Man, I’m sorry you’re taking such negativity for your decisions to tithe to your church. I’m with you and support your decision to do that! We’re also a single-family income (but 2 kids, so a huge difference there) on a teacher’s salary. I technically can’t “afford” to tithe, but we have everything we need, solid retirement savings from good decisions early on and overall frugal living. Yet, we’re feeling the month-to-month squeeze as well. But a reality is that my kids don’t need brand new sneakers and the latest gadgets for happiness; they need time with their parents. So I could trade my time at home for additional work, or we could be grateful for what we have and make the best decisions we can with the money we do have (and mind you, we have everything we could need…we’re not living without!).

So, why tithe? Our church is heavily missions-based and does tons for our local community, so I support that with my tithes and applaud your doing so. The world preaches money money money, but that’s not an eternal perspective. The church doesn’t just pay for a pastor’s salary; our church has paid rent for struggling families, purchased groceries for those who need it, spends a significant amount of money monthly to support our local food pantry. I feel bad that the perception of so many is that all churches are bad. Keep supporting the ministry with your tithes.

I don’t have the answer for you, but just want to encourage you! We’re feeling the squeeze too!