Here's something different. LifeChurch.tv, the church with locations in Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona and online is offering a three-month tithing challenge. Give for three months. If God doesn't deliver on his promise to provide for you, you can ask for your money back. All of it. No questions asked.
Wow. Now there's a potentially divisive approach to tithing.
On one hand I love it: The church can't lose. They put the money in a savings account and don't touch it for three months. They can't get burned (and might even earn a little interest). Instead it's a way to help people give, help them get over whatever concerns or issues or they have. And seriously--how many people would actually ask for the money back? Rather than serving as an actual program, this is just a challenge. A way to get people to think about tithing
On the other hand I'm wary: What a gimmick. It seems perfect for today's 0% interest, no money down, 'buy now, pay later' mentality. And I'm not so sure the church should go there. I'm also a little put-off by the promise of God's blessing. I do believe God will take care of you if you first give to God. But I also believe that blessing may not be financial and you may need to cancel the cable and give up the cell phone. Motivations also become suspect. What kind of gift is it if you've got a return policy?
Hmm, love it or hate it, this one's interesting. At the very least, I love that it's a unique way to get people thinking differently about giving money to the church. It has a bad rap and is sorely in need of new ideas--like the ATMs in church. (link via DJ Chuang)
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