Is it acceptible to tithe by sending money straight to a Christian charity rather than a church?
Well, actually….if you have a church home which you belong to and “benefit” from and participate with, then it is appropriate that at least a portion for your tithe be given to help support “home”. That, after all, was the main purpose for the tithe: to support the “church”, maintenance, and the “salary” for the levites and priests, for whom that was their only income. Your “offerings” (above and beyond your tithe of 10%) would be more for your own discretion as where it goes. Personally, I give my tithe (God’s 10% “returned” blessing) to my church, and then another 5%-10% more to charities of my preference (~2% to church youth group and another 5% to orphanages in India with whom I’m indirectly connected). I may give additional to strangers on the street at various times when I see them. You see, I was “helped out” in times when I was in “need”. I’m gratefully “returning” now. It’s also a sort of “penance” I’ve placed upon myself for past wrongs I’ve committed and am unable to give
You should tithe in whatever way God is leading you to tithe. However, your tithe helps the church that you’re attending and if you love your church and trust that the people in charge are doing appropriately with it, then giving to them is a good idea. Just follow your heart and give however the lord is leading you to.
