Can I give to charity instead of my church?

Introducing a New Podcast, Idle Treasure

The Heart of Money podcast isn't going anywhere, but it is on a short break.  Over the last year, we've been working on creating something special just for you. Here is the first sneak peek to our new podcast mini-series, Idle Treasure.

Can I give to charity instead of my church?

What does faithful generosity look like?  In this episode we tackle the honest question so many believers face: can I give to a charity instead of giving to my church? Rather than chasing a quick yes or no, we slow down to name the real motives, bring scripture into view, and outline practical next steps that honor both your calling and the Church.

To Tithe, Or Not To Tithe?

It's the age-old debate: do I need to tithe or not?  The tricky thing is, when we begin to discuss tithing it's hard to let our guards down. In this episode we seek to bypass many of the obstacles that keep us from an honest, open discussion about tithing. We'll trace the history of tithing in the Old Testament, introduce "grace giving" in the New Testament, and reflect on Jesus' example.  Our aim is not to convince you to tithe (or not), but rather, help you evaluate how tithing can either hurt or enhance your relationship with God.  If you're looking for a gentle discussion about tithing, consider this your guide. Links from episode: Bible Study: The Good Investor's Guide to Spiritual Health and Money [https://www.amazon.com/Good-Investors-Guide-Spiritual-connection/dp/B0CJHB6XFC/ref=sr_1_1?crid=ZWUGO1QVL14I&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.UEghSUVt169Uo29S_Hc7foKNH4Se_JhL9rItfXlzAMLGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.nCeM-ns--hozUaQvZmEDslLdbozWNXTM6qHp50ebMsA&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+good+investors+guide+to+spiritual+health+and+money&qid=1761074126&sprefix=the+good+inves%2Caps%2C161&sr=8-1] Website [https://www.financialdiscipleship.center/]

Why Money Matters to God

What if your money told a story about who you worship? We dive into a question many believers feel but rarely voice: why would an infinite God care so much about money? The answer starts with identity. We were created first as worshipers and then as stewards, and that order reshapes every choice we make—earning, giving, saving, and spending. When worship leads, stewardship becomes an act of love rather than a race for output. In this conversation, we trace this through scripture: Cain and Abel show that God weighs the heart behind the gift, not just the gift itself. Mary and Martha remind us that presence with Jesus outranks productivity for Jesus. And Paul’s letters to the Corinthians reveal generosity as a test of sincere love, pointing us back to the grace of Christ, who became poor so we could become rich in Him. Along the way, we wrestle with a real-world tension faced by high-capacity leaders: should I push for more ventures that crowd my calendar, or slow down to abide? The answer isn’t anti-ambition; it’s about alignment—offering God worship first so our work flows cleanly from it. You’ll leave with practical questions that recalibrate the heart: Do my financial choices deepen my dependence on God? Does my giving lead others to thank Him? Where is my money training my affections? We share rhythms for prayerful decision-making, frameworks for planned and spontaneous generosity, and a simple test for stewardship that echoes Paul’s vision: use money in ways that meet real needs and spark praise.

Bridging the Gap Between Faith and Finances

What if the real tension in your finances isn’t about math, but about desire? In this episode, we look straight at the quiet canyon many believers feel between the life of faith they affirm and the money choices they make—then trace that divide to its source in the heart. With Scripture, lived experience, and clear-eyed data, we map how cultural wealth, silence in our churches, and rising anxiety have normalized a Christian lifestyle that is nearly undistinguishable from its non-Christian neighbors. If you’ve felt the ache between your values and your Visa, this conversation offers clarity, courage, and next steps. We want to help you cross the canyon with trust, and your wants are slowly reshaped toward Christ.  If this resonated, subscribe, share it with a friend who needs hope, and leave a review to help more people find these honest, Christ-centered money conversations.