Tithing @ Refuge

Financial giving at Refuge falls into two categories: tithes and offerings. The Bible teaches that we are to worship the Lord with tithes: ten percent of our income, contributed regularly to the church. Giving more than ten percent is an offering.

The ministry of Refuge Church is funded by God’s provision through the tithes and offerings of faithful Refuge members and attenders. We honor God’s provision by exercising wise and faithful stewardship, ethical business practices, and full accountability so that the financial integrity of Refuge remains beyond reproach.

Our mission is facilitated through a system of internal controls over financial reporting and our internal budgeting and reporting processes.

Why do we tithe?

The Bible says, The purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your lives. (Deuteronomy 14:23 TLB) Tithing is a reminder that God is the supplier of everything we have. It is also God’s personal invitation to an outpouring of his blessing in your life.

In Malachi 3:10 (NLT), God says this:

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”

This is the only place in Scripture where God tells us to put him to the test. In other words, he’s saying,

“Go ahead. I dare you. See if you can out-give me!”

We must decide whether we trust in God or trust in our money. We demonstrate where our faith is by how we handle our money. If you’re not sure about this, I would encourage you to take a personal tithe challenge over the next 3 months. During that time, commit to tithing 10% of your gross income regularly. Additionally, pray that God would reveal Himself to you in new and fresh ways as you do this.