The concept of the tithe has been part of faith practice for thousands of years. Traditionally understood as giving ten percent of one’s income back to God, the tithe was a way for believers to honor God, sustain the work of ministry, and support the needs of the community. While its origins are deeply rooted in the Old Testament, the tithe continues to spark discussion today, especially as churches navigate how to strengthen fundraising in a digital age.

What is the Tithe?

In the Bible, the tithe was first mentioned in Genesis when Abraham gave a tenth of his spoils to Melchizedek. Later, in Leviticus and Deuteronomy, the tithe was formalized as part of Israel’s covenant with God, serving as a means to support priests, temple work, and the poor (Christianity.com).

For many Christians today, tithing is not only about duty but also about faith and gratitude. It symbolizes placing God first in one’s finances. At the same time, churches rely on tithes to sustain operations, fund outreach programs, and expand ministries.

The Tithe and Modern Church Fundraising

While the principle of giving ten percent remains, modern fundraising goes beyond simply asking for tithes during Sunday services. Churches now face new realities. Attendance patterns are shifting, younger generations approach giving differently, and fewer people carry cash to place in offering baskets. Studies from Pew Research show that traditional giving is declining in some congregations, creating pressure for leaders to adapt.

Fundraising today must blend biblical faithfulness with practical strategy. The tithe remains a foundation, but digital platforms and new approaches make it easier to sustain long-term generosity. This is where solutions like Giveable play a crucial role.

Why Fundraising Needs More Than Just the Tithe

Churches cannot rely solely on traditional tithes if they want to grow. Fundraising is about building relationships, communicating impact, and providing people with ways to give that fit their lifestyle. For example:

• Transparency builds trust. When members see reports showing how their tithe funds youth programs, food pantries, or missions, they feel more connected to the cause. Research from Barna shows that younger donors especially value clarity about where their money goes.
• Multiple options inspire participation. Some may give through recurring digital payments, while others prefer one-time gifts. Offering choice increases engagement.
• Vision attracts generosity. A tithe is biblical, but when church leaders also share a bigger vision—like planting new churches or launching global outreach—members are more inspired to give above and beyond.

How Giveable Strengthens the Tithe and Fundraising

Giveable is a digital giving platform designed specifically for churches and ministries. It helps transform the way congregations manage tithes and expand their fundraising potential. Here are some benefits:

1. Seamless Digital Giving
   Members can give from anywhere through mobile, online, or text-to-give options. This removes barriers, especially for those who no longer carry cash.
2. Recurring Contributions
   Tithes and offerings can be scheduled, which creates consistent support for the church. This helps leaders plan better and avoid seasonal dips in giving.
3. Detailed Reporting
   Giveable provides insights that allow churches to track donations, analyze trends, and show members how their generosity impacts real ministry needs. Transparency strengthens trust.
4. Engagement Beyond the Offering Plate
   Fundraising campaigns can be customized. Whether it is for building projects, missions, or community relief, Giveable makes it easy to highlight causes alongside the regular tithe.
5. Generational Connection
   Millennials and Gen Z are used to digital transactions. Giveable bridges that gap, ensuring that younger members can participate in giving with tools that feel natural to them.

By combining biblical tithing with modern digital tools, churches can move from struggling to sustaining, and even thriving, in their fundraising efforts.

Examples of Tithing in Modern Fundraising

• Local Outreach: A church in Manila used Giveable to create a campaign for feeding programs. Tithes covered basic church expenses, while digital fundraising supported weekly food distribution.
• Youth Ministry Growth: A congregation in the U.S. set up recurring tithes through Giveable, which allowed them to budget confidently and hire a full-time youth pastor.
• Global Missions: Instead of relying only on Sunday giving, members supported missionaries abroad through targeted digital campaigns, without neglecting their tithe.

These examples show that the tithe is still relevant, but modern fundraising multiplies its impact.

Moving Forward with the Tithe

The tithe remains a biblical principle that grounds Christians in generosity. Yet in today’s world, effective church fundraising goes further by embracing transparency, vision, and technology. Platforms like Giveable allow churches to honor tradition while reaching new levels of sustainability and impact.

If your church wants to strengthen both tithing and fundraising, it is time to look at how digital tools can help. Giveable makes it simple, effective, and meaningful.

Take the next step. Explore how Giveable can empower your church fundraising today.