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Do You Attend Tithing Settlement? - Page 3

"It is an eternal principle that we are accountable for what we have been given by God. ... It is our privilege to exercise our accountability by declaring for (the bishop) our own tithing status. ... Tithing settlement allows us the chance to demonstrate our obedience to the Lord." Kenneth Duvall, talk: The Significance of Tithing Settlement.

I do believe that we are blessed for making the sacrifice of attending our tithing settlement. And as far as records go, there is a story in the above talk about a couple attending tithing settlement. They too thought their records were correct only to find out that a check was missing that they thought that they had paid. We are human and fallible. Even with the best intentions and high intelligence we could make a similar mistake and it is good to be able to check it against church records.

Now, maybe our declaration to the bishop could be handled in another fashion, however, no one carries the mantle of the bishop except for the bishop (BP's also) and there is something to be said for at least one formal visit to him every year. I know that they are so busy and laden down, but bishops are called for the welfare of Zion, which includes people as well as the church and gospel. I am sure there are bishops who would miss this opportunity to visit with his people and discuss an important principle of the gospel that we should be living. And frankly, I love my bishop and would be sad to miss out on that opportunity to visit with him and declare my tithing status to my judge in Israel. That is what make's our full tithing declaration feel so good, is that we can feel joy and a sense of purity to tell of our faithfulness to the one who represents the Lord for us.

We have a daughter whose birthday is on the 22nd of December and it is such a busy month for us, as I know it is for others. If my husband were bishop, I would be supportive and understanding of the time that he would need to take to accomplish this important endeavor. Thanks for reading everyone.

Settlement Tithing Attend Do

Well, I think we, and by we I mean the Church as an organization as well as the individual members, get too hung up on this sort of thing. I don't think it is all that important that the Church have this information checked off for each member. I understand that the scriptures speak of records, etc., but I think we sometimes put too much focus on such things. Regardless of which box the Bishop chooses to select, I am either a full tithe payer or I am not. His selection of a box doesn't change that fact. Perhaps he should have an option that says, "undeclared."

Now, in addition, I could just fill out a slip of paper that says I am or am not a full tithe payer and turn that in as well.

I believe every Bishop should meet with all members of the ward once per year, I just don't think it needs to be done as tithing settlement. In fact, because it is, chances are good that those who don't pay a full tithe may not avail themselves of the opportunity to meet with the Bishop because they don't want to face him and acknowledge they don't pay a full tithe. That is a shame because these people would probably benefit most from having a face to face visit with the Bishop.

I will meet with my Bishop next week, but I still don't consider it necessary. BTW, the answer is yes.

Edited: tenaheff on 2nd Jan, 2004 - 6:08pm

Do You Attend Tithing Settlement? Studies Doctrine Mormon

If it is not important and we just could fill a form stating we are full tithe payers Why then the Church through his Prophet have asked us and counseled us to attend Tithing Settlement?.

Page 3 Settlement Tithing Attend Do

And that would be the point, I feel. It is a question of being humble, obedient and easily entreated - to be as a little child. Rebelliousness says, "I know better than the Lord's annointed."

It is in the little things that we prove ourselves.

Settlement Tithing Attend Do

Some things may seem like a good idea to us, but our wisdom is not perfect. The Lord has set up His church to have someone in charge, our dear prophet and president of the church, sustained by apostles, all general authorities, and area and local leadership. If the Lord in His infinite wisdom thought that tithing settlement was not important He would reveal such truth through the prophet. I have questioned before what would happen if the Lord revealed something to me that the bishop, or the prophet needed to know. Something that would make things run more smoothly in the church, taking all issues in to account. I learned that the Lord doesn't work that way. He has called His chosen leaders for a divine purpose and it wouldn't follow reason or the proper order of things for the Lord to reveal truths and revelation for the church through anyone else but the prophet. The prophet is the Lord's mouthpiece and the Lord's will is revealed through him.

