Frequently Asked Questions
First of all, we’re glad you’re asking questions. Secondly, we’re grateful for your partnership in ministry and we realize we have been charged to be trustworthy stewards of the tithes and offerings entrusted to us. Thirdly, the reason for this page is because you’re not the first one to have questions about tithing.
Why should I give money to the church?
To put it in simple terms, it is what God tells us to do. A common error of thought for many Christians is that we are giving to God a portion of what is ours. In truth, the tithe is not ours to give to God, but is God’s for us to give back. We consider it a privilege to have it to give back to Him as it represents a tangible acknowledgement that everything we have belongs to Him. "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." "Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God." 2 Corinthians 9:7, 10-11
What are my giving dollars used for?
Your gifts are used to fund God’s work through the ministry and missions of Champion Forest.
What is the difference between a tithe and an offering?
There is a clear biblical difference between tithes and offerings. The Bible mentions both of them separately, even though the Lord required both to be brought to Him. For an individual, a tithe is the tenth of all the income that God provides. Offerings are gifts given to God above the tithe.
Should I be tithing on my net or gross earnings?
In Proverbs 3:9-10 God’s Word instructs us to give Him the very first and best part of the income He has blessed us with. If we tithe on our "net" we are putting other expenses and deductions above the tithe and not making God first in our giving or in our finances.
What if we believe we can’t afford to tithe right now?
During difficult economic times many people think that they can not give. It’s a struggle that we understand but we also understand that God is bigger than our financial struggles. It is a good time to ask ourselves, "Are we trusting in our abilities or in God?" II Corinthians 9:6 reminds us, "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously."
For many people we would simply challenge you to reevaluate your priorities. What we would suggest is that you evaluate what you ARE spending your money on and ask yourself if you’re living as though all you have belongs to God.
God is always faithful to take care of us. No matter what we are currently experiencing financially, God promises to meet all of our needs. Philippians 4:19
What is the advantage of Online Giving?
It saves time! It saves work! It simplifies your life! You can avoid the hassle of writing and remembering checks! It can also help your consistency and faithfulness in giving.
What if I try Online Giving and don't like it?
You can cancel your authorization by notifying us any time. But once you've enjoyed the convenience, time, and money savings of Online Giving, we doubt you will want to go back to making contributions the way you did before.
How much does Online Giving cost?
It costs you nothing and saves you time. The fee to the church is nominal.
Is Online Giving risky?
Online Giving is less risky than handwritten checks. It cannot be lost, stolen, or destroyed in the mail. It has an extremely high rate of accuracy and is easier for the church accounting office to process.
What about my E-Giving account I've been using?
Due to recent technical changes to the e-Give system, we have migrated to a new online giving platform. We intend to close the e-Give system shortly. We encourage you to close your E-Giving account and take advantage of our new Pushpay giving system for mobile and online giving. It's quick, easy, and secure. Please feel free to contact the business office at 281-440-3800 if you would like assistance moving your account.
If you need to access our previous E-Giving provider, please click here.
How do I change an existing Automatic Draft?
Automatic draft and ACH are processed through our new PushPay system. If you have a legacy ACH, you may change your ACH by contacting the Business office and submitting this form:
