Do we have to tithe?

So I was at the coffee shop with Todd Zeller, Gary Tompkins, Steve Leigh and Scott Stearman. We've all spent time helping create this new website, and Scott thanked me for giving of my time. Which is so like him. But all I can think of is that the amount of time he puts in for the church on a monthly basis makes my offering look like a pittance. He's doing the editing for this upcoming 'Tell Your Story' video. Who knows how much time...10 hours? 20? He won't keep track.

But got me to thinking about tithing. I'm a die-hard "you have to tithe" guy. But, I like to tithe my money, not my time. That's where I'm selfish and sometimes...don't practice my faith. I don't think I can afford the time. But if I trust tithing my money, shouldn't I trust tithing my time?

So many folks give so much time to the church, and I'm so grateful.

Without getting into the debate on tithing, ultimately if anyone attends the church, I think you have to be tithing, either money or time (which saves the church money).

I'm the biggest critic and dissenter, I can always come up with a reason not to give.

But iff we come into the building and appreciate that there are:
- lights
- heat
- running water and bathrooms
- microphones so we can hear what's being said
- chairs to sit in
- nursery for your kids if you have them

...not to mention people who spent all week preparing music and sermon and 100 other things...

...then we have to realize those things cost money. If we can't give some cash, we can give some time that saves cash. Money or time. Or both.

This is why a night club or bar might have a cover charge, they know folks will come and just hang out and not buy a drink or any food, and they have to pay the upkeep to have the doors open.

Thoughts? What do you think? And do you like how I compared church to a nightclub? That's the danger with these public forums...