Glossary
Church Specific

Tithes

By: Alec Hollingsworth
Updated:  
June 2, 2025

DEFINITION:

Tithes are voluntary donations, often 10% of income, given by church members to support the mission and operations of their religious organization.
Tithes are voluntary contributions, traditionally amounting to one-tenth of an individual's income, made by congregants to their church or religious organization. This practice has roots in biblical teachings and continues to be a significant source of funding for churches, supporting their operational expenses, outreach initiatives, and charitable programs. Tithes are often collected during worship services or through online giving platforms, enabling churches to fulfill their missions and serve their communities. Accurate tracking and reporting of tithes are essential for transparency, donor acknowledgment, and effective stewardship of church resources.

Key Takeaways

  • Tithes are typically 10% of a person's income given to a church.
  • They are a primary funding source for church activities.
  • Accurate tracking is vital for transparency and stewardship.

Why It Matters

Tithes are a key revenue source for churches, funding their core ministries and outreach.

Real World Example

A church member, Sarah, earns $50,000 per year and decides to tithe according to her faith tradition. Every month, she donates roughly $416 to her church, contributing to the community’s mission work, staff salaries, and facility upkeep. The church uses Aplos to track Sarah’s contributions, ensuring her gifts are properly recorded and she receives an annual giving statement for her records. This allows Sarah to see the impact of her giving and the church to maintain transparent, compliant financial practices.

How Aplos Helps

Aplos provides specialized tools for churches to track tithes, manage donor records, and generate giving statements. With Aplos, organizations can ensure accurate accounting and compliance, while also making online giving and recurring tithes easy for congregants.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between tithes and offerings?

Tithes are typically set at 10% of income and considered a regular commitment, while offerings are additional, voluntary gifts beyond the tithe.

How are tithes used by churches?

Churches use tithes to fund operations, support staff, maintain facilities, and conduct outreach or charitable programs.

Are tithes tax-deductible?

In most cases, tithes given to qualified churches are tax-deductible charitable contributions. Donors should keep records for tax purposes.