Tithe Compliance: Church Leaders' Role and Responsibilities

It is important for both the treasury team and church leaders to be actively involved in ensuring members understand and fulfill their responsibility to return tithe. This involvement extends to educating the congregation and overseeing the faithful collection and use of funds.TT 180.2+4

The Role of Leaders in Educating Members

Ministers and church leaders have a solemn responsibility to instruct members on their obligations and duties to God, especially regarding the payment of an honest tithe.TT 180.2+3 They should clearly communicate the importance of returning God's portion, as it is crucial for sustaining the work of the Lord.22LtMs, Ms 33, 1907, par. 19+2 If leaders neglect this duty, it can lead to a shortage of funds in the treasury.22LtMs, Ms 33, 1907, par. 19+3

It is considered part of the work to teach new converts to bring their tithe into the storehouse as an acknowledgment of their dependence on God.Ev 250.2 This instruction should make it plain that disregarding the command to pay tithe has no excuse.Ev 250.2

Ensuring Proper Collection and Use of Tithe

Church leaders are also responsible for seeing that officers are chosen who will faithfully attend to the work of gathering in the tithe.CS 106.1 If pastors fail to emphasize the importance of returning tithe and ensuring its proper collection, they are neglecting a matter that involves a blessing or a curse to the church.CS 106.1 Such negligence could even lead to their removal from responsibility.CS 106.1+1

The tithe is considered the Lord's special revenue fund, consecrated for a specific purpose: to sustain those who minister in sacred work, including preaching and serving.1MR 187.1+3 Therefore, the treasury must be strictly guarded, and not one penny should be removed from it for other purposes.SpTA10 16.3+1 It is wrong to use tithe for the incidental expenses of the church; instead, funds for such purposes should be raised through regular donations, economy, and self-denial.11LtMs, Ms 37, 1896, par. 13+1

Consequences of Withholding Tithe

Malachi 3:8-9 states, "Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed me. But you say, Wherein have we robbed you? In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse: for you have robbed me, even this whole nation."6T 388.1+7 Withholding tithes and offerings is seen as robbing God, depriving individuals of promised blessings and hindering the advancement of His work in the world.RH January 15, 1895, par. 7+5

When God's people are faithful in returning tithes and offerings, the way is opened for the world to hear the message for this time, and resources for both home and foreign missions would be multiplied. Malachi 3:10-12CCh 275.4+3 promises abundant blessings to those who bring all the tithes into the storehouse, including protection from the devourer and being called blessed by all nations.COL 144.5+5

Conversely, neglecting these obligations can lead to a lack of funds and spiritual stagnation.CCh 275.4+5 It is a serious matter that can bring a curse.CS 106.1+5

In essence, the vigilance of the treasury team and church leaders in promoting and safeguarding the tithing system is vital for the spiritual and financial health of the church and the advancement of God's work globally.ARSH October 21, 1862, page 165.29+1

To determine if church members are returning tithe, church leaders and officers are responsible for instructing the people on this important matter and ensuring members are faithful in performing this dutyCS 106.3. Specifically, they should appoint pastors or elders devoted to the Lord Jesus, and these individuals should see that officers are chosen who will faithfully attend to the work of gathering in the titheRH December 1, 1896, par. 26.

Here's a breakdown of how this is typically observed and managed:

Accountability and Oversight

• Leadership Responsibility: The elders and officers of the church have a duty to ensure that members are faithful in paying tithes and offeringsCS 106.3. This means they are to encourage and facilitate the return of tithe.

• Pastoral Guidance: Pastors play a crucial role in setting before the church the importance of returning God's ownRH December 1, 1896, par. 26. If they fail to do so, or if they do not ensure that the officers under them are faithful in collecting tithe, they are neglecting a matter that involves a blessing or a curse to the churchRH December 1, 1896, par. 26.

• Member Accountability: Every church member is responsible to God for the tithes of all the goods entrusted to their care14LtMs, Ms 139, 1899, par. 5. This understanding of personal accountability19LtMs, Ms 45, 1904, par. 1 is fostered through clear instruction and encouragement from church leadership.

Monitoring and Reporting

Historically, systems have been in place to track tithes and offerings. For example:

• Statistical Reports: Conferences maintain records of the amount of tithes paid, which are then reportedMMM 390.4+14. These reports indicate the financial strength and faithfulness of the members within a given territory.

• Envelope Plans: The use of offering envelopes, for example, has been noted to increase foreign mission offerings, as they provide a structured way for members to return their tithes and offeringsGCDB February 28, 1899, page 104.4. This method helps ensure that contributions are consistently made and recorded.

• Treasury Management: The tithe is brought into the "storehouse" or treasury to provide for the support of ministry Malachi 3:1014LtMs, Ms 139, 1899, par. 5. While the exact processes for "checking" individual members' tithe return are not explicitly detailed as an intrusive audit, the collective sum of tithes received provides an indicator of the church's faithfulness in this area14LtMs, Ms 139, 1899, par. 5+1.

Cultivating Faithfulness

The emphasis is on cultivating a spirit of willingness and understanding among members regarding their financial responsibility to God.

• Spiritual Education: Every convert should receive light regarding the Lord's requirement for tithes and offeringsEv 249.3. This foundational teaching helps members understand their dependence and accountability to GodEv 249.3.

• Encouragement over Coercion: The goal is for members to give "not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver" 2 Corinthians 9:7CS 199.2. Leaders are to encourage members to bear their responsibilities faithfully in the fear of God2MR 101.1.

• Addressing Neglect: If a member has withheld tithes, as seen in historical examples, they may be encouraged to confess and make restitution, demonstrating a return to faithfulness6LtMs, Lt 83, 1889, par. 10.

By upholding these principles, church leaders can effectively guide and support members in fulfilling their obligation to return tithe, ensuring the financial vitality of God's work.