There have been misconceptions that churches, especially the Pentecostals, are materialistic but when you bring tithe and offerings to church, it is used to fund the different outreach programmes for the church and its related benefits to society.
I know there have been some churches that have turned out to be business ventures but it’s not fair to wholesomely brand all churches materialistic.
The church I go to always accounts for every coin it has spent on different ministries monthly. We actually get testimonies from the beneficiaries every Sunday and it’s remarkable to see the joy on these people’s faces when they talk about the life they lived before the church came to their rescue and how it’s sustaining their living. Therefore if we don’t give tithe how will the church work or fund these outreach projects?
My other point is that times have changed. In the earlier days when more people where farmers, they offered their harvests or animals that they reared as offerings to God. But with the current generation where money or cheques and other material things like cars and clothes are given as tithe, this does not necessarily mean that the essence of tithe has changed from the initial idea.
According to the Bible in 2 Corinthians 9:7, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Therefore no one has ever been forced to give tithe or offerings, thus it is unfair to brand the church materialistic.
From time immemorial, tithing is a sacred privilege for Christians. It’s a noble way of showing gratitude to God for all He has done for us. The least we can do is give Him a portion of what we have.
This is the same tithe that we offer every Sunday based on what we have received throughout the week. It helps in funding the church and also building God’s kingdom on earth.
Tithe is also essential for spiritual growth because it boosts generosity and its related advantages and discourages people who only want to be on the receiving end.
Therefore I conclude by saying that churches are not materialistic although there are some that were started by shady people. Such people have no spiritual calling because real churches do not operate that way.
