Giving to Your Church vs. Giving to Charities
Many believers wonder: should all my giving go to my local church? Or can I also support missionaries, ministries, and charities? Christians hold different views, but Scripture gives helpful principles.
Supporting the local church
In the Old Testament, tithes were brought to "the storehouse" (Malachi 3:10), supporting worship, priests, and those in need. Many Christians see the local church as today's primary place for regular giving: it's where you're fed spiritually, cared for, and serve.
Doing good to everyone
Galatians 6:10: "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith."
The New Testament also shows believers giving beyond their local church: supporting traveling missionaries (Philippians 4:15–17), sending relief to believers in famine (Acts 11:29–30), and caring for the poor.
A common approach
Many families give regularly to their local church first, then give additional offerings to missions, ministries, and charities they care about. Others divide their giving differently. Pray about what's right for your household.
Questions to evaluate a charity or ministry
- Mission: Does it align with biblical values?
- Transparency: Does it share financial reports and how funds are used?
- Effectiveness: Is it making a real difference?
- Accountability: Does it have a board and outside oversight?
- Integrity: Does it avoid high-pressure tactics or promises of personal financial blessing in exchange for gifts?
- Connection: Do you know people involved, or have you seen the work firsthand?
Giving principles that apply everywhere
- Give cheerfully, not out of guilt (2 Corinthians 9:7).
- Give regularly and intentionally.
- Give wisely: research before you give.
- Give humbly, without seeking recognition (Matthew 6:3–4).
Small causes matter too
Sometimes giving looks like helping a neighbor, sponsoring a child, or supporting a friend on a mission trip. At Claimed by God Designs, 5% of every order goes toward our Children of the Promise vision of sending children to school.
A prayer
Lord, help me give wisely and generously. Show me where You want my resources to go: my church, my community, and the world. Let my giving bring You glory. Amen.
