Tithing Through the Church

There is a church in the suburbs of Chicago whose mission is to give 100% of the money it collects away. No, that's not a typo, we didn't add an extra zero on the familiar 10% oft associated with money and Christians. The Waterfront Community Church is trying out a new economic model. They have eight sponsors who cover the shoe-string admin expenses like rent and a pastor's salary. All the money they collect on Sunday goes right out the door. We were really intrigued by some of the methods they're trying like this one, "At a recent Sunday service, the Rev. Semradek did a "reverse offering," passing out bags each with $5, $10, $20 or $50 bills. Congregants were instructed to choose how the money could be used in their community. The Rev. Semradek reminded congregants that there would come a day when they would stand in judgment before God." Okay, the scary, judging God image doesn't inspire, so much as it threatens, generosity but it's still interesting to see a church interpret its mission this way.