Denominational churches function without collecting tithes.
Indeed, denominational churches do not collect tithes. Then, who created it? To fully comprehend this fact, we must study the history of the origin of churches in Africa. Then, we must thoroughly explore the History of Tithing in the Church and unveil its origin. They have grown in various communities in every part of Africa for decades if not centuries.
We need to explore the reasons for their success before the advent of the Pentecostal Church and prove that Churches can function and thrive without collecting tithes.
The History of Tithing in the Church and Who is Profiting.
Christianity first arrived with the Portuguese in West Africa in the 15th century. As of 1652, the Dutch Reformed Church started spreading to Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, and southern Africa.
Even then, these churches did not introduce the concept of tithing until the inflow of Pentecostals. Indeed, 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 urge to convert Africans to Christianity and spread literacy grew.
First was the Europeans’ desire to colonise Africa. Another goal was to Christianize the continent and promote literacy.
However, the post will refrain from detailing the benefits and drawbacks of Christianization in Africa to focus on the Church’s activities regarding funding. They were seen from the History of Tithing in the Church and who first brought it to their adorers.
Undoubtedly, the missionaries established and ran churches with the members’ collective efforts. Much like the early Church (Acts 4:32), the tithing was unknown to them.
How denominational Churches don’t tithe.
For example, my village Anglican Church doesn’t fund its activities with tithes. It uses stewardship and Sunday service donations to support its programs. “All the believers were on the same page when they carried out that action,” the Bible says.
As we are aware, denominational churches do not collect tithes. Who introduced them? Save Pentecostals!
Again, the scripture says, “Nobody claimed ownership of their goods; they all shared what they had.” Why do Judaism tithes by Pentecostals if not for business’s sake?
Further, “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. In contrast, why didn’t they introduce the concept of tithing before the arrival of Pentecostals?
Is it possible the worshippers did not see Malachi 3:6–15? Why didn’t they adopt tithing, or is it possible they do not have financial needs?
However, to understand the introduction of the concept of tithing, we need to understand its evolution in Africa. First, under the leadership of Liberian preacher William Wade Harris, Pentecostalism spread:
To Southern Africa in 1908.
Later, in 1914, via Côte d’Ivoire.
And Ghana.
Later, in the subsequent decades, Pentecostal denominations expanded:
In South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria.
Tithing in Christianity is not an ordinance from Christ.
Moreover, it is not an oversight that Christ talked about tithes. He is omniscient. Indeed, tithing is a Pentecostal phenomenon as we currently understand it.
Not even in the almsgiving Matthew 23:23 and Luke 4:42 did He say anything about things. Does Jesus ask us to tithe 10% of income to the Church? Neither the apostles nor Christ ever requested tithes for the early Church.
Moreover, Christ has not discussed levies for the past two thousand years.
Malachi 3:6–15 is a Jewish practice—a typical tradition of contributing to feeding Levites, the temple workers.
What are the results of paying tithes to the Pentecostal pastors?
The main consequence of church tithing is the influx of charlatans into the Lord’s vineyard. And many fakes use demons to prophesy to the children of the Almighty.
These charlatans have no interest in serving the Holy Ghost and making heaven.
In contrast, they only aim to make money by demanding tithes from churchgoers.
Therefore, coercing members has to stop. We have seen the History of Tithing in the Church and who is behind it. Whatever is not from God is against Him. Isn’t a shared wickedness defrauding people who trust in your teaching? They constantly play on their emotions, making the congregation fall prey to duplicity.
