I personally don't believe in tithing. God never said you have to give me a certain amount of money to follow. I also think the church has a lot of nerve telling you how much to give. The priests are driving around in Mercedes thanks to the parishoners.
Sorry, didn't mean to rant, but that's my opinion. You give what you can, what you want, not what they tell you.

When my Dad was dying and unable to do anything he was worried that because he couldn't get to a church...well he was worried... I said to him, "if what the bible says is true you don't need to be in the big house(meaning a church) for God to hear you".... he thought about it for a second and then agreed. That being said, I find it disgusting that churches tell you how much to pay... that to me is nothing more than a money making exercise to keep the priests/ministers/whatever each belief calls them in a comfort that a lot of people cannot afford.
True Christianity to me is a humble, charitable way of life, not a money making exercise.
Sorry if i offend anyone,

1Co 16:1 Now, concerning what you wrote about the money to be raised to help God's people in Judea. You must do what I told the churches in Galatia to do. 1Co 16:2 Every Sunday each of you must put aside some money, in proportion to what you have earned, and save it up, so that there will be no need to collect money when I come.
Tithing is an act of faith to help people in need. The Bible encourages us to help one another, to pull together as one to reach out to others. I can't find any specifics on amounts. It sounds as if your Dad has a faithful heart. Maybe you could encourage him to remember all his faithful years and the fact that God has been there to see it all. Malachi was also written before we were aware of the gift of grace from our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus knows that your Dad is doing his best. Also, it sounds as if your Dad has been through some hardships himself. It is not as if he was trying to hide his income, he physicallhy couldn't make it to give his offering. Encourage him with the fact that God knows all and sees that he is making up for it. The New Testament is FULL of the Grace of God...Hope this helps, Lugia

Originally the tithe was 10% of a persons income OR posessions. It is an old testament law, and even the poor would give 10% of their crop or livestock. Besides being used to the work in the kingdom of God, it was used to take care of the widows and orphans.
Your dad, being elderly would probably not change his thinking no matter what you say to him, but even tithing your time, (such as in prayer, worship, counselling others counts.
God does not need our money, but wanted to teach us good stewardship in taking care of His people, our brothers and sisters.
Bless his heart, he is doing what Gods' word says, but God does not NEED our money, and your dad needs to make sure his needs are bing met. If he has money beyond that that he wants to give to the church, that's fine.
Rainbow

Ask his church to write him a letter that he only has to give one % , that way he is still giving and it will be affordable.

ur Dad is quoting from Malachi 3:8-12 & he is right in doing so. Therein is the secret to prosperity, read it 4 urself.
#1 & #2 WRONG! sorry, it's what God tells u, not 'they'.
#4 tithe ur time? what, ya think God will give u more time?
A tithe is 10% of your increase, increase get it?
on top of ur tithe there is offerings, that is decided by ur heart what u want to give. Than over & above these 2 things is First fruits, this is like a tithe on the increse u'd like to see in the oncoming year. Not 1 of these principles have been done away with anywhere in scripture. I put it to you that u have what u have because of the faithfulness of ur dad to tithe. Some would say 'can't afford' to tithe, I'd say can't afford not to tithe.
Think what u will, I have proved these principles time & time again, both through my giving, and through my lack of it. I know which I prefer....

Thanks Sherielyn.... for the opportunity given me to share on your dad's tithing life. First of all tithing is a Divine Principle that comes with a blessing, not a manmade philosophy. In Leviticus 27:30 God's word says " One tenth of all the produce of the land, whether grain or fruit, belongs to the Lord, (Good News Bible)
Tithing is an acts of obedience to God and His commandment because in Deutronomy 28:1 "If you obey the Lord your God and faithfully keep all His commands that i am giving you today, God will make you greater than any other nation on earth" ( GNB)
God honors His word for those who honor Him as it can be seen in Malachi 3:10 "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in Mine house, and prove Me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to recieve it".
Those who honor God with their first fruit are being protected from any trap of the devil(Psalms91;11-12). He gives the angels in charge of their lives and they live to fulfil the number of their days.
I believe your dad is showing gratitude unto God for all he has benefit from Him, so don't hinder him from Acknowledging the payment of his tithe.
He is doing the RIGHT thing because God is the one who gives him grace to get wealth so let him sow bountifully so he can reap bountifully (2 corinthians 9:6).He can only give his BEST offering and not just anything. God's nature does not change whether we tithe or give offering but it is a PRINCIPLE we have to HONOR.God bless you as you allow your dad to be himself and not manipulate him.

I agree with Anointed completely and could not have stated it better myself! Also, I'd agree with statements from PetrolHeat, however inflamatory they were (came on just a tad strong...this person is asking for advice here, let's not jump down her throat! lol)
Scripture tells us to tithe to the church to support charity to others, not to "line the pockets of priests and pastors" as another replyer said. I tithe 10% weekly and know I'm following the Lord's leadership and meeting His commandment with approval.
Maybe you could support your Dad's desire to tithe and, explaining how bills are paid and what is left, discuss alternatives to 'backpaying' all at once. For instance, give his normal weekly or monthly tithe, plus $10 or $20 whatever he is able to afford, until he is 'caught up' if he feels the need. God is not looking down with anger and gonna knock him down or do some terrible voodoo just because he's not been able to tithe. God bless as you help your Dad. I, too, lost my Mom this year and am caring for Dad....paying bills, groceries, laundry...the whole nine yards, but thankfully share the responsibility with my sister.
Hope this helps and hang in there!