Giving FAQs
What is a tithe?
Tithing is a biblical principle. The word "tithe" comes from an Old English root meaning "one-tenth." God calls us to give the first 10% of our income back to Him. The Bible teaches us that everything belongs to God and every good gift comes from Him. We’ve seen God bless our church abundantly, and we know He will bless you and your family when you put Him first in your finances. It’s the one area in the Bible where God tells you to test Him.
Why should I tithe?
In Malachi 3:10, God tells us to bring the tithe, 10% of our income, to Him. Later, Jesus affirms this in the New Testament. Tithing is an important biblical principle that honors God and demonstrates our gratitude for His provision in our lives. By giving back to God a portion of what He has blessed us with, we show our trust in His faithfulness and provision. This principle is found throughout the Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments, and is still relevant today for Christians who seek to honor God with their finances.
Is tithing an Old Testament principle?
Many believe that tithing is only an Old Testament practice that is no longer relevant today. However, this needs to be clarified.
Tithing is a principle found throughout the Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments. In fact, Jesus himself affirmed the importance of tithing in the New Testament.
In Matthew 23:23, Jesus says, "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill, and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former."
This passage shows that Jesus did not condemn or abandon tithing, but rather he condemned the Pharisees for neglecting other important aspects of the law and challenged them to continue tithing and to address the condition of their hearts.
Furthermore, tithing is a way to honor God and acknowledge that everything we have comes from Him. By giving back to God a portion of what He has blessed us with, we show gratitude and trust in His provision.
As Christians, we should look to honor God with our finances and trust in His provision for our lives.
Can I give my tithe to a specific area?
We have the option to give your tithe to specific funds. The options include the General Fund, which supports the day-to-day operations of the church, the Missions Fund, which supports outreach efforts both locally and globally; and the Legacy Fund, which supports the long-term goals and projects of the church.
We believe the best way to support our mission is by giving to the General Fund and trusting God with your gift. Whichever Fund you choose, know that your tithes are making a difference in the lives of those in our church and community.
What is the most cost-effective way to give?
We recommend using the Automated Clearing House (ACH) option through Pushpay. This method is the most cost-effective way to give. It minimizes transaction fees and ensures that more of your donation goes directly to supporting our church and ministry initiatives.
This can be done by adding a bank account as a payment method in your Pushpay account.
Who can I contact if I need any help with giving?
Feel free to reach out to us with any giving questions to [email protected].
How can I get a giving statement for tax purposes?
A statement for your tithes will be emailed to you annually at the beginning of each year. If you have any questions or concerns about your giving, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].
Do you offer any resources to help me manage my finances?
Yes, we offer a Financial Intensive group. This study provides solutions for the symptoms and the root cause of your financial problems, once and for all. Combining solid biblical teaching, online resources, and hands-on practical experiences, this study is a journey with the potential to change your life, not just your finances. Fill out a short form and let us know if you're interested in the Financial Intensive group.
What is Pushpay?
Pushpay is a leading provider of mobile giving and engagement solutions for churches and nonprofits. We rely on Pushpay to securely process our donations and to provide a convenient and user-friendly giving experience.
By using Pushpay, we can offer a fast and easy way to give from anywhere, at any time. The platform allows you to set up recurring donations, view and manage your giving history, and track your progress toward your giving goals.
We are committed to using the latest technology to enhance the giving experience for our church, and we believe that Pushpay is the best solution for achieving this goal. If you have any questions or concerns about using Pushpay, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].
How does Definition uphold financial accountability?
At Definition Church, we value financial accountability and uphold it through various means. We have established external partnerships with reputable financial institutions to ensure the safe and responsible handling of all donations and undergo regular audits. In addition, we have established internal structures and processes to manage our finances, that include oversight by an executive staff team and reviews and approvals by a non-staff and non-paid trustee team. We also prioritize connections with other organizations and churches to share resources and knowledge on best practices for financial stewardship. Thank you for your support and trust in our commitment to financial accountability. If you are looking for a more in-depth explanation of our financial accountability, please check out this video.