CarolfromIL Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 I don't know if this is right, but my family and I have recently returned to church after several years away. We attended this church for several years in the late 90's through 2001 or 2002. At that time we did try to tithe 10% of our income. Upon returning to the church a couple of months ago, our pastor sat down with us to discuss our reinstatement as members. Much to my surprise he started to discuss payment of tithes between 2001 or 2002 through last month that we missed paying because we had not attended. I was startled and did not know what to say. I do not want to be told we can not attend and I had been taught as a child not to question an authority figure, but now I wish I did. After discussing our current and past finances with the pastor and him allowing us to pray about it for 48 hours, we agreed to tithe 10% of our current income and add an additional monthly $363.27 as a "back payment" for 60 months! Should have I agreed to do this and has anyone else heard of this, or been put on a church payment plan like this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dana Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 I've never heard of it & it would be a real red flag for me. If you haven't pledged the money and so are in arrears, I would be looking for a different church. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlaskaGrownFamily Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 I would run, run, RUNNNNN from that church and pastor. Are you KIDDING me?! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheCoffeeChick Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 :001_huh::blink::001_rolleyes::angry::cursing: RUN AWAY!!! That is the most RIDICULOUS idea I have EVER heard!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twinmom Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 :svengo: I am 100% in support of tithing, but I am totally appalled at this! Seriously, jaw-droppingly appalled. I understand the point of a pastor trying to have members take tithing seriously, but this is WAY beyond my comfort level. I am so sorry. There are many ways in which people interpret Biblical passages on tithing, but this one truly leaves me scratching my head and praying for this church. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaMa2005 Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 I have NEVER heard of such a thing. If those are the 'requirements' to attend this particular church, I would be going elsewhere. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KRG Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 RUN FAST!!!!!!!! That is wrong on so many levels!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catalinakel Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 I went to a church very briefly that taught that if you were at some point unable to tithe, you needed to pay interest when you were able. I ran away, and fast. This has nothing to do with the gospel, and I would stay far away from a church that teaches it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kari C in SC Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 I don't know if this is right, but my family and I have recently returned to church after several years away. We attended this church for several years in the late 90's through 2001 or 2002. At that time we did try to tithe 10% of our income. Upon returning to the church a couple of months ago, our pastor sat down with us to discuss our reinstatement as members. Much to my surprise he started to discuss payment of tithes between 2001 or 2002 through last month that we missed paying because we had not attended. I was startled and did not know what to say. I do not want to be told we can not attend and I had been taught as a child not to question an authority figure, but now I wish I did. After discussing our current and past finances with the pastor and him allowing us to pray about it for 48 hours, we agreed to tithe 10% of our current income and add an additional monthly $363.27 as a "back payment" for 60 months! Should have I agreed to do this and has anyone else heard of this, or been put on a church payment plan like this? I would RUN - not walk away from this church. This is WRONG!!!!!!! I have been attending a church for over 2 years. Not once - NOT ONCE have I been asked to tithe or account for my income. I am welcome there anytime with or without money. With or without good clothes. With or without anything material. I am welcome because it is the house of the Lord. Please find yourself a church that cares about YOU, not your money! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LuvToRead Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 The only person at your church who should know how much you give is the treasurer, and that's only if you give by check. I don't think a pastor should know how much individual members are giving. I would not return to this church. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz CA Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 If this is a legit post, I can only say: FLEE the church. Find another church. This is completely outlandish. I have never ever heard of something like this. During this discussion, did the pastor ask any questions about spiritual matters or is it just about the money? :glare: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarlaS Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 Is this a joke? A troll? An alternate universe kind of thing? I sure hope so! :tongue_smilie: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom2J112903 Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 That is RIDICULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!! We are lucky to give $2 or $3/wk when we go to Mass. Father NEVER mentions money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SnowWhite Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 We believe in tithing but we do not believe in this type of pastoral authority. Big red flags. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silliness7 Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 That is pretty brazen, imo. I have never experienced anything remotely similar. And this is the first time I have ever heard of such a thing happening. I think it is an abuse of power and extremely unbiblical. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kari C in SC Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 Is this a joke? A troll? An alternate universe kind of thing? I kind of wondered the same thing, but posted my opinion anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LauraGB Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 Whether or not you decide to agree with this is highly personal. But since you ask, no, I would personally run like crazy in the opposite direction. What you are being "required" to pay is a brand new car payment. Can you afford that? Am I right to understand that he is charging you "back tithing" for the time you missed? :001_huh: I remember as a child, we were members of a Catholic church, and my parents received a bill for 10% of their annual income. I have never understood the forced or guilted tithing. (but likely that's another thread) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AprilTN Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 nevermind Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellowperch Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 I agree with all the pps, but I have a question. What do your friends and pewmates have to say about this? I'd want to take their pulse just for my own info, but I'd still run. What is this pastor's reputation? Back pay to a church. Goodness me! