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What is Relational Tithe?

Relational Tithe is grounded in the belief that God has designed an economy of abundance, encouraging people to care for one another in a spirit of friendship. This vision transcends traditional notions of benevolence, charity, or philanthropy, calling for genuine, relational connections.

What began as a small experiment among friends in 2005 has since evolved into a global movement. Inspired by the 2002 Jubilee Celebration in New York, Darin Petersen and Shane Claiborne explored how collaborative giving could be integrated into daily life, leading to the founding of Relational Tithe, Inc. This initiative was created for those seeking a more adventurous, relational, and passionate expression of faith. Starting with just a handful of participants in the U.S., the movement has grown to include people from around the world, all united by a desire for meaningful connection and impact.

Since its inception, Relational Tithe’s influence extends far beyond its original small group. It has touched countless lives across various countries, providing substantial financial support to families and individuals in need, while fostering deep relationships among its members.

At the core of Relational Tithe is not merely the act of giving but the deep, meaningful relationships that form as members journey alongside those they support. Unlike many philanthropic or charity organizations that focus solely on the distribution of goods and services, Relational Tithe emphasizes understanding the individuals behind the needs. This relational approach has been transformative, offering care to those in need while deepening participants’ understanding of poverty, pain, and injustice.

In 2011, Relational Tithe introduced Common Change, a cloud-based application designed to facilitate collaborative giving. This platform makes it easier than ever for people to participate in and experience the power of relational giving. What began as a small initiative has grown, and now, through Common Change, anyone can join in this journey of relational care and transformation.