What Is Tithing and Why Does It Matter?

This article is designed to help you understand how living generously can make a real difference in your life, our beautiful community, and in the world. At Pathway Church, we know that giving can raise a lot of questions, and we’re here to help answer them! From why giving matters to how to start, we’ve put together some helpful thoughts to guide you. This isn’t just about money, it’s about using everything God has entrusted to us to make an impact and share the light of Jesus. We’re excited to walk alongside you as you take your next step in growing through generosity.

What is Stewardship and Why Does it Matter?

At Pathway Church, we believe in living generous lives by honoring God with our first and finest. Stewardship isn’t just about money, it’s about using everything God has entrusted to us, like our time, talents, and resources, to make a difference in the world.

The Bible teaches that we were created to live in shalom, meaning “peace” or “wholeness.” This happens when everything is as God intended, no brokenness, no missing pieces. When we give, serve, or share, we are joining in God’s work to restore that peace and wholeness in the world.

What is Tithing and “Your First and Finest”?

Tithing is giving 10% or more of your income back to God. In the Bible, people gave the first part of their crops, animals, or income to honor God and support His work. Tithing is a way to honor God and say, “You’re first in my life.” It’s learning to trust Him with what He’s given us.

At Pathway, we embrace the idea of giving our “first and finest” to God, rooted in these five Biblical principles:

1. God is first. (Colossians 1:15-17; Matthew 6:33)

2. God loves and gives first. (Romans 5:8; John 3:16)

3. Money reveals who has control of our heart. (Luke 16:10-14)

4. We respond to the Gospel by giving our “first and finest”. (Genesis 4:1-4)

5. Giving leads to freedom and abundant life. (Malachi 3:6-12; John 10:10)

This theology reminds us that God is the owner of all we have. By giving Him our best, we express gratitude for His blessings and deepen our trust in Him.

Do People Still Tithe Today?

Yes! While tithing originates in the Old Testament, Jesus calls us in the New Testament to a life of generosity that goes beyond a percentage. For many, tithing serves as a starting point—a way to grow in trusting God and putting Him first.

Does God Really Care About Money?

Yes, but not in the way you might think. God doesn’t “need” your money—He’s God! But how we handle money says a lot about what’s important to us. The Bible talks about money over 2,300 times because it’s connected to our hearts.

Jesus even said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). When we give, it shows that God, not money, is in control of our lives.

Why Do We Give at Church?

When we give at church, we’re supporting God’s work. At Pathway, your gifts help us share God’s love right here in our own community and around the world.

Here are just a few things your giving supports:

Helping people in need
Supporting local and global missions
Providing programs for kids, students, and families
Keeping our church running so we can serve more people
Supporting our leadership as we share Jesus’s Word

What Does the Bible Say About Being Generous?

The Bible teaches us that generosity isn’t just about money—it’s a way of life. Here are a few things the Bible says about giving and stewardship:

Plan Ahead: “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance.” (Proverbs 21:5)
Give First: “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops.” (Proverbs 3:9)
Avoid Debt: “The borrower is slave to the lender.” (Proverbs 22:7)
Be Faithful: “It is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2)

What Is My Next Step?

Growing in generosity is a vital part of following Jesus. We encourage you to ask this simple but challenging question: What is the next step God is leading me to take in my giving? As you consider your next step to the “generous life,” we encourage you to:

• Lean In: Put God first by sitting down with your Bible, praying, and reviewing your life to see where you need to trust Him more. (Proverbs 3:5-12)

• Listen: Prayerfully seek God’s guidance for your giving using both reason and revelation. (Matthew 7:7-8)

• Be Specific: Determine specifically how your resources can be used by God to further His kingdom. (2 Corinthians 9:7; Matthew 25:19-21)

• Be Faithful: Take your next step with God by faith and let Him show you His faithfulness as you walk with Him. (Malachi 3:6-12)

At Pathway Church, here’s how you can take steps toward living a generous life:

1) Start with a first-time gift: Take the opportunity to give for the first time. You can give online or at church on Sundays.
2) Make giving a regular habit: You may have given to Pathway and want to commit to giving consistently, no matter the amount. Setting up recurring giving can simplify this step and ensure generosity becomes a regular part of your faith journey.
3) Give your “first and finest”: You may be giving consistently to Pathway, and you are ready to increase your percentage to represent the first and finest of what God has blessed you with.
4) Go beyond with strategic giving: Choose to live off less so you can give more and make a more significant impact in the lives of others. You can also explore planned giving options, such as estate planning, stocks, or tax-advantaged charitable distributions.

No matter where you start, every step of generosity helps you grow in faith and trust in God.

How Can I Give to the Church?

We’ve made giving easy at Pathway. Here’s how you can do it:

• At Church: Drop your gift in the giving boxes or buckets during services.

• Online: Set up one-time or recurring givingthrough our website or church app. Visit pathwayvb.com/give

• Non-Cash Gifts: You can give things like stocks, property, or retirement assets.

• Planned Giving: Consider making Pathway part of your will or estate plan.

Our team is here to help. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you give for the first time, set up recurring giving, give non-cash gifts, or set up planned giving.

Email us at hello@pathwayvb.com or call the office at 772-562-2256.

Should I Give from My Gross or Net Income?

This is a question people often ask. Gross income is what you make before taxes. Net income is what’s left after taxes. At Pathway, we encourage people to pray about it and give from the amount they feel led to. It’s less about the math and more about the heart.

Can I Give to People Instead of the Church?

Helping others is great, but we encourage “Gospel giving,” which means first giving to your local church. The church is God’s plan for sharing His love with the world. After that, feel free to bless others, too!

A Note from Pastor Brian

We know giving and stewardship can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s new to you. But here’s the good news: God doesn’t ask for perfection, just faithfulness.

We hope this booklet has been helpful and that you hear the heart of Jesus and Pathway through this material. This is not about what we want from you, but what we want for YOU. We want you to experience joyful generosity and the blessings that comes with it.

No matter where you are in your giving, we encourage you to start today and take one step at a time. Trust God, and watch how He blesses your life and uses your generosity to bless others.

We’re here to walk with you on this journey. Let’s be a church family that lives generously and makes a difference together!

Enjoy the journey!

Pastor Brian Bennett