It’s Not a Money Problem

As financial pressures mount, the future of Adventist Education depends on our collective commitment and faithfulness.

The cost of Adventist Education continues to rise each year—and that trend will not stop until Jesus comes. Why? Because roughly 75% of the cost to operate our schools lies in personnel. As inflation increases, so does the well-deserved remuneration for our teachers and staff. It’s simple math.

Meanwhile, the ability of families to pay grows more strained at the same—or an even faster—rate. This dynamic puts increasing pressure on churches and conferences to find ways to keep Adventist Education accessible to every child who wants to attend. It’s a challenge that demands our time, energy, prayers, and numerous meetings. Honestly, it’s time that could otherwise be spent on innovation, growth, and excellence.

I just finished my 25th year working in Adventist Education. What a privilege it has been. I have seen God’s blessings poured out in many ways and have witnessed His consistent watch care over our system—both broadly and within our Michigan Conference. One such blessing is the Christian Education Scholarship Endowment, started by Dr. Arthur Weaver nearly 20 years ago. It continues to provide assistance from elementary through college. Yet, even this generous endowment covers only about a third of the financial need represented by student applications each year.

The cost of Adventist Education can be prohibitive—especially for families with multiple children. I am a denominational employee blessed to receive tuition subsidies, and it’s still a financial challenge with four children attending Adventist institutions at various levels: elementary, junior academy, academy, and college. I can only imagine what it’s like for families without subsidies who still choose Adventist Education.

Schools need students—but they also need students who can pay. Gone are the days when most families could afford tuition and only a small number required assistance. Today, the vast majority of families need financial support, while only a small percentage can pay full tuition. This reality is wreaking havoc on our educational system and signals dangerous times ahead for our schools’ sustainability. Enrollment numbers in a school are not always a measure of financial security. It’s more related to the percentage of students who are paying the full tuition in real dollars. Sometimes, higher enrollment can actually be a greater financial challenge for a school because the demand for scholarships is higher and more difficult to meet.

To help families, schools often dip into their operating budgets to subsidize student accounts. The ripple effects include underfunded depreciation, minimal program offerings, and overburdened staff. Churches must give more, not only through their budget allocations but also through individualized support of families in need.

We’re also encountering another problem: families who earn a decent living but still struggle with tuition costs. They don’t qualify for aid, yet the burden of paying full tuition can be overwhelming. Yes, some families who could afford it make other choices or prioritize differently—that’s a discussion for another time.

To be blunt, I don’t believe we have a money problem. There is plenty of money. Adventist Education—and all church ministry—is never truly hindered by a lack of funds when God’s people are faithful in returning tithe.

There it is, plain and simple.

I’ve heard that only about 50% of our North American Division membership returns a faithful tithe. And yet, God’s work continues. Imagine what could happen if 100% of our members returned tithe!

When King Joash was moved to rebuild the temple, he set up a collection box. The people responded so generously that the box had to be emptied repeatedly (2 Kings 12:4–16; 2 Chronicles 24:14). There was such a surplus that additional items were crafted for temple use.

In Exodus 36:3–7, the Israelites gave so freely for the sanctuary that Moses had to command them to stop—because there was too much! And remember, this was above and beyond their tithe; it was freewill offering.

We don’t hear that kind of announcement in Adventist Education today.

In Elisha’s time, the School of the Prophets had to expand because enrollment was too high (2 Kings 6:1–2). That’s a “problem” we long to have again. Sadly, many of our schools today have empty, deteriorating classrooms—buildings that once bustled with students.

Haggai offers a sobering warning. In chapter 1, God’s people had neglected the temple to focus on their own houses. As a result, their efforts were fruitless: “You earn wages, only to put them in a bag with holes” (Haggai 1:6). Sound familiar?

Today, the most important temple is not made of stone. It’s us. We are the sanctuary God longs to dwell in (1 Corinthians 3:16–17). That includes our children. Are we building them up? Are we investing in their spiritual formation through Adventist Education—or building our own houses instead?

If every member returned a faithful tithe, think of the possibilities:

• Lower tuition costs
• Adequate staffing and program offerings
• No overextended teachers
• Increased access to Adventist Education for every family

Just as importantly, we would eliminate the excuse of affordability. If education is made accessible and a family still chooses another system, the responsibility lies with them—not the church.

Let me be frank: Adventist Education is at a crossroads. Across the North American Division, schools are closing. In the Michigan Conference alone, we’ve lost 26% of our elementary enrollment over the past ten years. That’s not just an education problem—it reflects a broader demographic crisis in our church.

Now, more than ever, we need every child we can reach to be in our schools. The future of the church depends on it. Our churches will not survive without young people growing in faith through Adventist Education.

If you’re a Seventh-day Adventist who has struggled with returning tithe, I urge you to pray about it. Consider what God longs to do for you—and through you.

Malachi 3:8–10 says:

“Will a man rob God?
Yet you have robbed Me!
But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’
In tithes and offerings.
You are cursed with a curse,
for you have robbed Me,
even this whole nation.
Bring all the tithes into the storehouse,
that there may be food in My house,
and try Me now in this,”
says the Lord of hosts,
“If I will not open for you the windows of heaven
and pour out for you such blessing
that there will not be room enough to receive it.”

Verses 11–12 add:

“And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes…
And all nations will call you blessed,
For you will be a delightful land,”
Says the Lord of hosts.

God’s blessing accompanies faithful giving. He will bless our church and its work when we return what is His. There are children who will be in the Kingdom because of Adventist Education. Let’s ensure we are doing everything we can to support that mission—while there is still time in the hourglass of Earth’s history.