Many people have questions about what it means to tithe. The word doesn’t come up much in everyday life, and is typically something you only hear in a church service. The dictionary defines the word “tithe” as “a tenth part of something paid as a voluntary contribution or as a tax especially for the support of a religious establishment.” It was a common practice in Old Testament times, and was required of members of the nation of Israel back then.

A New Testament teaching on giving which may be helpful to you is found in 1 Corinthians 16:2: “On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income.” This passage brings out four points: we should give individually, regularly, methodically, and proportionately.

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 says: “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

However you decide to give, it is important for you to understand what happens to this money after it is collected. Tithes and offerings received by Hope are used to pay for all of the church’s operating expenses. These gifts are also used to accomplish missions work, both foreign and local. Or for helping feed the hungry. Or when the church has an event (such as Trunk or Treat) that benefits the entire surrounding community. Also, Hope Church gives back to our denomination (Foursquare Churches) a portion as well to help support the denomination’s work that is spread world wide.

We are grateful to you if you make Hope Church your home. And we are grateful for your giving to the mission and ministries of Hope. Life with Jesus is our mission statement, and it simply means that everything we do is unto Jesus and how we interact is lovingly through Him. Thank you for partnering with us to do just that in Snohomish county!