Giving Philosophy

First of all, financial giving is biblical. As another aspect of worship, we receive the ‘Offering to the Lord’ in the middle of our service. Second Corinthians 9:6-11 tells us to give cheerfully, generously (Proverbs 11:24), and not out of manipulation. It says if you sow (give) bountifully, you will also reap (have returned to you) bountifully! It tells us that God will supply more seed for you to sow and will increase the harvest of your righteousness. We believe our tithe (10%), the first part of our income (Proverbs 3:9-10), are holy unto the Lord, and are to be given to the storehouse (our home church; Mal. 3:10) for advancing and building the Kingdom of God. Even Proverbs, the book of wisdom, written to us to give us the ability to live life with skill, tells us in Proverbs 3:9 to honor the Lord from our wealth, and from the first of all our produce.

“I give 10% (a tithe), but I don't stop there, I give above that too. I always give 10% of my income right off the top…it’s the first check I write…(this is the principle of 10% giving which we see even early in the Old Testament with Abraham). But I also give above that 10% knowing that this can be used in my church directly for missions, feeding/clothing programs, orphanages, Kidz church, salaries, etc.), and I do it joyously. I always make sure I keep my heart open to allow the Holy Spirit to speak to me if there is more I am supposed to do as well. I do it because I love God, because I want my church to be blessed and have the ability to do what God has called it to do, and because the Bible instructs me to be generous. It’s not something that I feel forced to do or that I do because I will be cursed someway if I don’t. I started doing this from the moment I turned my life over to Christ as my Savior. I figured if there was this 10% principle in God’s Word, and that we are told through the Holy Spirit that we reap what we sow, I was going to make sure that I gave back to my God who did so much for me. My giving is from a heart that is giving to God through my local church where I am a committed member. I give to build His kingdom through my church. And in return, God promises to supply for my needs, and cause my ‘barns to be filled with plenty’ (Proverbs 3:9-10). I do all this without compulsion and manipulation, but because I love God! And lastly let me say, that because I have been obedient to give financially from the resources He has blessed me with, all of my needs have always been taken care of. But not only has He met my daily needs, my Heavenly Father has always been there to bless me over and above those needs. This is just a fact for which I am overwhelmingly grateful.”   Pastor Brad Tuttle                                                                               

When we are faithful and obedient to give as the Bible instructs we will be blessed, and at the same time will build the Kingdom of God, and also enable THCI to financially be able to do all God has called us to do in the surrounding communities and around the world.
 
Why Give 10% or More of Your Income to the Lord's Work
Christians of all income levels have experienced spiritual joy, supernatural grace and divine help through the practice of making a specific commitment to GIVE 10% OR MORE of their resources to the Lord's work.

This list of 10 reasons to give 10% or more to the Lord's work was written to encourage laity and clergy that this subject can be biblically and practically taught and caught! When believers are taught to make it a priority to give to God first, it will ultimately bring greater financial freedom and blessing into their personal lives and to the ministries they support.

1. It is a tried and proven pattern of giving by godly people throughout the ages (regardless of cultures and income levels). Genesis 14:17-20, 28:16-22; Leviticus 27:30; Proverbs 3:9, 10; Malachi 3:7-15; Matthew 23:23

2. It will help you revere God more in your life. Deuteronomy 14:23

3. It will bring God's wisdom and order to your finances and will help you harness the dragon of materialism. Matthew 6:19-21, 24-34; Luke 12:16-21; 1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19; Ecclesiastes 5:10

4. It will serve as a practical reminder that God is the Owner of everything you have.
1 Chronicles 29:11-18; Psalm 24; 1,2; Psalm 59:10-12; Haggai 2:8

5. It will allow you to experience God's creative care and provisions in ways you would not otherwise experience. 1 Kings 17; Proverbs 3:9,10; Malachi 3:7-15; Haggai 1:4-11, 2:15-10; Luke 6:38; Deuteronomy 14:23; Proverbs 3:5,6; Malachi 3:8-10; Haggai 1:4-11, 2:15-19; 2 Corinthians 8:5

6. It will encourage your spiritual growth and trust in God. Deuteronomy 14:23; Proverbs 3:5,6; Malachi 3:8-10; Haggai 1:4-11, 2:15-19; 2 Corinthians 8:5

7. It will ensure you of treasure in heaven. 1 Timothy 6:18, 19; Matthew 6:19-21; Hebrews 6:10; 3 John 8; 1 Samuel 30:22

8. It will strengthen the ministry, outreach, and stability of your local church. Acts 2:42-27, 4:32; 2 Corinthians 9:12,13

9. It will help provide the means to keep your pastor and missionaries in full-time Christian service. 1 Corinthians 9:9-11,14; 1 Timothy 5:17,18; 3 John 5-8; Philippians 4:15-19; Galatians 6:6; Luke 8:3; 2 Kings 4:8-10

10. It will help accomplish needed building projects and renovations. 2 Chronicles 24:4-14; Exodus 35, 36; 2 Kings 12:2-16; 1 Chronicles 29:2-10; Ezekiel 1:4-6