90DayChallenge
Online Giving | Giving Options & FAQs
The Meaning Of Tithe
As Christ followers, we are called to live our lives as a reflection of Jesus. There are many ways to follow in Jesus' footsteps. To begin with, we can obey what God asks of us (John 15:10) and love others as he loves us (John 13:35). We can make disciples of others (Matthew 28:19) and give ourselves in service to others (Ephesians 5:2). Giving is at the core of becoming a Christ follower, whether we are giving our time, our energy, or our resources. Jesus gave his life and by His example we should give as well.
You may have heard the word "tithe" and its use in connection with giving. Tithing literally means "tenth." In the Old Testament, the tithe referred to God's people giving the first 10% of their gross income (also called "first fruits") to fund the Levite priests' ministry (Numbers 18:21-29). In addition to that, other tithes and offerings were required of God's people.
In the New Testament, financial giving among God's people focuses on grace, generosity and the heart. Perhaps the most thorough teaching in all the New Testament on giving is found in 2 Corinthians, chapters 8-9. Here we discover the following principles regarding giving:
- Giving is both a joy and an honor.
- Giving is a heart issue, there is no standard.
- Giving should be a priority and come first.
- Giving should be done regularly, cheerfully and sacrificially.
- Giving is tied to your proportion of faith.
How Tithing Applies To A Christ Follower
According to the Bible, our grace giving is to exceed Old Testament requirements of the law. Therefore, 10% should be a floor, not a ceiling. It is a place to begin, not a place to end. Since God is ultimately the owner of all our wealth, the question should never be how much should I give to God, but rather how much of God's money should I keep.
Our Partnership Challenge
It might seem that taking the step to commit to giving 10% of your income seems impossible. We believe that God is faithful and giving. Because of our belief in what God will do, we want to partner with you in this faith step. As you take the step of faith and commit to tithe, we believe God will honor your commitment. In many cases God will provide increase in unexplainable ways. We firmly believe that your commitment will bless your life in ways you cannot imagine.
However, if after 90 days you have a change of heart regarding your commitment to give 10%, we will return all the contributions you have given under the challenge. Our desire is for you to follow where God is leading you. Please pray for God's direction in this decision. Then, if you would like to take this step of faith and accept this challenge, please read the terms listed below.
90-Day Generosity Challenge Terms
1. I understand the form below must be completed and received by the Stonecreek Church Finance Team prior to the beginning of the 90-Day Generosity Challenge period (as determined by you).
2. I understand that my household qualifies for participation in the challenge because we have not been tithing for the last six months (date prior to challenge).
3. I understand that I cannot seek a return of my contributions prior to the end of the 90-Day Generosity Challenge period, and that I cannot seek a return for any contributions made prior to the beginning of the 90-Day Generosity Challenge period.
4. I understand that any request for a contributions return must be received by the Finance Team within 30 days of the end of the 90-Day Generosity Challenge period.
5. I understand that all gifts, whether by check or cash, must be marked "90-Day Generosity Challenge" on the check and offering envelope. In addition, any cash gifts must include your name and address on a Stonecreek offering envelope to receive proper credit.
6. I would like to test God's faithfulness by accepting the 90-Day Generosity Challenge. I agree that for the 90-Days I state below, my household will contribute to God, through Stonecreek Church, a tithe equal to 10% of our gross income during the 90-Day period. If, at the end of the three-month period, I am not convinced of God's faithfulness in blessing my life as a result of my obedience to His Word, I will be entitled to request a full return of the amount of contributions made during the period I specified.
If you agree with the above terms, please fill out the registration form. If you have any questions, please contact Ryan Martin, Director of Operations (, 770-754-7900 x113).
