Apostle Harrison Ayintete has defended the practice of collecting tithes in churches, insisting that members are expected to contribute 10 per cent of their income to support the church’s operations.
The cleric argued that the issue should not be turned into a theological debate about Melchizedek or the relevance of the Old Testament. Instead, he urged people to look at tithing from the perspective of the financial responsibilities that come with running a church.
Speaking on the matter, Ayintete pointed out that churches have several expenses to take care of, including buying diesel, purchasing microphones and providing other essential facilities needed for services and activities.
“There is no scripture that says a church cannot give 20 per cent or 30 per cent. If the early church could come together and say we are selling our land and giving everything, we can also come together and say we are doing 10 per cent,” he said.
He further urged critics to stop focusing on biblical arguments surrounding tithing and consider the financial needs of religious institutions.
“So let us leave Melchizedek out of the conversation. Leave the Old Testament out of the conversation. Let us talk about it like we are talking about a barbing community, or a hairdressing community, or an estate community,” the apostle stated.
Emphasising the cost of maintaining a church, Ayintete asked, “We have a church to run, yes or no? There is diesel to buy, yes or no? There’s microphone to buy, yes or no?”
He maintained that his church had agreed on a 10 per cent contribution from each member’s income to meet its financial obligations, adding that membership comes with the expectation of paying the stipulated amount.
“As a church, we have said that 10 per cent of individual members’ income is what we cater to what we need in this church. And you must give it. If you say you are a member, you give it,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, Ayintete reiterated that his position was based on the financial policy of the church rather than arguments over biblical interpretations.
“Leave Melchizedek. Leave Old Testament. Na the levy we dey collect be this for this particular institution. If you say you are with us, you give it,” he concluded.
The post “You Must Pay Tithe, We Have Church To Run, Economy Is Tough” – Pastor Ayintete Tells Congregation appeared first on Information Nigeria.