--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have a question about the recipient(s) of a persons tithe. The Bible says to bring the whole tithe into the storehouse. My question is what is the definition of storehouse? There are some in my church that tell me that every last penny of my tithe should go to my church. If there are any "pet projects" that I would like to see get funding, that that should come out of my gits and offerings.

Here is what I'm doing, and I'd like your 2 cents worth about my habbits. Out of the 10 % tithe portion of my monthly pension and social security checks I give "X" to a missionary who used to be an intern at our church, "Y" to our denomination's nursing home, "Z" to our denomination's church camp, and the majority (about 5 times the sum of X, Y, and Z) to my local church). The tithe from the interest I receive on my CD's (and formerly the stock market) I hold in reserve for any "special projects." My wife gives all her tithes to special projects.

Are we wrong?

P.S. I quite frequently purchase things like envelopes, stamps, and A-V equipment for the church at my expense; but keep a record of these expenditures for tax deduction purposes.

Ed, I think you are right. Well, I dunno if you're right or not, but that's sorta the way I handle my tithe. I generally give it all to my local church and let them apply it to the budget. Once in a while though, a special project or request will come along and usually, I will deduct whatever I spent on it from my tithe, and turn the receipt into our treasurer so I can take it off my taxes. I believe "the storehouse" is God's storehouse, not just your local church, but I also believe that the bulk of your giving should be to that place that you attend each week. What I do not do is deduct time spent working at the church in any way, shape, or form from my tithe money. I have seen others do this, and I believe it to be wrong. I believe God wants a tithe of everything that you have that has value, in other words, your time and effort has value so you should be giving ten percent of your time to God as well. I probably give about seven hours in service to the church each week, so I guess I'm falling short there, but fortunately, through God's grace, I've been saved.

I don't think that it is spelled out in the Bible for a reason. I think that it is up to the individual and is between that person and God.

On a oersonal note I think you are doing the right thing.

Maybe I'm misunderstanding the entire question.....but I believe "tithe into the storehouse" would mean about the same as calling all Christians "the church" or "the bride of Christ". Your tithe is still bringing God glory, still working in places that God's people are working. I cannot imagine splitting it up could be anything more than "spreading the wealth".

I don't know of anything biblical that would put you in the wrong on your stance Ed. Praise God you are willing and able to give and give as you feel led.