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovedtodeath Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 (edited) Should have I agreed to do this ? NO Not once - NOT ONCE have I been asked to tithe or account for my income. I am welcome there anytime with or without money. With or without good clothes. With or without anything material. I am welcome because it is the house of the Lord.:iagree: The only person at your church who should know how much you give is the treasurer, and that's only if you give by check. I don't think a pastor should know how much individual members are giving. I would not return to this church.:iagree: Edited July 10, 2010 by Lovedtodeath Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kwickimom Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 Are you SERIOUS? Tithing is between you and God and a pastor has no right to demand it from you. It is not even a "law" or "commandment" from God so their is no way a human being can make you pay to attend church. If thats how that church is run he needs to be reported to someone as he is a SCAM ARTIST. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daisy Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 Is this for real? No flippin' way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debbie in OR Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 Say wha? Pretty sure there is nothing about coercion and tithing in Scripture. I fully support tithing but this is outrageous. Stomach-churning outrageous. To whomever said "Run"....do that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZeldaRules Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 Obviously your gut is telling you something is wrong. Oprah says "Listen to what your gut says...if it thinks something is wrong, listen to it". You came on here asking because it doesn't sound right. It's not. What you tithe is between you and your God. It is not anyone else's business. If you want to make your tithes with volunteer donations of time because you don't have the money, then volunteer your time rather than your money. The tithing can be interpretated in many ways. It was wrong of your pastor to ask you to make up your tithing that you missed. Go find another church and tithe what you are comfortable tithing and what you can AFFORD. If you can only afford 1%, then tithe 1%. My one statement is this: If you are in debt, pay your debts that are due according to your budget and then make your tithing based on whatever you feel comfortable tithing with your money that is left over at the end of the month. I say RUN FOREST RUN. Go find another church that doesn't quiz you about your tithing. That is personal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FourSweetBoys Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 Oh my goodness. This is horrifying if it's for real. I cannot fathom a church doing this!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarolfromIL Posted July 10, 2010 Author Share Posted July 10, 2010 (edited) I agree with all the pps, but I have a question. What do your friends and pewmates have to say about this? I'd want to take their pulse just for my own info, but I'd still run. What is this pastor's reputation? Back pay to a church. Goodness me! I haven't had the nerve to ask others in the church if they too are on a payment plan. I do know that on a Sunday a few weeks back, and I have heard this years ago too, that if you can not afford to tithe 10% at this church, you need to find a church you can tithe 10% at! So all my fellowchuch goers feel the pressure I'm sure. Edited July 10, 2010 by CarolfromIL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TravelingChris Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 I agree with all the other posters that this is outrageous. I never heard of such a thing. As some other posters said, I don't believe any of the pastors I have had ever knew how much each parishioner is giving or what their income is (except when we attended military chapel and we all know what a certain rank and year makes:)). TO pay for the times you weren't a member- that strikes me as crazy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ereks mom Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 (edited) ...RUN! Run as far and fast as you can to a church that does not coerce its members into paying membership fees. A church is not a club that collects dues from its members. Tithes and offerings should not be billed to the unsuspecting, but should be graciously received from members who give them willingly and cheerfully. My dh has been a pastor for 30 years, and I have NEVER, EVER heard of ANY legitimate church doing this. I wonder if the entire church leadership is in on the scam (yes, scam), or if this is something the pastor and some of his "insiders" cooked up. How do other members feel about this? Do they even know, or is the OP being singled out? Edited July 10, 2010 by ereks mom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pippen Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 ...RUN! Run as far and fast as you can to a church that does not coerce its members into paying membership fees. A church is not a club that collects dues from its members. Tithes and offerings should not be billed to the unsuspecting, but should be graciously received from members who give them willingly and cheerfully. :iagree: Get out fast. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5knights3maidens Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 I believe in tithing but :auto: as fast as you can!!! That is a red flag. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fairfarmhand Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 This is RIDICULOUS! I would not be there! Any churches I have attended (my dh's husband pastored one, my dad pastored another) the pastor had NO clue who tithed or anything. LEAVE! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KinderSafari Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 Agree agree, agree, agree, agree, agree, agree, agree, agree... with all the others. I could go into a huge long spiel of disbelief and church teachings and Bible teachings, etc, etc, but I am SO stunned, and basically the summary of: run away works well. God tells us to still use WISE judgment, not just blindly trust authority. No one on EARTH has that sort of control, power....what's the word I'm looking for?? Not sure. Haven't thought about this too much at the moment, just sitting here in total disbelief! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milovany Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 Yes, it's important to give (and tithe, if that's one's church's understanding) -- but like this?? No! Run, run, run. Do not go back. Do NOT go back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blessed2fosteradopt Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 Truly, this is sickening and shameful. My church preaches about tithing every once in awhile from a biblical standpoint but does not even pass an offering plate. Tithing is done privately, and as my pastor preaches and I believe, is to be Spirit led. It sounds like you are almost being bullied. A "pastor" like this is the exact reason that I put all my faith in Him and not in man. Clearly, the will of God is not being carried out by this individual at least not in this circumstance. I will pray for clarity and discernment from the Lord for you and your family. Blessings, Lisa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pdalley Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 Uh I'd run out the door as fast as I can - make sure that I hadn't signed anything and be sure they had no access to my bank account - auto draft or whatever. I've never heard of such a thing. My Pastor said he refused to know what people did or did not give because he did not want to look out at the pews and see dollar signs instead of people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
