The Misuse of Tithe

The Seventh-day Adventist Church has compromised in the use of tithe in the following areas.

1. Employment of ministers teaching doctrinal error. Ralph Larson outlines the doctrinal errors espoused by some Seventh-day Adventist ministers in Weddings, Baptisms and Tithe. "It would be poor policy to support from the treasury of God those who really mar and injure His work, and who are constantly lowering the standard of Christianity." --Testimonies, vol. 3, page 553.
2. Employment of lawyers to sue and prosecute persons calling themselves Seventh-day Adventists. In at least one case assessing huge fines and putting the person in jail. When asked whether tithe is used to pay church litigation, the General Conference responded, "all litigation is paid from the annual appropriation made at the Annual Council, and that appropriation comes from tithe" (Response, page 9). See SDAs and Litigation on other litigation issues.
3. Unwillingness to fund or allow independent ministries to be funded with tithe money. Independent ministries assert: "There is no biblical or Spirit of Prophecy evidence to support the view that all tithe must, regardless of circumstances, be paid through organizational channels." See Tithes & Offerings: Trampling the Conscience.
   

The Seventh-day Adventist Church's effort to silence independent ministries includes charges relating to the tithe.

• Report on Hope International and Associated Groups. General Conference versus Hope International and other private groups.
• The Crying Stones. by Kevin D. Paulson. A reply to recent articles in the Adventist Review and Ministry on Hope International and associated groups.
• The General Conference Inquisition. by Ralph Larson.
• The Tithe Problem. by Ralph Larson. Discusses various Ellen G. White statements on tithe.
• The Truth about Tithe. by Vance Ferrell.
• Specific Concerns about the Report on Hope International and Associated Groups.
• Tithes & Offerings: Trampling the Conscience. Book written in defense of self-supporting ministries receiving tithe.

"I have had special instruction from the Lord that the tithe is for a special purpose, consecrated to God to sustain those who minister in the sacred work, as the Lord's chosen to do His work not only in sermonizing, but in ministering. They should understand all that this comprehends." --Manuscript Release, Volume 1, page 187.