What does Ellen White write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "Who is entitled to be supported by the tithe?"
Answer
The tithe, according to the available writings, is a sanctified fund primarily intended for the support of the servants of the Gospel. This includes preachers, evangelists, and persons who teach the Word of God or are on the front lines of missionary work (such as teachers at Bible schools). Use for general church expenses, building projects, or support of the poor is not intended, as separate gifts and offerings are to be used for those purposes.
Purpose and Recipients of the Tithe
»The only quotation we need to consider is: How shall their livelihood be secured? According to biblical records, the tithe appears to have been entirely intended for the support of the preaching office. Abraham paid his tithe to Melchizedek, the priest of the Most High God. Under the Levitical law, the tithe was given to the tribe of Levi, who were occupied with work in the sanctuary. ... They, in turn, were to consecrate a tithe of what they received to the Lord, and this was to be given to the high priest.«
Support of Preachers and Teachers
»It was made clear that those who serve in our schools, teach the Word of God, explain the Holy Scriptures, and instruct students in the things of God, should be supported by tithe money. This instruction was given long ago and has been repeatedly reiterated in recent times. ... The tithes should go to those who work in word and doctrine, whether men or women.«
Exclusivity of the Preaching Office
»The tithe is holy, reserved by God for Himself. It is to be brought into His treasury to be used to support the workers of the Gospel in their work. ... A great error is made when the tithe is taken away from the purpose for which it is to be used – the support of preachers.«
No Use for the Poor or Expenses
»Widows and orphans should be supported by contributions from the congregation. Their needs should be alleviated not by the congregation [as a whole from the tithe], but by special donations. The tithe should be consecrated to the Lord and always used for the support of the preaching office. ... Do not allow the treasury that God has designated for the preservation of preachers in the field to be robbed in order to cover expenses incurred for the maintenance and furnishing of the house of God.«
Expanded Circle of Those Entitled According to Ellen White
»Ellen White states that the tithe should be used for “one purpose – the preservation of preachers”... However, it is evident that Ellen White did not interpret her own writings in such a limited way. As legitimate recipients of tithe funds she included department heads for publishing, mission doctors, Dr. Kellogg’s medical missionaries, a church treasurer and secretary, and apparently book evangelists with particularly difficult field assignments.«
Church’s Obligation to Preachers
»God’s preachers are his shepherds, appointed by him to tend his flock. The tithe is his provision for their support, and it is intended to be kept holy for this purpose. ... When a man enters the preaching ministry, he should be paid enough from the tithe to support his family. He should not feel like a beggar.«
Original Sources (English)
Stephan Krol
Founder of EGW Vision
Why I built EGW Vision
Hello, I am Stephan Krol. I started this Ellen White website to make the writings of Ellen G. White and the Adventist pioneers easier to access for everyone.
EGW Vision helps you find topics, statements, and quotes faster, especially when many original sources are not yet fully available in your language. The tool searches semantically, groups relevant content by topic, and presents matching results as clearly as possible in your language.
My hope is that this tool supports personal Bible study, strengthens trust in the original sources, and helps more people discover the message of these writings with clarity, depth, and joy.
