Accra: Bishop George Nii Noi Payne, the Founder and Head of Restoration Christian Fellowship International, has called on Christians to take the payment of tithes more seriously in the upcoming year, emphasizing that tithing is a permanent moral obligation with both spiritual and material implications for believers.
According to Ghana News Agency, Bishop Payne described tithing as an enduring principle that has transcended generations. He noted that although the mode of payment has evolved over the centuries, the spiritual foundation of tithing remains unchanged. Historically, earnings were mostly in kind, particularly farm produce, making tithing a form of barter involving food items. However, he explained that the shift to a cash-based income system does not invalidate the principle that the first ten percent of income belongs to God.
Bishop Payne referenced biblical scriptures, including Leviticus 27:30 and Malachi 3:10-11, to reject claims that tithing is no longer relevant under the New Testament. He argued that the Old Testament provides foundational spiritual laws that continue to apply to believers today. He cited successful Ghanaian business figures, such as Ernest Chemist and Borgas, as examples of individuals who have prospered through faithfulness in tithing.
The bishop addressed social media narratives suggesting that tithing merely serves to enrich pastors, calling these views misconceptions. He explained that tithes are used by churches to support administrative work, assist the needy, and respond to urgent financial needs of members, which he described as an added blessing to the church community.
Bishop Payne linked financial faithfulness to spiritual security, asserting that believers are engaged in constant spiritual warfare and that God rebukes negative forces on behalf of those who honor Him through tithing. He emphasized that blessings do not always manifest in financial forms but can appear as protection from accidents, misfortune, and other dangers. Even when income seems insufficient, he noted that God sustains those who prioritize giving.
To promote consistency, he advised believers to adopt a weekly tithing approach by setting aside a tenth of every income or blessing as it is received, rather than waiting until the end of the month. He urged believers to view tithing as a covenant relationship with God and a means of securing their future. He expressed confidence that faithful givers would experience financial empowerment and business growth in 2026.