Do You Know the Difference Between Tithes and Offerings?

From the Commission on Stewardship and Finance

Here are a few interesting facts:

Tithing refers to giving 10% of one's income from all sources to the church. This practice is in our biblical teaching, especially in the Old Testament in texts like Malachi 3:10 where people are encouraged to bring tithes to the storehouse.

Offerings are voluntary contributions given above and beyond the tithe. Offerings are to be given freely and cheerfully (Corinthians 9:7). Offerings can be of any amount and are sometimes directed to a specific purpose.

Both tithes and offerings are a way of honoring God by supporting the work of the church and caring for those in the community. Tithing is not about donating money. You are supporting a community and our church's mission.

Tithes

Where does the money really go?

  • Support of church operations. For instance utilities, insurance, maintenance, office supplies, and salaries of the staff (pastor, administrators, custodians, etc.)
  • Supporting ministry programs such as youth groups, Sunday school, and bible study.
  • Technological growth items such as maintenance of our website, purchase of audio-visual and sound equipment, streaming services, and other online platforms that allow people to tune in remotely while expanding our overall influence in the community.
  • Emergency Fund for unexpected needs, such as a natural disaster, plumbing or electrical repairs or a sudden drop in attendance like during the COVID pandemic.
  • Church growth and other expenses of the church and its mission.

Offerings

What are voluntary contributions used for?

  • Benevolence: For the support of persons in need of assistance and support when facing financial hardships or crises. Examples of assistance provided by this fund are rent, utilities, bill payment, food, medical expenses and transportation costs.
  • Class Dues: Class dues are used to provide support to the pastor and their family. Class dues are separate from the pastor's salary.
  • Other: there are many other types of voluntary contributions that someone may wish to make. Some are:
    • Endowment Fund: To support the Mother Bethel Endowment Fund, which is managed by the Philadelphia Foundation
    • Scholarship Fund: ·To support our Annual Scholarships that are distributed to college students.
    • Founders' Day: All members/friends are asked to give a sacrificial gift of $250.00 each February or during the year to assist in meeting our Connectional/Epsicopal District/ Annual Conference assessments to the African Methodist Episcopal Church
    • Preservation/Mother Bethel Foundation: To support the capital improvement efforts of Mother Bethel AME Church

How We Can Contribute to the Mission of Mother Bethel AME Church

There are many ways to contribute to the work of God’s Kingdom:

In Person

Cash, check, or money order payable to Mother Bethel AME Church

Online Bill Pay

Through your bank's online bill pay service. Can be automated for recurring donations.

ACH/Payroll Deduction

(Automated Clearing House) directly from your bank account

Mother Bethel Website

www.motherbethel.org (click the Online Giving tab). Church contributions can be made weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annually via the website.

Text-to-Give

Text the word 'GIVE' to 215-929-7169

Contact the Church Office for assistance.

Don’t forget to contribute your time and talent! 

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