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.



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 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 this 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% of one's income to the Lord.
I 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 an 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, that of giving the first of our income, 10%, before any other earthly financial obligations.  But can you afford that? If you love and fear God, you cannot afford not to give. If you will write that first check each week or month, giving it to the Lord, upon the authority of His Word, He will make sure that you have all that you need. Maybe not all you want, but all that you need.



The Differences Between Tithes & Offerings

While tithing is one of the basics of Christian stewardship, offerings are gifts made above and beyond the scriptural tithe.  Taylors Valley depends on your tithe to support the everyday operations of the church. Our General Fund Budget includes those everyday operations, such as, Bible study and education programs, music, outreach and missions. Thirteen percent (13%) of our budget supports missions in our local communities, and additionally, through the BGCT and SBC, missions in the state and around the world.

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 specifiy or designate where you want that money to go. Click here to learn more about our designated funds.






 
Online Giving is now active! 
Taylor's Valley is excited to announce that you can now manage your giving online! Giving online is easy and allows you to set up automatic recurring contributions or make a one time donation.You will also be able to view your complete online giving history from anywhere you have access to the internet.

Click on the picture above. Create your profile and follow the on-screen instructions.