I don't know about the demanding part. I've never been in a church that did that. I've heard of some churches where the preacher would preach until they met the budget--obviously they had some membership issues.

I think you ought to give as much as you can and still have a good attitude about it. Never go into debt to give to the church--I don't think thats biblical at all. I mean God owns everything including dirt, bacteria, etc. Going into debt, to me, means that you think WAY too much about yourself. I have thithed for almost as long as I've had a paycheck to offer one on and the Lord has always been faithful to take care of my needs--I've always had enough and then some--to his glory.

Josh
"...the word of God is not bound."--2 Timothy 2:9