Wilderland

I was released as a Bishop last month. We have no specific training on the intricacies of tithing, and you are correct that, “Are you a full tithe payer?” is about the extent of the question. We are instructed not to add to, embellish, or sermonize any of the recommend questions, but it IS necessary to help youth and new members better understand what an honest tithe is. Occasionally someone will ask about specifics, like tithing on net or gross. The handbook is purposefully vague-ish. It’s a matter of faith to pay tithing. “Prove me now, herewith…” They are counseled to pray and be honest with the Lord. In part, the recommend interview is an opportunity for members to declare to the Lord their worthiness to enter His house. To my knowledge, no member of our ward lied to me about tithing during a recommend interview. However, there were a handful of times I didn’t issue a recommend, and in every instance it was because the member was not a full tithe payer, and admitted it. Interestingly, there were a few very active members who paid little in tithing, and some who never attend church who are full tithe payers. Bishops have to submit yearly tithing reports. One of my least favorite responsibilities was, in the context of this report, having to declare for those members who never attended tithing declaration whether they were a full, part, or non-tithe payer. The non-payers were easy. However, for those who paid something, it required looking at their donation history, generously estimating (to their benefit) how much income they might make, and completing the report. It even asks if the member declared, or the Bishop is determining the information. It takes a lot of discernment and grace, and after five years of making, quite literally, judgement calls, it never got any easier. A plea: please, please attend tithing declaration!