A new old way

Today I confessed to my congregation in Elmhurst that I have been failing them. For reasons I understand but am sorry about, I had gotten away from talking about tithing as a spiritual discipline. The long term result has been confusion and financial ineffectiveness at Elmhurst church. I have changed my mind about what I will do from now on.

One of the reasons this happened is because I have been ashamed and appalled at some of the excesses of nationally prominent preachers in financial matters. I did not want to be seen in the same light (my pride at work), so I shifted my teaching about giving from tithing (the committing of a tenth of one's financial resources to God) to the New Testament concept of radical generosity. In itself, this isn't wrong. The New Testament does teach generosity ("God loves a cheerful giver"), and generous giving is a hallmark of Christian life. But in appealing to generosity, I have inadvertently fallen into the trap of promoting the church as a "charitable cause," worthy of financial support. This is an inadequate position. It fails to address the spiritual dimension of giving, which is the most important part. You don't give to God because you are supporting some organization or work; you give to God because you are grateful and because giving is your most tangible form of worship.

From now on I will talk about "harvest giving," an ancient spiritual concept. Out of that which I have received (my "harvest"), I set aside a tenth for the work of God. That work includes support for my congregation, giving to those in need, and support for the pursuit of justice in the world. It is very countercultural to talk like this, because it is a challenge to our culture's self absorption. When you commit to give away money you could easily spend on yourself, you have made an enormous stride toward God.

"Harvest giving" is a key to spiritual health and wholeness.