I first became aware of tithing as a teenager when my pastor preached on the importance of supporting the local congregation. His sermon drew on Galatians 6:6: “Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.”

Question from reader: I just finished reading your book Managing God's Money and have a question about tithing. I don’t attend a local church but am a born again Christian, who loves God and Jesus Christ. I’m retired and live on Social Security, but I want to start tithing. Do I have to tithe to a local church, or can I tithe to your ministry and other chosen ministries? I’ve been on your website and like what you’re doing, but I want to make sure my tithing is done properly.

In April 2017, Randy Alcorn was interviewed by his friend Greg Laurie from Harvest Christian Church. In this clip, he talks about giving in the Bible. For more information, see Randy's book The Treasure Principle: Revised and Updated.

Randy discusses the relevance of tithing in today's culture in an interview with pastor Greg Laurie at Harvest Church in Riverside, CA, November 2011.

Question from a reader: My husband is in the military and we will be attending the base chapel.  I understand we should tithe to our local church but the military pays for the chapel's needs and salaries so I am wondering where we should send our tithe money? Some of our military friends send it to non-profit organizations such as Campus Crusade or Cadence International.

Randy Alcorn discussing the Treasure Principle at the Exponential 06 Pastors Conference

I am about to start medical school and I will not have a job or any earned income for the next four years. I want to give, but I don’t know how much I can give or how much it would be wise for me to give since I will be living off of student loan money. 

Due to health problems and the economy affecting our business, we’re not in a position to give as much in freewill offerings, above and beyond our tithe. Should we still give the same amount and just trust God to provide?

I think showing him the depth of her conviction through her own giving is part of that example.