Jon Sampson

We’re in the middle of a discussion about why bivocational ministry is a needed, and positive, idea for the church. To read the beginning, go here.

2. Money goes to ministry, not overhead. And decisions are made at the ground level.

I understand it on a certain level, but it’s sad how much of the church’s God’s money has to go to maintaining infrastructure. After salaries, benefits, building maintenance, building expansion, and more, a little is left to send to a mission program or to fund a local charity. But when you move to a bivocational, decentralized model, suddenly the tithe of individuals stays within the group. A group of people who meet together, serve together, and learn together gets to sit down and have a conversation.

“Here’s our money. What needs do we see around us? How can we bless the community? How can we partner with others to serve?”

If someone has a coworker going through tough times, the group can decide to serve that person with money, time, or some combination. They see the tithe at work. It’s not some distant thing. Ministry becomes personal and real.

Now, this may complicate people’s end of year tax statements. Things like this probably aren’t tax-deductible. I’m sure there’s a way to push the money through a 501c3 and get it back to the groups, but I’m not sure that’s the point. It may be helpful, but I don’t think the purpose of a tithe was a tax deduction!