A Historical Development of Tithe Returning and Growth in East-Central Africa Division of the Seventh-day Adventists (2012–2021)

Abstract

This research is conducted on Tithe returning and growth in East Central Africa Division of the Seventh-day Adventists with the aim of conducting a thorough investigation to determine whether the tithe is increasing or decreasing over a ten year period (2012-2021) and to suggest suitable methods and principles appropriate for raising it. The Scholars and churchgoers have been contesting the idea of tithe returning. While some support the continuity to keep returning it because it is a commandment from the Lord, others advocate for a discontinuity, because the need to return tithe ended at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on the cross and ask church members to stop tithing. The ideas disseminating propaganda against the returning of tithes, whether in writing or in preaching, as well as the differences in opinion and perspectives of the accurate understanding of the tithing system bring confusion among the church members. This disagreement poses a potential dilemma for members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, particularly those in the East Central Africa Division. While substantial research exists on tithe returning within the Seventh-day Adventist Church globally, an examination specific to the perspectives and practices within the East Central Africa Division has not been undertaken. To achieve the goal of this study several steps have been taken including the historical overview of the tithing system in the Old and New Testaments, the historical overview of tithing in church fathers period and tithing in Medieval and Reformation periods. The tithing system in Seventh-day Adventism and the historical development of tithes in the East Central Africa Division were the main focus of this study. Finally the challenges and prospects of the tithing system in the East Central Africa Division were identified and analyzed. Different books, archival materials, journals, articles, or documents discussing tithe are considered and analyzed in order to arrive at the conclusions. The research concluded that the tithe was not abolished by Jesus Christ’s death because it was not the component of the ceremonial laws; rather, it was practiced during the time of the church fathers, and the teachings of the dissident groups who opposed tithe returning had no negative impact on tithing. This was determined after a thorough analysis of biblical verses concerning tithing in the New Testament, as well as research on tithing practices during the apostolic and church fathers’ periods, the Reformation period, and the research on tithes conducted on the various Unions that comprise the East Central Africa Division. Finally, the analysis demonstrates that the tithe has increased significantly in the East Central Africa Division over the last decade (2012-2021). It is recommended that church pastors have to ensure that the local church be led by church elders who are trustworthy, competent, exemplary to believers in all that they say, preach and especially in returning tithes. The local church elders should be educated in the tithing system by reading their responsibilities in the church manual. This revival and training have to take an important place after the local church elders are elected before they start their new functions.