radiobrain Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 Wrong in so many ways.... if you didn't go there, for years... why in the WORLD do you owe them a thing? What do they say to new members? Hello, thanks for coming but you need to pay us for all the years you didn't come here... please. I hope you didn't sign an actual agreement to this amount of money. Well, good luck. Maybe you need to re-evalute why you left in the first place. Would a city you lived in, then moved away, charge you city income taxes for the years you didn't live there, if you moved back? That is about the same thing. Totally rude. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gaillardia Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 He allowed you time, 48 hours, to pray? Excuse me, but I think this is a free country. A lot of responders are telling you to run. I personally would go to him, with my husband, and tell him what, you know what. How about "we don't feel this is what the Lord would expect of us." Then walk away and don't go back. I think this is called greed, but I might be wrong.:glare: Pray that you will find the right church for your family.:grouphug: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KnitWit Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 I haven't had the nerve to ask others in the church if they too are on a payment plan. I do know that on a Sunday a few weeks back, and I have heard this years ago too, that if you can not afford to tithe 10% at this church, you need to find a church you can tithe 10% at! So all my fellowchuch goers feel the pressure I'm sure. The only thing more SHOCKING than the OP is the statement that I bolded. If this is a church in a denomination that has accountability *outside* of the local church...such as Presbyterian, I would go OVER HIS HEAD and report this! The tithe is *as unto the Lord*. I hope you didn't sign anything and my feet would never walk on that property again. Please believe that there are pastors out there who are there to *serve* rather than *be served*. What a piece of work!! I'm very curious to know what he drives and how big his home is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiberia Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 Agree with everyone else. RUN RUN RUN. Jesus did EVERYTHING for you. That is what your pastor should be teaching you! You can't buy your way to God. He's been there all the time for you, and he doesn't expect payment or back payment for sins or for tithe. This pastor is WAY OFF. You don't HAVE to tithe (but it's a basic principal even in non-Christian financial circles to give at least 10%). We tithe, but not to keep in God's/or a pastor's good graces. We tithe because we want to give and its a fruit of what He's don in us. Jesus did EVERYTHING. Don't get caught up in this legalism and weird money game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheCoffeeChick Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 I just had to reply again, because if this is for real, it makes me so angry! Tithing is NOT necessary -- sorry for those who believe it to be important, but God does not want 10% of anything if it causes hatred in your heart because you HAVE to give. God wants us to give cheerfully. If that means you "cheerfully" give 5%, 2%, or less, then great. If you give "cheerfully" by paying 10%, 20%, or more, then great. What about the widow who gave only 2 mites - which was 100% of what she had. She gave it "cheerfully" ... it was what was in her heart to give. Also, do you think that heaven rejoices after a "lost" sinner is found only after they pay their back thithes!!!! :glare: SHEESH! The nerve of that man. I would NEVER step foot in that building again! UMPH! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom2J112903 Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 I just had to reply again, because if this is for real, it makes me so angry! Tithing is NOT necessary -- sorry for those who believe it to be important, but God does not want 10% of anything if it causes hatred in your heart because you HAVE to give. God wants us to give cheerfully. If that means you "cheerfully" give 5%, 2%, or less, then great. If you give "cheerfully" by paying 10%, 20%, or more, then great. What about the widow who gave only 2 mites - which was 100% of what she had. She gave it "cheerfully" ... it was what was in her heart to give. Also, do you think that heaven rejoices after a "lost" sinner is found only after they pay their back thithes!!!! :glare: SHEESH! The nerve of that man. I would NEVER step foot in that building again! UMPH! :iagree: We have attended Mass and not given anything, because we simply can not. If God wants to punish me for not tithing, than that is not a God I want in my life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarolfromIL Posted July 10, 2010 Author Share Posted July 10, 2010 Well I am almost feeling embarassed from asking the question, as I can clearly see that this is NOT something others have experienced. As for the pastor, we haven't seen his house but the church did look in at one point of establishing a home for the pastor---but that never materialized. I believe now the Pastor receives an allowance for his home in addition to the salary/benefits. Thanks for all your replies and kindness! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest janainaz Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 I'm disgusted. I can't even respond to that. Oh my goodness.... wake up! That's true and pure evil. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Buckin' Longhorn Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 He is attempting to con you. Don't let him. Run away. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anissa Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 :iagree: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 I would find a new church. Furthermore, if the church in question belongs to a governing body-Grace Churches International or some such, I would call the organization and ask them about this practice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovedtodeath Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 (edited) . Edited July 10, 2010 by Lovedtodeath Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TechWife Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 You need to find a new church. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 The only person at your church who should know how much you give is the treasurer, and that's only if you give by check. I don't think a pastor should know how much individual members are giving. I would not return to this church. :iagree:A pastor should shepherd his flock without looking at the people in the pews with dollar signs on their foreheads. I wonder if this practice is even legal for an entity with legal church status? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie in Austin Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 (my dh's husband pastored one, my dad pastored another) That must have been a mighty interesting church . . . ;) (Just kidding. That is exactly the kind of typo I do when I'm on a message board.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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