What is tithing?
God tells us in Malachi 3:10-11 to test His faithfulness by returning the first 10% of our income to Him. This is called the tithe.  We need to understand that everything we have comes from God, was given by God, and belongs to God (Psalm 24:1). Tithing is returning to God what belongs to him. It’s taking one tenth of all you earn, of all you produce, and giving it back to God (Leviticus 27:30), to the church, so that God’s work can be accomplished (Malachi 3:10).

What tithing is not?
Tithing is not about money, it’s about trusting God.  Tithing is not just giving. Everything belongs to God, including the tithe.  Tithing isn’t shopping at Christian stores or giving toward our favorite charitable organizations, causes, or outreaches.  We are called to love and serve others with our time and talents, but it’s not tithing. God wants to know if we will trust him with the hardest thing it is for us to let go—our money.

Does God need my money?
God doesn’t need our money. Tithing isn’t a money issue, it’s a trust issue. God asks us to give back to him what he first gave us; to honor him with our wealth by demonstrating that he is number one in our lives and that our hearts are devoted to him only. God wants to know if we will trust him with the hardest thing for us to let go—our money.

If I start tithing, can I expect to receive more money in return?
Proverbs 3:9 says “Honor the Lord with your wealth, then your lives will be filled to overflowing.” If you honor God with your money, with the first 10% that already belongs to him, he promises to bless you, and do things with the other 90% that you can’t even imagine. But while God promises to bless us, he doesn’t promise that blessing always comes in the form of money. Having God’s blessing also doesn’t mean you won’t have problems, it means God will take care of you and provide in ways you can’t even imagine.

Isn’t tithing an Old Testament concept? Aren’t we under grace now?
Some people argue that since tithing is found in the Old Testament we can discard the whole

concept. Jesus affirms the tithe in Luke 11:42 and was quite clear in his teachings that he did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). In the early church, no one’s attitude

was “Thank goodness grace takes us out from under the Law—now we don’t have to tithe anymore! We can give far less than 10 percent!” The early church was so overwhelmed by God’s grace and generosity, it went far beyond the tithe.

What does my tithe support?
Your tithe goes to Good Hope’s general fund, which supports all of the operations of the church, including Kid’s and Youth Ministries, maintenance and operation of buildings, staff compensation, expansion efforts, and Kingdom Investments thru the 10% we tithe on all tithes given.

How much of my tithe can be refunded?
We will refund 100% of the tithe you gave during the 90-Day Challenge period. This period begins on the day you submitted your commitment form. Tithes or offerings given prior to this date will not be refunded.

How long do I have to request a refund?
Requests for refunds must be received within 120 days of when you submitted your commitment form or December 31^st, whichever is sooner.

Do I have to wait until the 90 days is over to request a refund?
No. You may request a refund at any time as long as it falls within 120 days of when you submitted your commitment form or December 31^st, whichever is sooner.

How do I request a refund?
Email giving@goodhope.ag or send a written request to: Good Hope Church, 55 Armory Rd, Cloquet, MN 55720

How will I receive my refund?
All refunds, regardless of how the tithe was given (check, credit card, cash), will be issued by check and mailed to the address on file.