Financial Accountability

[jgilberAZ]

I believe that the tithe is part of the old testament covenant, and we're not obligated to give 10% to the church.

I believe, though, that we are to give, and we are to support the local church.

10% ? maybe more, maybe less.

Compulsory? no .. with a cheerful heart.

That said, I'm really struggling with an issue.

Should I give money to my local church if they do not make church finance details available to the body?

It seems I'm being an unfaithful steward. God entrusts me with a certain amount of money, and expects me to use it in accordance with his Word. How can I do that if I just blindly give a good chunk of it to a church that doesn't reveal what they do with it?

I've thought more about this overnight.

It seems that if you believe we must tithe 10% to our local church, then there is no quandary. You are just being obedient, and they'll be held accountable for what they do with it.

But, if you believe we are not 'under the law' and the tithe is part of the law, as I do, then you will feel (as I do) responsible from beginning-to-end of where you give your money. And, turning it over to people who won't reveal what they do with it seems very irresponsible to me. I can't in good conscience say "I've given my tithe, check the box, and move on." I feel I must use that money for spreading the gospel, meeting the needs of the saints, etc, etc ... in accordance with scripture. And, if my church keeps the finances private, how do I know if they're doing that?

I think I already know the answer. Just curious what your thoughts are.

So, if I stop giving to the church, I can always select groups that are open and honest in their finances (gospel for asia, for instance). And, can apply the money directly to spreading the gospel.
http://www.gfa.org/bibles/

One hundred percent of all contributions designated for use on the mission field are sent to the mission field.

Or, Joshua Fund ...
http://www.joshuafund.net/index.php/about/financial_information/

The Joshua Fund is strongly committed to financial integrity and accountability. As a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA), we follow high standards of Christian ethics in fundraising, financial accounting, and reporting. The ECFA seal is our pledge that your gifts are used as intended.

Or, Food for the Hungry ...
http://www.fh.org/who/finances

As a Christian organization, Food for the Hungry is committed to practicing biblical standards of integrity and stewardship, and we believe we are fully accountable to God and man for effective and efficient use of donations.
Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. We obtain an annual audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards by an independent public accounting firm, Capin Crouse LLP. Copies of our current audited financial statements can be downloaded from our website or be viewed on any number of charity watchdog websites.

Do you see where I'm going with this?

I don't think I would feel right not giving anything to my local church, but how do I reconcile the admonition to be a good steward with their practice of not releasing financial information?

[mark s]

Hi Jeff,

As you said, you already know the answer . . .

Your money is yours to give or not, as you choose, and as the Spirit leads. If after prayer, you do not feel good about giving to your local church, I'm fine with that. If you still wish to contribute to your church, you can volunteer, and in that way, this also allows you the opportunity to ensure that your "donation" is used well, as you will be choosing what you will do.

On top of that, I think you will find serving to be a very rewarding experience!

Love in Christ,
Mark

[Abiding in His Word]

*snip*

The majority of passages show it to be Christians giving to Christians in need (Matt. 25:34-40; Acts 6:1 and 11:27-30; Rom. 12:13 and 15:26-27; 1 Cor. 16:1-4; 2 Cor. 8:4 and 9:1,12,13; Eph. 4:28; 1 Tim. 5:16; James 2:14-16; 1 John 3:16-18).

link

[AndCanItBe]

Would you be able to do something for your church instead of blindly give them the money? For instance, bypass the offering plate, go directly to the electric company and pay part of the bill? Maybe that example would be impossible, but do you see what I mean? Like buying a homeless person a meal instead of handing them money that might get spent on drugs.

[jgilberAZ]

I think I'm leaning towards Mark's advice ... use the money where I have visibility into the finances, but, donate my time and talents to the local body.

I think that's sound advice.

Thanks, Mark.

[bchandler]

I would also counsel you to go to your church leaders and tell them WHY you have chosen to redirect your giving. They should know that their lack of disclosure to their membership is not healthy.

Also... if they are a 501c3, their non-disclosure is illegal. As a charitable organization, they are required to make their finances public.