Can Tithing Be Required by the Church?

The topic of tithing giving ten percent of one’s income to the church has long stirred debate among Christians. It’s a familiar practice for many, especially those raised in congregations where it was seen as not just expected, but commanded. But what happens when a church makes tithing a requirement, especially for its leaders or staff? Can tithing be forced? More importantly, does Scripture support that kind of enforcement?

Let’s walk through what the Bible says and what it doesn’t.

Old Testament Roots, New Testament Realities

The practice of tithing originates in the Old Testament. In passages like Numbers 18:21, God instructs the people of Israel to give a tenth of their income, particularly agricultural produce, to support the Levitical priesthood. This tithe sustained those who served in the temple and had no inheritance of land among the tribes.

But that system was part of the larger Old Covenant a theocratic, ceremonial framework centered on the temple, sacrifices, and ritual laws. With the coming of Christ, the New Testament redefines how God’s people approach giving, worship, and leadership.

As Paul teaches in Romans 7:4, 6, believers “have died to the law through the body of Christ... so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code.” That includes ceremonial requirements like tithing.

What the New Testament Actually Commands

In stark contrast to Old Testament tithing laws, the New Testament emphasizes voluntary, Spirit-led generosity. The key passage is 2 Corinthians 9:7:

“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

That’s the heartbeat of New Testament giving not duty or coercion, but cheerful generosity born of gratitude.

Nowhere in the New Testament do we find the apostles instructing churches to tithe in the Old Testament sense. There are no directives that leaders, elders, or staff must give a set percentage of their income. Instead, the emphasis is on freedom, joy, and proportionality giving in response to God’s lavish grace.

Even Jesus, in Matthew 23:23, references tithing to rebuke the Pharisees, but He’s addressing those still under the Old Covenant. His commendation of their tithing comes before His crucifixion and resurrection the moment when the ceremonial law is fulfilled and transformed. Just as Jesus tells lepers to present themselves to the priest (Matthew 8:4), His instructions in that context apply to a pre-cross reality.

Why Forced Tithing Misses the Mark

When a church requires tithing as a condition of leadership or employment, it risks distorting the gospel’s message. Instead of cultivating hearts that give freely out of love for Christ and His mission, forced tithing risks producing resentment or legalism. Worse, it can confuse members into thinking that God’s favor is something that can be bought or earned.

Paul was clear “We are released from the law... so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit” (Romans 7:6). Our giving should reflect that freedom not obligation.

This doesn’t mean that giving isn’t important. On the contrary, generous giving is essential for the church’s ministry, outreach, and care for the poor. But it must be taught as a joy and a privilege, not imposed as a rule.

Cheerful Giving, Not Compelled Contribution

The Bible sets a high bar for Christian generosity but it also makes clear that this giving should come from the heart, not a checklist. As 2 Corinthians 8 and 9 emphasize, we give because Christ gave first. We give sacrificially, not out of fear or guilt, but out of faith in God's provision and commitment to His kingdom.

In that sense, a “tithe” might still be a helpful starting point for many believers a spiritual discipline that trains the heart to trust. But it should never become a test of worthiness or a condition of ministry. The New Testament model is one of freedom: free from compulsion, free to be generous, free to trust God fully.

A Better Way for Church Leaders

Instead of mandating a tithe, churches should teach biblical generosity clearly and compellingly. Leaders should be examples of faithfulness in all areas including financial stewardship but not through enforced percentages. Healthy churches foster environments where giving is a joyful response to God’s grace, not a requirement for belonging.

At its core, this is not about accounting it’s about theology. When giving is compelled, it loses its spiritual power. But when it flows from love for Christ and His gospel, it becomes a beautiful act of worship.

If your church is navigating this tension, consider opening up honest conversations rooted in Scripture. Challenge one another not to give less, but to give differently with open hands, joyful hearts, and eyes fixed on the cross.

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