To put it in simple terms, it is what God tells us to do. Giving and stewardship are important disciplines in the life of a believer. There are many ways in which we can give - through serving and giving of our time, talents and finances. Consistently giving to God's kingdom is a bold step of faith.

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." - 2 Corinthians 9:7

"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 10-1

A: It is when we are having financial struggles we can't afford not to tithe. During difficult economic times many people think that if they give they may not be able to pay their rent, purchase gas for their vehicle or even buy groceries for the week. 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?" 2 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. We are not advocating drinking water and eating rice every day, selling your car, cancelling your electric and water service, and spending no money except that which will be spent on food, clothing and shelter. 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.

A: You can call the church office at 480.545.5495 or email the church treasurer at treasurer@discoverycc.org You can also view your giving history by logging in to MyDiscovery.org

Contributions are income tax deductible and are made with the understanding that Discovery has complete discretion and control over the use of all donated funds.

A: Your gifts are used to fund God's work through the ministry of Discovery Community Church. As a church we exist to make fully devoted disciples of Jesus by equipping people to discover life, relationship, ministry, and leadership.

A: 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. For a business owner, total income would be the profit or net earnings from the business. Offerings are gifts given to God above the tithe. There are people who God has blessed financially who may be able to give 20%, 30% or even more of their income and still live comfortably.

A: 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.