Recent research by Barna reveals a surprising shift in how Christian leaders view tithing. According to the report titled “Revisiting the Tithe & Offering” (part of the State of Generosity series, produced in partnership with Gloo and Generis), only a minority of pastors consider the tithe a biblical requirement.
Key Findings:
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Only 33% of U.S. pastors believe Christians are biblically required to tithe to their local church.
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70% said tithing doesn’t need to be strictly financial.
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21% of pastors don’t recommend a specific portion of income, instead emphasizing that giving should be “sacrificial.”
Understanding of Tithing Is Fading:
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Only 2 in 5 U.S. adults surveyed were familiar with the term tithing and its meaning.
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Among practicing Christians, 59% said they clearly understood what tithing is.
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Just 21% of Christians surveyed give 10% of their income to their local church.
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25% reported they don’t give to their church at all.
“Church giving should not be reduced to an equation… But as a fundamental, scriptural idea of Christian stewardship becomes a hazy concept, it appropriately raises questions—about how modern ministries approach funding and resources, and, more importantly, about the broader culture of generosity being nurtured among Christians.” — Barna Report
RELATED: Creflo Dollar: Some of My Teachings About Tithing ‘Were Not Correct’
Ongoing Debate: Is Tithing Still a Christian Requirement?
The question of whether tithing is still required for New Testament believers continues to divide scholars and pastors:
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William Barclay (For Tithing):
“The tithe is a minimum. Christians are always to give to the poor and support other works that extend God’s kingdom (cf. 2 Cor. 8–9). The tithe supports the church’s mission, as seen in Malachi 3.”
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Thomas Schreiner (Against Tithing as a Mandate):
“Believers are to give generously and freely… Scripture doesn’t command Christians to give a tenth—and Scripture, not tradition, is our rule and authority.”
Giving Beyond Rules: The Spiritual Discipline of Generosity
Regardless of doctrinal differences, many leaders agree that generous giving forms the heart:
“It’s a formational practice that can help us grow into maturity. Money has a hold on us in devious ways. When we give, we loosen its grip. Tithing 10% is a way of training our lives to become like our generous Lord and live in greater freedom from attachments.”
— Rich Villodas, Pastor & Author
Tithing and the Future of Generosity in the Church
The changing views on tithing signal more than just a shift in doctrine—they reflect a broader cultural and spiritual evolution within the Church. As digital giving, economic instability, and generational shifts reshape how people engage with finances and faith, many church leaders are asking deeper questions:
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Are we teaching people why giving matters—or just how much?
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Are we cultivating a culture of kingdom generosity, or clinging to formulas?
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Is our discipleship addressing the idolatry of money, or avoiding it?
Even as tithing becomes less commonly understood or practiced, the biblical call to generosity remains constant. Scripture consistently points to giving as an act of worship, a heart posture, and a trust exercise—not just a financial transaction.
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