Now, another point I want to make is that tithing settlement is kind of like the "return and report" method practiced by our Heavenly father. We have been taught that at the end of our lives we will return to our Father and make a reporting of how we managed our stewardships. Like others before us, responsibilities are delegated to us and it is up to us to return and report. I know that God in His infinite wisdom set this pattern for us to follow for our good and benefit. So, I will always go to tithing settlement.

We had a year that we were not full tithe payers. There were extenuating circumstances involved, but we chose not to keep that commandment. It sure didn't feel good telling our bishop that, but at least we owned up to our mistake and went through the repentance process. While it felt horrible, I was grateful for a kind and understanding bishop who helped us to overcome that problem. The suggestion that some do not go because they are embarrassed or feel ashamed may be true, but I feel that they should be taught TO go, so that their bishop can help them get back on the right track. Thanks for listening to my humble opinion.

Do You Attend Tithing Settlement?

I see three types of members when it comes to interviews, including tithing settlement.

1. There are the members who are faithfully living the gospel - not perfect, but not likely to be shaken or in great need of the bishop's help at this point. The bishop is usually not overly worried about them, because they are at the point in their spiritual progression that they are stable and faithful without too much ecclesiastical intervention.

2. There are also the members in the middle. These may attend church regularly, pay tithing, hold callings, etc., but they still have some issues to sort out - perhaps habits, unanswered gospel questions, or difficulty integrating into the ward socially. These members are the ones for whom the bishop has the greatest chance of being truly helpful. One can only meander in category 2 for so long - over a lifetime, these members will find themselves in 'the valley of decision,' and they will choose category 1 or category 3.

3. Some members have given in to temptation and fallen into despair. They are often inactive, but may attend sometimes. They are not less loved by their Heavenly Father, but their unwillingness to give up certain aspects of their behaviors or attitudes keeps them from progressing in the gospel. Once a person has made the determination to be in category 3, he or she must decide to change. Members in this situation do come back, and their situation is not hopeless, but when they have chosen this path, they are much less likely heed the words of a bishop until they first admit a need to change.

Of course, any member could fall into different categories at different times. My point is that the bishop is most likely to reach category 2 members at times when they need it most. When category 1 members slip into category 2, sometimes only the Lord knows. Tithing settlement is another face-to-face, private interview, in addition to the recommended annual interviews. Many category 1 members may come to tithing settlement only for the sake of obedience, which is admirable. The counsel they receive may not be life-changing. The bishop gets to check up and discern that things are going well. They declare their status and the time has been well spent.

Category 2 and 3 members, when they come to tithing settlement, have the benefit of a personal conversation with the bishop, who may be prompted to say things or take later actions that benefit these people in their spiritual progression. The gospel is an individual process, and tithing settlement is done one by one, just as so many other facets of the gospel. The Savior has ordained it and set the example. I believe this is one major reason that tithing settlement is still done in person by bishops, and not as forms given to clerks.

Do Attend Tithing Settlement - Page 3

Very well put, Howe. However, a bishop may not be able to discern which category the family is in until they meet. And I know of times in my life where we were being obedient and keeping the commandments, yet the bishop felt to give us information from receiving the promptings of the spirit. It is just a great opportunity to help individuals and families instead of being lumped together with the ward. Thanks.

Do Attend Tithing Settlement Mormon Doctrine Studies - Page 3

That was supposed to be the gist of my rant, but by the time I got to the end, I couldn't articulate it. Thank you!

By the way, being in a student ward is wonderful at tithing settlement, because rather than being interviewed with the family, every person gets a few minutes alone with the bishop. This is great for those, "Bishop, can I talk to you for a minute?" conversations. In the past, when I have had concerns, all I needed sometimes was for the Lord to put me into a situation where I was alone with the bishop for a few minutes, and I finally found the courage to ask some difficult, important questions. I have a feeling I'm not the only one who has been in that position.