Missionary Funds and Tithing--Separate?

[_asbestosman]

I just got put on a major guilt-trip in Elder's Quorum today about missionary funds. I was told that tithing funds only cover building expenses, not missionary work. But I know for a fact that tithing money is also used to fund church schools (or at least it was). Is it really true that tithing money do not help fund missionary work?

Yes, I know I'm a greedy, miserly, and probably lack faith in blessings from sacrifice, but I just don't see why I should be expected to dig into my retirement funds in order to support ward missionaries? I mean, my parents paid for 5 sons, and even had 3 out simultaneously for a while. Tithing is already very difficult for me, and Uncle Sam isn't letting up in the tax department. Something has to give, and my wife isn't going to move back out of a house so we can quit worrying about the mortgage. We don't go on fancy vacations and only have one car (which we've had since we were married half a decade ago). Something in my equation has to give way, and I'm sorry but since I can't give less taxes and I can't give less tithing, other charitable contributions are going to have to suffer. I mean I really think that digging into retirement is the wrong decision.

We also got a gult-trip about fast offerings. I feel little better about those tough. I know fast offerings go to good use paying rent, utilities, and helping with food or getting counseling. I was ward clerk and helped write those checks. I know those things are expensive, especially rent which costs lots more than a couple of meals.

Helping someone in a one-time deal is one thing (not that I'm good at it either), but having to shell out lots of cash month after month is another thing. Unless you want to support me in retirement, I really think that it's better to let me get some savings going so I can be more self-sufficient when that time comes, or even if I hit stormy times myself.

[/rant]

[_moksha]

I wonder if some more belt tightening and donations will be asked for to help pay for any increased building costs and overruns?

[_Dr. Shades]

I just got put on a major guilt-trip in Elder's Quorum today about missionary funds.

Yeah, God forbid that Jesus forego rebuilding downtown Salt Lake City and instead apply the untold billions to the missionary fund.

[_charity]

There was a time when we dontated to a maintainance fund for our own buildings to pay the lights, water, etc. Then the funds started to come out of General Church funds.

[_truth dancer]

Hi Asbestosman...

Yes, I know I'm a greedy, miserly, and probably lack faith in blessings from sacrifice, but I just don't see why I should be expected to dig into my retirement funds in order to support ward missionaries?

Did you or did you not covenant to give all that you have, and all that you will have to the building up of the Kingdom of God upon the Earth? :-)

Sorry but, you are one of the more blessed if you can purchase a house, pay tithing and have a savings account.

You should be sacrificing big time!

Think of all the families who are paying tithing rather than taking care of their children, getting a retirement fund going, or even paying their bills. Families who are unable to get an education, insurance, or even decent food because they are paying their tithing.

I hear your pain but seriously Asbestosman, as I said, you are one of the more fortunate!

~dancer~

[_Jason Bourne]

I do not know.

But don't give out of guilt. Give if you want to and feel you can do it willingly and happily. Guilt is a tiresome tool.

[_harmony]

Guilt is a tiresome tool.

And used entirely too often.

[_Jason Bourne]

Sorry but, you are one of the more blessed if you can purchase a house, pay tithing and have a savings account.

You should be sacrificing big time!

Think of all the families who are paying tithing rather than taking care of their children, getting a retirement fund going, or even paying their bills. Families who are unable to get an education, insurance, or even decent food because they are paying their tithing.

I hear your pain but seriously Asbestosman, as I said, you are one of the more fortunate!

Oh come on. Most active LDS I know are able to contribute tithes and offerings and afford a home. And no my ward is not affluent

[_harmony]

Oh come on. Most active LDS I know are able to contribute tithes and offerings and afford a home. And no my ward is not affluent

I thought she was referring to those living outside the US. I could be wrong, though.

[_Jason Bourne]

Oh come on. Most active LDS I know are able to contribute tithes and offerings and afford a home. And no my ward is not affluent

I thought she was referring to those living outside the US. I could be wrong, though.

If so she was not clear about it