A recent report by Giving USA found that church groups get the largest share of all religious donations. Even though church attendance is down, those who stay give more to support religious causes. Religious households donate 62% of all giving. The same group not only gives most money to churches but also to other needy causes. The study says giving is steady for young, middle, and older people. Giving is God’s method for the support of His Kingdom causes. Under the covenant God had with ancient Israel, He expected the people to bring a tithe of all their produce each year. This tithe took care of the priests but it also was used to care for the poor, orphans, and widows. We read in Leviticus 27:30, “One-tenth of the produce of the land, whether grain from the fields or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD and must be set apart to him as holy.” Christians differ in their beliefs about tithing today since we live under the New Covenant, but it is crystal clear that God expects His people to support Kingdom causes. This includes funds not only for salaries of full-time leaders, but funds to care for the poor, widows, and orphans.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
