Taxes may be a certainty of life, but church leaders aren’t so sure about tithing.
Evangelical leaders encourage their church members to tithe, yet most don’t believe the Bible requires it of Christians, according to survey results released Wednesday.
Tithing — giving at least 10 percent of one’s income to the church — was the subject of the monthly poll of directors of the National Association of Evangelicals, which includes leaders of churches, denominations, missions, universities and publishing houses.
The Evangelical Leaders Survey found 58 percent believe the Bible doesn’t require tithing, while 42 percent think it does.
However, 95 percent of those included in the February poll indicated they give at least 10 percent.
“The Old Testament called for multiple tithes, sort of combining government taxes with religious stewardship. Many churches later adopted 10 percent as the standard,” said NAE president Leith Anderson. “Since there is such a strong evangelical tradition of tithing, I was a little surprised that a majority of our evangelical leaders say the tithe system of the Old Testament does not carry over to the New Testament or to us.”
It could be that the people in the pews agree.
Empty Tomb Inc. recently reported that evangelicals give churches about 4 percent of their income and Christians overall donate 2.43 percent.
Not so fast, said Brady Boyd, senior pastor at Colorado Springs- based New Life Church.
Jesus didn’t command us to tithe, Boyd said, but neither did he countermand it. In fact, he said, Jesus told people to go way beyond tithing.
“Jesus taught a lot about money — more than he taught on prayer,” Boyd said.
And Jesus certainly didn’t tell people to hang on to their wealth.
“Here’s what I teach at New Life: Live below your means, and lead a generous life,” Boyd said. “It’s a great joy to give.”
Electa Draper: 303-954-1276 or edraper@denverpost.com
