The Importance of Tithing

Giving is a vital part of spiritual formation and maturity.  It requires two things of us:  Faith and Faithfulness.

Faith

Giving is an active expression of our faith.  It recognizes God as our True Provider.  It also affirms our confidence in His ability to supply all we need.  It is an act of gratitude and dependence.  And, it allows us to partner with God and His work through our church locally, regionally, and globally.

Faithfulness

Giving requires the highest standard of personal integrity and discipline.  It is not a casual or occasional thing.  In 2 Corinthians 8-9, the bible teaches we are to give willingly, generously, and cheerfully.  Our pattern should reflect a regular and systematic plan.  In Malachi 3:10, we learn God’s standard of the tithe or first tenth being set apart in all of our earnings as a gift to God.  Through our tithes and offerings, we prove faithful in the stewardship of all God has provided for us.

With these two principles in mind, a new opportunity for giving is being provided at Central Baptist Church.  It is “Online Giving”.  It is an easy way to simplify and prioritize your personal plan for giving.

Tithing Honors The Lord

"Since you excel in so many ways - you have so much faith, such enthusiasm, and such love for us - now I want you to excel also in this gracious ministry of giving." - 2 Corinthians 8:7

As Christians, we are in a constant process of spiritual growth.  As we grow to yield to the lordship of Jesus Christ in our daily lives and obey His commands.  Like the spiritual disciplines of prayer, worship and Bible reading, tithing is a simple act of obedience to be used in that growth process.  And it is in obeying God that we as Christians find abundant life.

The word "tithe" means one tenth (1/10).  It refers to giving 10% (1/10) of one's income to the Lord.  1 Samuel 2:30 says, "Those who honor me will I honor, but those who despise me will be disdained."

How do we honor God?  Proverbs 3:9-10 says, "Honor the Lord with your income, with the firstfruits of all your crops, then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine."  This was written in a time based on agricultural economy when believers took the first and best of all their produce and gave it to the Lord - one tenth.  While our system of exchange is different today, we can apply the same principle in giving to the Lord the first of our income - 10% - before any earthly financial obligations.  But can you affort that?  If you love and fear God, you cannot afford not to give.  If you will write that first check each week/month to the Lord, upon the authority of His Word, He will make sure you have all you need.  Maybe not all you want, but all you need.

The Differences Between Tithes & Offerings

While tithes are the basics of Christian Stewardship, offerings are gifts made above and beyond the scriptural tithe.  Throughout the year, you may learn of financial needs beyond regular operations to which you feel led by God to contribute.  Gifts made to such specific areas are called "designated" gifts, and when making contributions to those areas, you must specify or designate where you want that money to go.  some of those areas include but are not limited to:

•  Budget - All contributions designated for the Budget are used to pay for expenses necessary in the everyday operations of the church, for example, utilities,  telephones, the grounds.

• Building Fund - All contributions received for the Building Fund go directly toward the principal on the loans the church currently has.
• General Missions - All contributions designated to General Missions are used to support various mission trips all around the world.
• Special Designations - In times of need, your offerings have helped those who were victims of natural disasters.   Because of your special offerings we have also been able to send Study Bible Care Packages to soldiers serving in Iraq. 

Ways to Give to Central

Monetary Gifts

• Walk-In - You may bring your contribution to the business office during the week Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (cash or check).
• Sunday Morning or Wednesday Evening Worship Services - Simply place your envelope in the offering plate as it is passed during the offertory.  You can also drop your contribution in any of the black collection boxes placed throughout the foyer.
• Give Online - We have many members who enjoy the ease of online giving in the privacy of their homes.  You may use Visa, Mastercard, electronic check, or bank draft (see note below).
• Stocks and Bonds - Gifts of appreciated stock offer additional tax savings. Through this method, you avoid capital gains taxes and receive a tax deduction for the full value of the stock on the date of transfer.  For more information, or if you wish to donate other items, please call or e-mail Chuck Bestor at (979) 776-9977.

Non-Monetary Gifts

• Vehicles -  If you wish to donate a vehicle there are special regulations that the church and donor must follow.
• Other Non-Cash Gifts - You may also receive tax credit for non-cash contributions.  An acknowledgement of your donation will be mailed within 30 days of your contribution.  As per IRS rules, the donor is responsible for determining the value of the item donated.  The Church is not allowed to assign a value of the donated item.  If you need additional information, please feel free to contact the bookkeeping office.

Note:  If you would like to have the church debit your bank account on a recurring basis (monthly, biweekly, weekly), please contact Audra Murphy at (979) 776-9977 or .  With automatic drafting, you may change the amount at any time, as long as the Bookkeeping office has two working days prior to notice of the change.