Deborah’s Messianic Ministries Finances is audited by an independent Account Firm under Deborah’s Messianic Ministries

Deborah’s Messianic Ministries Finances Are Audited Annually By An Independent Accounting Firm

Ministry/Congregation Financial Accountability

Overview: At Deborah’s Messianic Ministries (and affiliates Beit Midrash Tefillah Hallel Congregation & Chicago ResTORAHation 2008) , we respect God's Economy of Tithes and Offerings. We also respect God's commands to take good care of our pastoral staff who, according to scripture, are worthy of double pay and who have a scriptural mandate to make all or part of their living from preaching the gospel. (See 1 Timothy 5:17-18, 1 Corinthians 9:3-14) Furthermore, we respect the hard earned money of God's people and recognize that every church/ministry should be a faithful steward of money in the eyes of God and men. (2 Corinthians 8:21)

Procedures: Accordingly, Tithes & Offerings at Deborah’s Messianic Ministries in Westchester, IL are independently counted by two members and are deposited promptly. All financial records and disbursements are handled using the best church management accounting software available today. Deborah’s Messianic Ministries records are evaluated by an independent CPA auditor each year. Quarterly financial statements are available upon request from Deborah’s Messianic Ministries in Westchester, IL regarding income and outgo. Individual giving records are sent to contributors in January of the new year. Deborah’s Messianic Ministries in Westchester, IL is approved by the IRS as a 501(c)3 non-profit charity/church incorporated in Illinois. Furthermore, Deborah’s Messianic Ministries gives 10% or more of all tithes and offerings directly evangelistic world missions and local ministries. You may also go here to see financial report for June 2006 to June 2007

Fund Raising Policy: It is the policy of Deborah’s Messianic Ministries to honestly and accurately share the challenges and situations our ministry/congregation faces in all areas of our local and international ministries. We make known needs and potential solutions so that members and friends can prayerfully consider sharing financially as the Lord leads and enables them. We believe motivation for all true giving comes as God moves in the hearts of people. Our part is to inform and give opportunity without imposing undue obligation or pressure. As responsible stewards, when funding requirements for a preferred need or project are met, it is Deborah’s Messianic Ministries Policy to apply remaining funds to the next priority project or pressing need.

TITHING: The word "tithe" means tenth. God has both a plan to prosper His people and to finance the spreading of the Gospel, simultaneously! It is His Tenth Plan. According to scripture, God requires ten cents on every dollar we earn to be given to our local church. The Bible says that the tithe (tenth) is holy to the Lord (Leviticus 27:30). When we are obedient to tithe, we are acknowledging that every thing we have (money, material goods, a sound mind, good health, our employment, our family, time literally everything) comes from Him. He then, in turn, increases our income, stretches our 90%, protects our 90%, and causes us to enjoy our 90% with a clear conscience.

God instructs in Malachi chapter 3 that all our "tithes" (plural, from all our income sources) go to our local congregation/ministry, the singular "storehouse." Also God wants to bless us as we are obedient to give offerings over and above the first tenth of our incomes. Our offerings can go wherever God may lead or for whatever purpose we desire in our hearts. God promises to multiply these offering seeds sown and to increase the fruits of our righteousness (see 2 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9). As we bring offerings, He promises in Luke 6:38 that there will be a reciprocal giving back to us, as He uses other people to bless our lives. He even promises in Mark 10:29, 30 that He will multiply anything we sacrifice, or give up for the cause of Christ and the Gospel. Our obedience to tithe and bring offerings proves that we are growing in Christ-like character because it is the nature of God to give. God gives. Man hoards. Satan steals. The good news is that the scriptures are copiously replete with promise after promise to meet our every need, if we are good financial stewards, so that we always have enough to live, enough to enjoy, and enough to give.

Here are some more references on Tithes and Offerings: Genesis 14:17-20, Genesis 28:10-22, Nehemiah 13:10-14, Proverbs 3:9,10, Malachi 3:6-12, Philippians 4:10-19 (especially good in the Amplified Bible), Numbers Chapter 18, Hebrews 7:8 reveals that Yeshua/Jesus our Great Cohen Kadol/High Priest in heaven receives our tithes (actually all of chapter 7), 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, Jesus said that tithing ought to be done in Luke 11:42.

Some misunderstand tithing to be only an Old Testament law. Yes, it was law under Moses. But Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and the patriarchs were tithers BEFORE there was a Torah to do so. They did so, not because they had a RULE to do so, but because they had a REASON to do so... their FAITH in Yeshua Ha Mashiach/Jesus Christ. They understood tithing to be an expression of obedience from anyone who had a RELATIONSHIP with God. It was the right thing to do for people of faith BEFORE the institution of the law. And the Bible teaches in the New Testament that we are "walk in the steps of our father of faith, Abraham." So tithing is right thing to do, an expression of thanksgiving and trust, according to His Torah/God’s Teaching and Instructions, by His grace!