If you would like to make a donation towards Lifehouse Church, you can give during our weekend gatherings or online. We don’t take up a formal offering during service, but encourage members to place their gift in a container located near the exit. We don’t pressure or manipulate anyone to give. We want each person to give because they believe in the vision of the church and want to invest in changing the world through this ministry.
“You must each make up your own mind as to how much you should give. Don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves the person who gives cheerfully.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)
Online donations may be made using any major credit card, bank account or PayPal account. If you don’t have a PayPal username and password, simply follow the instructions to quickly and easily setup an account. The account will then be associated with your credit card or bank account through PayPal’s secure network.
Financial Support FAQ:
“Why is it so important to give to the church?”
The Bible is a book about giving. The Bible talks more about giving than it does about heaven or hell. Jesus talked more about giving than almost any other topic. Over half of His parables have to do with money. There are more promises in the Bible related to giving than to any other subject.
“Just as you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness – see that you also excel in the grace of giving.” (2 Corinthians 8:7)
To put this into perspective, the Bible uses the word “believe” 272 times; the word “pray” is used 371 times; the word “love” is used 714 times; the word “give” is used 2162 times. God is a giver and God wants us to become like Him.
“What is tithing?”
Tithe means a tenth part. It is a word God uses throughout scripture. Tithing means giving ten percent of one’s income or resources.
“What’s the difference between a tithe and an offering?”
Tithe is giving ten percent of one’s income. An offering is anything given in addition to the tithe.
“Why should I tithe?”
8 Reasons:
- God commands it. “A tenth of all you produce is the Lord’s and it is holy” (Leviticus 27:30). God could have said give ninety percent, but He just said ten.
- Jesus commended it. Jesus commends the Pharisees for their giving. In fact, it was the only thing for which Jesus ever commended them. “Yes, you should tithe, and you shouldn’t leave the more important things undone either” (Matthew 23:23).
- Tithing demonstrates that God has first place in my life. “The purpose of tithing is to teach you to always put God in first place in your life” (Deuteronomy 14:23). I can say God is first place in my life, but my schedule and my checkbook truly reveal where I spend the bulk of my time and resources.
- Tithing reminds me that God gave everything I have to me. “Always remember that it is the Lord your God who gives you the ability to produce wealth” (Deuteronomy 8:17-18).
- Tithing expresses my gratitude to God for the blessings He’s given me. “How can I repay the Lord for all his goodness to me” (Psalm 116:12)? “Each of you should bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you” (Deuteronomy 16:17).
- God says that refusing to tithe is stealing from Him. “God says ‘Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing me!’ But you ask, ‘How do we rob you?’ God says ‘in tithes and offerings… bring your whole tithe to my house’” (Malachi 3:8-10). God ask for not a half of a tithe or a third of a tithe, but the whole tithe.
- Tithing gives God a chance to prove He exists and He wants to bless you. This is one of the most amazing promises in the Bible. God actually offers you a challenge: “Bring your whole tithe to my storehouse. Test me in this and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you won’t have room enough for it! I will prevent pests from devouring your crops and the vines in your fields will be protected from plagues” (Malachi 3:10-11). In essence, God is saying, “I dare you; start tithing and I will not only bless you with more, but I will protect what you already have.”
- Tithing demonstrates I really love God. “I want you to be leaders also in the spirit of cheerful giving. This is one way to prove that your love is real, that it goes beyond mere words” (2 Corinthians 8:7-8).
“What should I tithe?”
The Bible makes it very clear that I should tithe on the first part of what I earn, not the leftovers. The Bible clearly teaches we must honor God with the best or first part of what we earn (See Genesis 4:3-5). Many people ask whether they should tithe on their gross or net income, but it doesn’t matter. The Bible teaches to give God the best or first part. We mustn’t wait until we feel we can “afford” to give. Tithing is a demonstration of giving God total trust and first priority.
“Where should I give my tithe?”
The Bible is very specific about this. I should tithe where I worship. “Bring your whole tithe into my storehouse” (Malachi 3:10). In the Old Testament, the place of worship was called the Temple. In the New Testament it was called the synagogue or the church. You are to bring your tithe and offering to your place of worship. Anything given to charities or other non-profit organizations can be considered an “offering” (something given in addition to the tithe).
“When should I tithe?”
“On the first day of every week, set aside some of what you have earned and give it as an offering. The amount depends on how much the Lord has helped you earn” (1 Corinthians 16:2). Many people choose to give bi-weekly on pay period weeks, but the important principle is to regularly demonstrate your trust and reliance on God by giving to him first, whether it’s on Saturdays, Sundays or at the beginning of each month.
“Where does my investment go?”
We make an effort to be completely forthcoming with all our records, budgeting, and income. We are confident that as we manage the resources God has given us with integrity and openness, then we have nothing to hide. Our Business Management Team also regularly reviews the budget and receives counsel and oversight from a CPA.
Below is a sample budget:
- Operational Expenses (office, salaries, vehicle, insurance) – 50%
- Building rental and use – 20%
- Marketing and advertising – 5%
- Congregational expenses and needs – 10%
- Discipleship ministries (children, youth, and adult classes) – 5%
- Missionary and outreach efforts – 10%
