You’ve Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers!

Here’s a short list of questions you might have about the 90 Day Challenge and tithing in general. If you have any other questions that aren’t answered here, please feel free to call Journey Church at 904-302-5320 or e-mail your questions to ejaffe@journeychurch.org

What is tithing?

The word “tithe” is derived from the Hebrew word ma’aser and it literally means a tenth. Ten percent of everything belongs to the Lord. In Malachi 3:10-11, God says, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse that there may be food in my house.” The ’storehouse’ is the Old Testament picture of the New Testament church. So as New Testament believers, we worship the Lord with the tithe; or the ten percent.

What is the difference between a tithe and an offering?

The tithe is 10% of your income. God says that He has given us all that we own, and that the first 10% is dedicated to Him, and we are to be faithful in “bringing the tithe.” Offerings are any generous giving that you do over and above your tithe. And while your tithe is designated for the local church, an offering is for you to be generous wherever you see a need.

Many followers of Christ confuse giving regularly with tithing, and while giving regularly is highly commendable, and it is a big step in and of itself, tithing is taking a full 10% of your paycheck, and giving it to the local church in order to be an important part of building God’s Kingdom.

How do I participate in the 90 Day Challenge?

The first step is for you to sign up. This just lets us know your intent to participate so that we can keep your finances separate from the church’s main funds. It also gives us your agreement to the terms and conditions of the 90 Day Challenge.

Once you are signed up you need to specify when you give that your money is a part of the challenge. You can do this by consistently writing “90 Day Challenge” on your offering envelopes at Journey Church for the duration of the timeframe. Make sure you also clearly write your name on the envelope so that the Journey Church knows where to attribute it.

The last step is to take a full 10% of your income at each paycheck, and either give cash, write a check toJourney Church and put it in the offering on Sunday morning, or mail it to: Journey Church, 5000 US Highway 17 Suite 18 #95, Orange Park, FL 32003. Note you can also use the Donate Online button on our website to contribute.

Can I give online?

Yes.  You can give safely and securely online by visiting journeychurch.org and using the donate online button on our homepage. You might also consider going to your banks online banking site and set up a one time, or automatically re-occuring donation. Most Online Bill Pay functions of banking websites allow for this. You might simply schedule an auto bill pay that automatically writes a draft to Journey Church write after your paycheck hits the bank. Online drafts should go to Journey Church, 5000 US Highway 17, Suite 18 #95, Orange Park, FL 32003.

How will you keep track of my tithe?

Journey Church carefully and confidentially tracts each gift in  order to provide each giver with an end of the year report on their contributions. We will use our Fellowship One Church management software to track your contributions during the challenge and can provide you a report at any time.

What are the benefits of tithing?

Tithing carries multiple facets that will benefit your life. First, God commands it and any time we take God at His word we are using faith, and faith can move mountains. God promises to “open up the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing on you”. In the book of Matthew, Jesus tells us that if we look after God’s Kingdom first, that He will provide for our physical needs.

Also, in this country, when you give to a not-for-profit organization (like Journey Church), you receive a tax benefit. At the end of the year JOURNEY Church will provide you with records of the total amount you have given over the year, and when you file your taxes your charitable donations are tax deductible.

And last, but not least, when you decide to become a percentage giver you create margin in your life. By choosing to live on a lesser percentage of your income, when difficult situations and circumstances arise that margin will carry you through.

Where does my money go?

Journey Church is 100% supported through your tithes and offerings. The money you give goes toward paying rent, salaries, equipment purchases, etc.  As we approach each new year and carefully and prayerfully develop our budget, we are looking through the eyes of faith into what we feel God wants us, as a church, to accomplish for Him.  So, with new opportunities for ministry, we have new opportunities to touch lives and to build His Kingdom.

Last year Journey Church gave 16% of all of its income by to local, national and international missions and outreaches, as well as planting other churches all across the country.

Should I give while I’m trying to get out of debt?

Yes! This may sound irrational, because getting out of debt should be one of the highest priorities in your financial planning, but by obeying God first in your finances, we believe that God will supernaturally revolutionize your financial situation.  And, since getting out of debt is all about discipline, just think of the benefits of developing a financial plan that includes God’s prescribed discipline of faithful percentage giving!

For more information visit: http://www.t90x.org