The early Church, under Paul’s guidance, established a clear understanding that the Church, under the headship of Christ, was to be a pillar of care and provision for those in need within the community. Paul called believers to participate financially through their tithes and offerings so that the Church could fulfill this responsibility. We see this clearly in 1 Corinthians 16:1–4 (NIV): “Now about the collection for the Lord’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to