God tells us through the words of the Apostle Paul in the Bible that no one should feel pressured about giving:
"You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. 'For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” ~ 2 Corinthians 9:7
The Bible describes two primary ways Believers are encouraged to consider giving: “tithes” and “offerings.”
In the Bible offerings are gifts given above and beyond one’s tithe for a variety of reasons: thanksgiving for an especially bountiful harvest or the birth of a child, responding to the emergency need of others, etc.
“Tithe” comes from the Old Testament and literally means “one tenth.” This was resources given to the Temple storehouse to provide a living for priests and care for widows and orphans. The Temple was the community where worship and spiritual leadership were centered, and care for the needy was done. This would be the modern equivalent of our local Christian congregation: St. Bart’s. Biblically, tithes are the first giving obligation for a Believer. Pause! “What if I’m not a position to give one tenth right now?” Please be at Peace. How much you give is between you and your Father in Heaven.
Any giving you do is an expression of your trust in God to care for you, and helps St. Bart’s fulfill our Mission of helping everyone Become The People God Created Us To Be. And trusting God helps you become who God created you to be.