More on tithing...

I have received some GREAT questions on tithing over the past few days, and I wanted to share one in particular that has actually popped up a few times. The question deals with the idea of bringing the "whole" tithe to the church, as I spoke on Sunday that breaking up the tithe is not bringing the whole tithe into the storehouse (Malachi 3:10). One of the ladies emailed me about this, and I wanted to share my answer with the whole body:

I think a closer look at Malachi 3:10 can give us a better idea of what it means to bring the whole tithe into the storehouse. The storehouse in the Old Testament held the funds for four different groups - the widows, the orphans, the stranger, and the priests. The modern context then would suggest that the tithe is meant to finance the church that in turn distributes for ministry. The fact is, The Journey does give to missionaries, Christian education, projects, church planting, people in need in the community, community sponsorships - and as well supporting our children, teen, and adult ministries - AND paying me and a part time staff.

Here's the catch - who is the church? If the church distributes money, who is the Journey Church - it's all of us, right? Now here's the deal. Every time we need to spend money, I don't call for a vote or go to the church body. The elected deacons (elected by the church body) along with myself decide where money goes - who gets what.

Sometimes the deacons don't need to get involved, and I myself, as the pastor, distribute money to needy causes as well (although I have a cap on spending and everything is recorded). But even beyond that, individuals within the church can request (and bring about) for us to fund/underwrite different causes. Regardless, the distribution of our funds is a church matter. Using checks and balances, we do everything we can to operate the finances in accordance with how God leads (and with the IRS!), specifically to affect the world around us in as many good ways as possible. Overall, with the tithes the church receives, the church endeavors to be financially responsible and effective.

Now, imagine if everyone brought the whole tithe to the church - if everyone did their part, then this church could really make an impact for Jesus Christ in this area. Right now, too many split up the tithe (or don't bring the tithe), and our church has to move forward at a much slower pace. We need to hire another staff member and we need to build- but because the tithe gets broken up, WE have to wait until enough money comes in before making either of those kind of commitments - it is actually a difficult matter. But I am trusting that as I teach on this, that people will realize that level of effectiveness that we can have and not only involve themselves financially, but get involved in BEING the church! What a great thing that would be! :)

Thanks for the dialogue. God has been and continues to be so good to The Journey.

A question about unity and multiple meetings...

Regularly I receive questions and suggestions from different members of The Journey asking me about issues and topics specifically related to this body. One of these came this past week from a wonderful person in the body. She wrote, "I had an idea that I thought I would share with both of you (Rod and myself). I think that spring/summer is almost here we should think about having church service outside at a park somewhere in the mountains or by the ocean or somewhere else so that all of the congregation can enjoy all that God has created and there wouldn't be the identification of "I'm from first service" or 'I'm from second service.' I think the identification should be 'I'm from The Journey church.' "

Part of our mission here is that we are traveling toward God - we have a safe place to explore faith and faith-related issues, and this suggestion is a great example of someone feeling safe to think "outside of the box." I hope that The Journey grows in this way - a safe place to travel - a safe place to travel in freedom together...you get the idea.

So I thought about this, and while I am not sure how it would work logistically, the desire behind it is for unity. We CAN maintain unity even though we are divided physically (and probably will be divided again with a third service soon - stay tuned for details)? But a way to help this is to meet as a congregation together occasionally, and when we met outside at our birthday celebration last year that it was great. We will plan on doing this a few times during the summer (weather permitting).

Jesus was passionate about unity, and so am I. Even though our circumstances are a little difficult for maintaining unity as a physical expression (an entire congregation), it is not something that we need to struggle with as a body. We CAN be unified in our worship, in our efforts, in our love for each other and for our community. There is more to our unity than being able to congregate as an entire body (although it is a great thing).

All in all, I encourage this church to keep thinking outside the box, and know that we travel toward God together in community to reach our culture. Who knows, maybe God will bless us with a meeting place large enough to house all of us plus many more. Stay tuned...Pastor