The History of Tithing in the Church- Battle 1

Denominational churches operate without collecting tithes.

Indeed, denominational churches do not collect tithes. So, who created it? To fully understand this fact, we must study the history of the origin of churches in Africa. We must then thoroughly explore the history of tithing in the church and uncover its origins. They have flourished in various communities throughout Africa for decades, if not centuries.

We need to investigate the reasons for their success preceding the emergence of the Pentecostal Church and demonstrate that churches can operate and flourish without relying on tithes.

The History of Tithing in the Church and Who Is Benefiting.

Christianity first arrived in West Africa with the Portuguese during the 15th century. By 1652, the Dutch Reformed Church began to spread to Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, and southern Africa.

Even so, these churches did not introduce the concept of tithing until the influx of Pentecostals many years later. They created it. As we can see from the History of Tithing in the Church, who are the later arrivals, if not the Pentecostals?

However, it was after the London Missionary Society sent David Livingstone to Southern Africa in 1840 that the continent of Africa caught the “missionary fever.”

Conversely, the desire to convert Africans to Christianity and promote literacy intensified. The primary motivation was the Europeans’ ambition to colonise Africa. An additional aim was to Christianise the continent and enhance literacy.

However, this particular post will refrain from detailing the benefits and drawbacks of Christianisation in Africa to focus on the Church’s activities regarding funding. These activities were examined through the lens of the History of Tithing in the Church and who first introduced it to their followers.

Undoubtedly, the missionaries established and managed churches through the collective efforts of their members. Much like the early Church (Acts 4:32), tithing was unknown to them. They were focused on the collective benefit, unlike Pentecostal churches, which tend to operate as private businesses for their pastors.

How denominational churches do not tithe.

For example, my village’s Anglican Church does not finance its activities through tithes. Instead, it relies on stewardship and donations from Sunday service offerings to support its programmes. “All the believers were on the same page when they carried out that action,” the Bible says.

As we know, denominational churches do not collect tithes. Who introduced them? Save the Pentecostals!

Once more, the scripture says, “Nobody claimed ownership of their goods; they all shared what they had.” Why do Pentecostals observe Jewish tithes if not for the sake of business?

Furthermore, “No one was in need since God’s grace worked so effectively in each of them. People with land or homes usually sold them, brought the proceeds, and laid them at the apostles’ feet. So that anybody in need could receive their share” (Acts 4:32–35).

Since the arrival of denominational churches in Africa, why didn’t they introduce the concept of tithing before the arrival of Pentecostals?

Is it possible that the worshippers overlooked Malachi 3:6-15 in the Bible? Why did they not adopt tithing, or could it be that they do not have financial needs?

However, to grasp the introduction of the concept of tithing, we must recognise its evolution in Africa. First, under the leadership of Liberian preacher William Wade Harris, Pentecostalism spread:

In Southern Africa in 1908.

 Plus tard, en 1914, via la Côte d’Ivoire.

Ghana.

In the following decades, Pentecostal denominations expanded:

In South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria.

Tithing in Christianity is not considered an ordinance from Christ.

Furthermore, it is not merely an oversight that Christ did not address tithes. After all, He is omniscient. Indeed, tithing is a phenomenon associated with Pentecostalism as we currently understand it; therefore, it functions as a deceptive tool of Pentecostalism.

Not even in the almsgiving, Matthew 23:23 and Luke 4:42, did He mention anything about things. Does Jesus ask us to tithe 10% of our income to the Church? Neither the apostles nor Christ ever requested tithes for the early Church. What a scam!

Malachi 3:6-15 represents a Jewish practice—a typical tradition of contributing to the support of Levites, the temple workers. It remains a cherished Mosaic law for the Judaizers to this day.

What are the outcomes of paying tithes to Pentecostal pastors?

The main consequence of church tithing is the influx of charlatans into the Lord’s vineyard. Moreover, many impostors utilise demons to prophesy to the children of the Almighty.

These charlatans have no interest in serving the Holy Ghost and attaining heaven. In contrast, they merely seek to profit by demanding tithes from churchgoers. Consequently, coercion of members must cease, and no church member should allow themselves to be coerced. 

We have examined the history of tithing in the Church and the individuals behind it. Anything not from God is against Him. Is it not a deliberate wickedness to defraud those who trust in your teachings? They consistently exploit the emotions of the congregation, leading them to succumb to duplicity. What a sin.