Too many churches by default expect you to tithe or support them with no questions asked. You may not have a choice of churches in your area too. So what that you won't be selected as an elder because you haven't met the religious criteria of tithing fully. Culture religious people are out of touch with the teachings of Christ.
The problem is that there is a great religious system out there with controlling individuals on every corner with a great disrespect of Jesus's teachings on love and compassion that does not come through. We need to support our pastors and encourage them, fund them with our tithes and offerings but let's make sure they are not turning into Jim and Tammy Baker or like a past president of a charity like United Way making hundreds of thousands of dollars. The new Testament church were people shared and looked out for each other and no one was in need that's where the real tithing is effective. Nowdays you will be lucky to borrow five bucks from anyone at church. Much like what the apostle Paul wrote about in 2 Corinthians in regards to love. We are poor messengers and followers. It would seem sometimes like if a person is saved there is no need to be loving anymore only to the lost and only befriend them. How tragic. Let's be examples of Christ's love to all at all times. You may also be a regular listener to radio or podcast ministries. I believe you should give a portion of your tithe or offering to those radio ministries or Christian causes that educate you in the Lord and support the Lord's work.
In addition to your portion of a tithe or offering you can make it a habit to purchase a cd or book from them for your library. Educate yourself in the Lord from the great teachers that are out there: Chuck Smith, David Hocking, Jesus Film just to name a few...
also Smaritanspurse.org Samaritan's Purse Remember you are investing in treasure: the Word of God, there is nothing like it. In the end you are supporting Lord's commission to spread the Gospel throughout the earth. It's all going to the same thing the Lord's Great Commission: Spread the Gospel! There is no perfect church out there and no perfect believer either, we need to recognize our human frailties even as believers. That means that we are not to be a loud cymbal without love. Self righteousness has turned many away from ever getting to know the Lord, it's all by His grace that we are saved and that we are anything in the Lord.
Remember:
2Co 9:7
So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
