Pastor Weighs In On Most Heated Church Debate
John Piper, pastor and theologian, recently discussed whether tithing is a binding requirement for Christians under the New Covenant, a topic that has long been debated in the Church. On his “Ask Pastor John” podcast, Piper responded to a listener’s concern about a church policy requiring leaders to tithe 10% of their income, fearing that such mandates could hinder true generosity. Citing 2 Corinthians 9:7, which encourages cheerful giving, the listener suggested that true worship and giving come from a place of gratitude, not obligation. Piper agreed, stating that Christian generosity should stem from freedom and joy, rather than from the Old Testament law.
Piper explained that tithing was part of the Old Testament sacrificial system, specifically for supporting the Levitical priesthood, which is no longer in practice in the Christian Church. He emphasized that the New Testament calls Christians to live by the Spirit and love, not by Old Testament legal requirements. Piper referred to passages like Romans 7:4-6 and Colossians 2:16-23 to further argue that believers are no longer under the old law but should instead be motivated by the joy of serving Christ. He also cited 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 to show that giving should be a personal, voluntary decision, not a compelled act of duty.
While Jesus acknowledged tithing in Matthew 23:23, Piper noted that these teachings were given before Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection, which marked the end of the Old Covenant’s authority. Therefore, Piper concluded that it was wrong for church leaders to require tithing from their staff, as this goes against the New Testament’s teaching on Christian freedom. He pointed out that the generosity Christians are called to reflect the lavish grace God has shown them, and should inspire believers to give willingly, without being bound by the law.
Recent studies on Christian giving have shown varied results. According to Barna, fewer than half of self-identified Christians understand what the tithe is, and only a small percentage give 10% of their income to their church. In a 2023 study, the number of Evangelical Protestants giving to churches decreased significantly, with many Christians prioritizing other forms of giving or not donating at all. Some financial experts, like Dave Ramsey, have argued that pastors should focus more on teaching financial stewardship, including budgeting and debt management, before pressing the issue of tithing.
However, other Christian leaders, such as R.C. Sproul, have emphasized the biblical principle of stewardship, asserting that faithful giving remains a key aspect of a Christian’s duty to manage resources for God’s Kingdom. Sproul referenced Malachi 3:8-10 to stress that failing to tithe is not just neglecting the church but robbing God. Despite the challenges and cynicism surrounding giving, particularly due to financial mismanagement in some church organizations, Sproul maintained that generous giving is necessary for expanding God’s work in the world. He urged believers to prioritize giving and teach this principle to future generations.