The Impact of Tithing in the Growth and Development of Anglican Church
CHAPTER ONE
Objective of the study
The objectives of the study are;
The primary objective of this research is to comprehensively investigate the impact of tithing on the growth and development of the Anglican Church, with a focus on financial stability, community engagement, and spiritual growth. Specifically, the study aims to:
- Assess the contribution of tithing to the financial stability of Anglican congregations, considering factors such as income trends, budget allocation, and financial resilience.
- Explore the relationship between tithing practices and levels of community engagement within Anglican congregations.
- Assess the role of tithing in facilitating spiritual growth and development among Anglican Church members.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWD OF RELATED LITERATURE
Origins and meaning of tithing
Tithing is mentioned for the very first time in the Bible in Genesis 14 in connection with Abram tithing to the high priest, Melchizedek. In the story, Abram gives a tenth of the spoils he acquired as a result of having defeated the northern kings. There are few important aspects to note in this story. Firstly, Abram tithed voluntarily, not out of compulsion. He gave out of his free volition. He was not commanded by God to do so. Secondly, Abram tithed not from his own wealth but from the spoils acquired through wars with his enemies. In other words, the tithe given by him was not part of his regular income or his own property. Thirdly, this was a once off event for him. That is, this was the first and only tithe that he ever gave for all 175 years that he is believed to have lived. Consequently, it is wrong for the proponents of tithing to always cite Abram’s example when they persuade people to tithe regularly. His case is at best only suggesting a once off payment of tithing in a life time, which is, most definitely, not what the proponents of tithing want to communicate when they quote his case. Tithing only became a legal regular requirement for the Jews with the introduction of the Levitical priesthood for the Tabernacle or Temple worship. With the Jewish community becoming a theocratic government in which God became a direct ruler of his people, tithing was ultimately codified and became an essential part of their life as a community. Consequently, the concept of tithing is predominantly found in the Torah. This codification of tithe payment was, however, by no means the birth of the practice of tithing. It was rather a new expression of the practice that had been in existence in some of the ancient cultures, such as those of Cretans, Romans, Chinese, Greeks, Babylonians, Phoenicians, Egyptians, and Silicians as well as Akkadians. What remains unclear, however, is how it originated in these pagan societies (Kelly 2007). What is known is that in some regions of the world such as in the Ancient Near East, kings were entitled to receive tithe on everything that was owned by their subjects (Kelly 2007). In fact, as Jacoby observes: [M]any non-Jewish and pre-Christian societies also practiced tithing-like giving. Some ancient sources describe how kings imposed a type of first-fruits tax to maintain holy shrines and support clergy. From Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylonia to the temples of Apollo in Delphi and Athena in Athens, pre-Christian centers of worship collected tithes for their gods. Ancient cultures as disparate as the Greeks and Chinese—including the Arabians, Phoenicians, Romans, and Carthaginians—gave in ways mirroring the tithe. (https://www.douglasjacoby.com/ how-tithing-came-into-the-christian-church/) For this reason, Abram’s payment of tithe to Melchizedek, who was the king of Salem, should not be seen as an unusual practice. What is unique about it, however, is that Melchizedek was both a king and a priest – perhaps serving to prefigure a new context in which tithing was going to apply that was both political and religious in theocratic Palestine under the Mosaic Law. At this point, some clarifications need to be made concerning the word tithe. So, what is tithe? The answer to this question is not as straightforward as one may think. This is because, as Kelly (2007) correctly observes: [T]he word is so common among conservative Christians that everybody thinks that he or she knows exactly what it means However, a serious problem with understanding tithing appears at the very beginning
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain the impact of tithing in the growth and development of Anglican church. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the impact of tithing in the growth and development of Anglican church
Summary
This study was on ascertain the impact of tithing in the growth and development of Anglican church. Three objectives were raised which included: Assess the contribution of tithing to the financial stability of Anglican congregations, considering factors such as income trends, budget allocation, and financial resilience, explore the relationship between tithing practices and levels of community engagement within Anglican congregations and assess the role of tithing in facilitating spiritual growth and development among Anglican Church members. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from Anglican church in Aba. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
The findings of this study underscore the integral role of tithing in fostering the growth, sustainability, and spiritual vitality of the Anglican Church. By embracing tithing as a core aspect of their faith tradition, Anglican congregations can cultivate a culture of generosity, deepen community engagement, and empower believers to live out their discipleship in tangible ways. As the Anglican Church continues to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the contemporary landscape, tithing remains a timeless practice that sustains its mission, strengthens its bonds, and advances its impact on society
Recommendation
Based on the findings of this study on the impact of tithing in the growth and development of the Anglican Church, several recommendations can be made to enhance its effectiveness and maximize its potential:
Provide pastoral education and discipleship training programs that emphasize the biblical principles and theological significance of tithing. Equip clergy and lay leaders with resources, tools, and skills to effectively teach, model, and encourage tithing as a spiritual discipline within congregations.
Develop comprehensive financial stewardship initiatives that promote responsible budgeting, debt management, and long-term financial planning alongside tithing practices. Offer financial literacy workshops, seminars, and resources to empower members to make informed decisions about their finances and prioritize their giving commitments.
Implement community engagement strategies that leverage tithing as a catalyst for fostering social cohesion, volunteerism, and outreach efforts within Anglican congregations. Create opportunities for members to participate in mission projects, service activities, and social justice initiatives that align with the values and mission of the church.
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