trust Him as Provider. Ellen White reminds us, “God has made the proclamation of the gospel dependent upon the labors and the gifts of His people. Voluntary offerings and the tithe constitute the revenue of the Lord’s work” (Acts of the Apostles, p. 74).
Tithe and offering are God’s simple yet powerful system for sustaining His work. Tithe supports the preaching of the Word and the spreading of the gospel, while offerings keep the local church alive and active in mission. When members return tithe and give offerings faithfully, they do more than support programs, they enter into partnership with God.
The promise of Malachi 3:10 still stands: “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse… and prove Me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing.”
May we all, as God’s stewards, remain faithful until the day He says, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”