"Are the Church Of Christ members really taught to give tithings of 10%?"
A False Rumor:
THERE IS A PERSISTENT rumor among many people from other religions that Iglesia Ni Cristo practices the giving of tithes or giving 10% of a member’s income to the Church. This alleged practice of tithing is perpetuated by Church detractors who persistently sow rumors about tithing in the Church as a means to dissuade other people from joining the Iglesia Ni Cristo. This alleged practice of tithing is also due to a common perception among other people who are awestruck by the unceasing construction of beautiful and magnificent houses of worship or churches all over the Philippine archipelago and now in many places around the world. These people cannot believe that the Iglesia Ni Cristo can fund these large-scale church-building projects with only the voluntary contributions of its members, the great majority of whom are ordinary people, and most of them are considered poor in society. Thus, they assume (accept without proof) that the Church is forcing or compelling its members to give tithes or 10% of their income so the Church can finance these massive church construction projects.
The Actual Truth:
THERE IS NO TRUTH to the allegation that Iglesia Ni Cristo members are forced, compelled, coerced, forced or manipulated to give ten percent of their income to the Church. Contrary to what some people say or believe, the Church does not practice the giving of tithes. Iglesia Ni Cristo members give their offerings on a voluntary basis, out of their faith and understanding of the biblical teaching concerning religious offerings. Thus, Iglesia Ni Cristo members faithfully follow God’s commandment to His servants in the Christian Era that says:
“Each of you should give as you have decided in your heart to give. You should not be sad when you give, and you should not give because you feel forced to give. God loves the person who gives happily.” (II Cor. 9:7, New Century Version, Emphasis Ours)
“Do not forget to do good to others, and share with them, because such sacrifices please God.” (Heb. 13:16, NCV)
Knowing that the Lord is pleased by fulfilling the above commandments, members of Iglesia Ni Cristo voluntarily and happily give their offerings. And it is through these voluntary offerings that the Church is able to finance the construction of beautiful and magnificent houses of worship where they, the members themselves, happily congregate to worship the Lord God Almighty in utmost solemnity. Many people may not believe nor may not come to understand that this happens in the Iglesia Ni Cristo, simply because in their own religious organizations, many of which, cannot even put up a decent place of worship, and many still use public places such as cinemas, auditoriums, grandstands even after many years of giving tithes or offerings to their church leaders.
AN OBSERVER of the Iglesia Ni Cristo has this to say:
“How is it that the INC has so many palatial churches—and we see them all over the country,… Perhaps, there is something about the INC,… that we are missing. Could it be that their leaders and, more importantly, their members believe—and more than just believing, live out their faith?” (Joel L Bodegon, Elder, United Churches of Christ of the Philippines from the book, The Isaiah Paradigm: Recapturing the Role of the Laity, pp. 116-117, Emphasis Ours)
Mr Bodegon’s observation is correct. There is something in the Iglesia Ni Cristo that is missing in other religious organizations. The Iglesia Ni Cristo leaders and members do more than just believe―they live out their faith. Why? Because deep in their hearts, they believe they are in the true Church of Christ. They know and worship the “only true God” ― the Father in heaven, the Lord God Almighty ― and His Son, the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who will come again for the second time to bring home God’s chosen people.
A TESTIMONY about tithing in the Iglesia Ni Cristo by Michael Alexander Peter Adams, a British businessman, who is now a member of the Iglesia Ni Cristo:
“I deal a lot with Roman Catholics and people of other faiths in everyday life in business, and they often raise issues concerning the doctrines and practices of the Church of Christ, and most of their perceptions on these matters are just simply not true. For example, there is a persistent belief that we practice tithing, whereas I know from the numerous sermons I’ve heard on the subject that God loves a cheerful giver, and it is not a requirement to give a certain amount. Actually, the way in which the offering is handled by the Church is very impressive. Great care is taken to record the member’s offerings and to ensure that these offerings are properly spent. If anybody doubts that, all you do is look at the number of chapels which are being built all the time, which, in my own rough estimation, have approximated two a week for the past forty years! The construction of houses of worship and other buildings certainly requires money, and this shows you right away that even without having to delve into the details of the Church’s books of accounts, the brethren’s offerings are being properly used.” (Source: Excerpt from Convert story, April 2004, GOD’S MESSAGE, p.28, Emphasis Ours)
According to Mr. Adams, “the persistent belief that the Iglesia Ni Cristo practice tithing is simply not true.” What is true is “the great care that is taken to record the member’s offering and to ensure that these offerings are properly spent.” This is the basic reason why members do not hesitate to help the Church as much as they can; They clearly see what is being done and what is being accomplished for the glory of God.
Note: Some words and phrases are in bold & italics for emphasis.
Reach Out
If you wish to acquire a deeper understanding of our Church Doctrines and have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We would be delighted to direct you to one of our local resident ministers in your vicinity. Kindly include any queries you may have so that we may forward your inquiry in advance. Thank you.
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“Do not let unwholesome [foul, profane, worthless, vulgar] words ever come out of your mouth, but only such speech as is good for building up others, according to the need and the occasion, so that it will be a blessing to those who hear [you speak].”
(Eph. 4:29, Amplified Bible)
“Love endures with patience and serenity, love is kind and thoughtful, and is not jealous or envious; love does not brag and is not proud or arrogant. It is not rude; it is not self-seeking, it is not provoked [nor overly sensitive and easily angered]; it does not take into account a wrong endured.”
(1 Corinthians 13:4-5, Amplified Bible)