Q: Why aren’t all teachers — rather than just Bible teachers — in our denomination paid with tithe when they are ministering to their students? — Imadylle, the Philippines
A: Imadylle, although only Bible teachers are paid directly from the tithe, this does not in any way diminish the importance of the work that other teachers do. Many are paid, at least in part, by freewill offerings and other donations.
As our church’s official statement on the use of tithe says:
“God’s plan for the support of His work on this earth is through the tithe and freewill offerings of His people. The tithe is the main source of funding for the total proclamation of the gospel to all the world by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. … Because the tithe is reserved for a special purpose, freewill offerings must provide the funding for many functions of the gospel work.”
This official statement, which was voted at the Annual Council on Oct. 14, 1985, is very clear regarding the purpose of tithe, how it is to be collected and distributed, and gives the specifics of how tithe may and may not be used.
You may read the document at: adventist.org/en/information/official-statements/guidelines/article/go/-/use-of-tithe/