Man of Depravity - Tyler Braun's posts on Church Ministry, Worship, Seminary, and Theology.

Charitable Giving

2009 January 21

by Tyler

Each month Rose and I give somewhere around 10% to our church. I say around there because I am not too tightly tied to the idea that Christians have to give 10% (a tithe) to their local church. I’m not saying that 10% isn’t important, but I don’t see strong enough Biblical support of it to be legalistic about it.

Right now we aren’t in a place in life where we have a lot of extra time or paid vacation to travel and help various ministries since we are both in school and working. So the main way we can give to causes and ministries is financially (although I long for the day when we are able to give more than just prayer and money).

We currently support a girl named Monica in Uganda through World Vision but would like to look at other viable ministries, organizations, or causes deserving of financial support.

If you had money to consistently give to any organization, which one would you choose?

Filed under: the rest...

http://ash-nits.blogspot.com ash

honestly, i give when i can to the unhcr. yes, they’re huge and more of a secular org. but it’s amazing to see the work that they do and how much they accomplish w/ so little. of course i keep up w/ their activities and the news through their site and i really just have a heart for refugee people. world relief is another.
http://ash-nits.blogspot.com ash

…of course, sooner rather than later, i’d like to take myself to places around the world and give that way, but i know what you mean about time and resources….for now.
Amy E

Over the years, Dave and I have given to many charities outside of the church in varying degrees depending on our financial status. Our first criteria is that they are a Christian organization because ultimately people need Jesus. Second, we need to know that the funds are being used responsibly, that admin/overhead costs are kept to a minimum. We are currently supporters of The House of Ruth, a maternity home in Hillsboro. (As a disclaimer, I am on the Board). However, we were supporters before I was serving on their Board. Reasons I like it. It’s local. Makes a difference in my community. Serves the unborn in tangible ways that few can argue with. Works to break the generational cycles of abuse that 100% of the girls that come through our doors have experienced. Teaches them practical life skills so that they will raise their children (if they choose parenting over adoption) differently than they were raised. Provides a gateway of hope for them to change the direction of their lives. It is amazing to see God at work in their lives. Anyone can call to take a tour of the house. I’m done now with my shameless plug.
http://manofdepravity.com Tyler

ash- what is unhcr? I figure it something of the United Nations but I’m not sure.

Amy- Shameless plug totally cool with me. Obviously it is something you are passionate about.
http://mrspeeples.blogspot.com Carrie peeples

We do the 10% thing each month too with a majority of it to the church but we figure we can spread the love We give to: Orphans Overseas, Peacemaker Ministries, a World Vision boy, Sunset, and we support a friend of mine who is working for YD Adventures. I always have more ideas of places and people I want to give to but we can’t afford to do more.
http://melindalgroth.blogspot.com/ Melinda Groth

* Habitat For Humanity (both Willamette West and International)
* Medical Teams International
(May I recommend reading Ron Post’s book on why he started this?)
* Orphans Overseas/Shaohannah’s Hope (similar organizations)
* Helping Hand
* International Justice Mission
http://ash-nits.blogspot.com ash

Tyler, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. The provide relief for displaced peoples.
http://gr8-g8.blogspot.com eric lopez

-Living water international- I’m huge on water
-freedom house- huge on breakthroughs
-transitional youth
-church you attend regularly
you dont see enough biblical support to give? alot of the bible is about giving. also, alot of the bible lacks logic. (1 cor. 1:18-30 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20cor%201:18-30&version=31) and the verses about give your first and your barn will overflow.

there is a ton of support man. but it comes down to try it and see for yourself, and learn the hard way.
http://manofdepravity.com Tyler

Eric-

Giving is huge. I’m simply saying we need to be careful about being legalistic about how much we need to give. I’d say 10% should be a bare minimum. And I also don’t think all 10% needs to go to a local church. But with that said, I think the local church is the main instrument God wants to use.
http://gr8-g8.blogspot.com eric lopez

prov. 3:9-10
http://ash-nits.blogspot.com ash

Eric
Jesus never spoke about tithe. The 10 percent is an
old testament idea and when jesus said he came to fulfill the law he meant complete it. What jesus did say was to give everything. And everything can bee distributed however God lays it on our heart to do so
http://www.aworshipfulheart.typepad.com janowen

I’ve sponsored children through Compassion for almost 25 years now and I love that.

I’d love to be able to give generously to “Heart of the Artist” ministries as they do free training for indigenous worship leaders. The same is true for “Heart Sounds International”, which develops worship songwriters in native languages and records it! So cool! This is one reason I started the GiveWorship Project – because I desire to see God worshipped worldwide and I have so much that can be shared with those who have so little.

I’d also love to give to the leadership development arm of Compassion.

And so many more – orphanages in Guatemala to rescue projects for those in sexual slavery to Bibles for China……

And I would love to GO more – I’m starting, but having a burning desire to go more.