Apostolic Friends Forum
Page 2 of 3 1 2 3
Show 40 post(s) from this thread on one page

Apostolic Friends Forum (https://www.apostolicfriendsforum.com/index.php)
-   Fellowship Hall (https://www.apostolicfriendsforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=7)
-   -   Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending (https://www.apostolicfriendsforum.com/showthread.php?t=15315)

Sherri 06-04-2008 06:14 PM
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by CC1 (Post 484292)
Are you sure it is an X type Vanden Plas? I thought the Vanden Plas was an eidition of the XJ series?

The X is the little jag.
Ok, maybe it's XJ. It's the long one. Duh.....I know very little about cars, even the ones we own.

CC1 06-04-2008 06:17 PM
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sherri (Post 484302)
Ok, maybe it's XJ. It's the long one. Duh.....I know very little about cars, even the ones we own.

The X is about the size of the smallest BMW (3 series) and the XJ is the full size jag about the size of a Caddy or Lincoln or BMW 7 series. The S Type was inbetween those two.

Sherri 06-04-2008 06:21 PM
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by CC1 (Post 484307)
The X is about the size of the smallest BMW (3 series) and the XJ is the full size jag about the size of a Caddy or Lincoln or BMW 7 series. The S Type was inbetween those two.
You are just a veritable fount of information!:gaga

stmatthew 06-04-2008 10:07 PM
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by stmatthew (Post 480189)
Your just jealous.









:toofunny j/k
Quote:
Originally Posted by Joelel (Post 484158)
Maybe you should try sticking to the rules. Many times a joke is taken seriously and insults.That's why it's a sin.

Eph.5
[1] Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
[2] And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
[3] But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
[4] Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
[5] For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Hey blind person, Look at my post again. I posted a J/K in my initial post, which means JUST KIDDING. So stop calling me a sinner and an accuser of the brethren.

mizpeh 06-04-2008 10:14 PM
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
 
What?!? StMatthew, I'm shocked!! :reaction

My world's falling apart!!!!!! I thought there were some things I could count on! J/K

(I'm not going to quote you because I know you will edit it!!! Dear Jesus, please convict him!)

stmatthew 06-04-2008 10:26 PM
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by mizpeh (Post 484515)
What?!? StMatthew, I'm shocked!! :reaction

My world's falling apart!!!!!! I thought there were some things I could count on! J/K

(I'm not going to quote you because I know you will edit it!!! Dear Jesus, please convict him!)


HAHAHAHA!!!! I feel much better after venting, and have now edited it to say what i really feel.



:bliss

mizpeh 06-04-2008 10:31 PM
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by stmatthew (Post 484527)
HAHAHAHA!!!! I feel much better after venting, and have now edited it to say what i really feel.



:bliss
Sigh of relief! All is right with the world again! :)

Joelel 06-05-2008 12:51 AM
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by stmatthew (Post 484502)
Hey blind person, Look at my post again. I posted a J/K in my initial post, which means JUST KIDDING. So stop calling me a sinner and an accuser of the brethren.
I don't read letters.An other problem with jokes and foolish talking.

StMark 06-05-2008 05:24 AM
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by stmatthew (Post 481848)
You are right Mark. I do not believe having money is the issue either, though I would gladly take a little bit (or a big lot) more :D.

I really think we live in a different generation that our dad's did. They both started a church (my dad started in a storefront) and labored hard to see it survive. When finances did start coming in, while they to a degree enjoyed the fruit of their labors, they continued to pour it back into the church, and Gods work in general. Their values seemed to be different than the current brand of preachers. The church was a vehicle to build the kingdom, and was not used for personal gain and self serving motives. I don't know about your dad, but my dad took very few vacations. He felt his duty was to be at the church every time it was open, whether he was preaching or not. It was his life. Of course, the few vacations we did take was combined with camp meetings, so even in those few times we did go somewhere on vacation, it was not really a vacation.

Todays preacher takes more R&R vacations than I have seen in years. Between golf, hunting trips, fishing trips, camping trips, and cruises, I have to wonder when they take the time to lay on their faces and pray. But I guess that is another subject for another time.

Good post Matt- sorry i missed it. There's nothing here that I can disagree with. Our backgrounds and ideals are so similar it's almost frieghtening! lol I remember when I was groowing up,we took one vacation a year in the summer and that was to drive back east to visit relatives. we always planned it around Elder Shew's AMF camp meeting in Dallas (or some place close).
I asked my mother the other day, how did you all work so hard,raise 7 kids, go to church every night, etc. and she said " we had more strenght and we were healthier then the people of today. somehow, I think she is right. I see young adults in their 20s in my church and they drag around like they are 95 yrs old. In general, people don't feel good and there is more stress thus the possible reason for more down time.
This is God's church matt. I keep having to tell myself that. I don't like what I see but I have put it in his hands knowing that he has got it all in control.

stmatthew 06-05-2008 08:12 AM
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by StMark (Post 484643)
Good post Matt- sorry i missed it. There's nothing here that I can disagree with. Our backgrounds and ideals are so similar it's almost frieghtening! lol I remember when I was groowing up,we took one vacation a year in the summer and that was to drive back east to visit relatives. we always planned it around Elder Shew's AMF camp meeting in Dallas (or some place close).
I asked my mother the other day, how did you all work so hard,raise 7 kids, go to church every night, etc. and she said " we had more strenght and we were healthier then the people of today. somehow, I think she is right. I see young adults in their 20s in my church and they drag around like they are 95 yrs old. In general, people don't feel good and there is more stress thus the possible reason for more down time.
This is God's church matt. I keep having to tell myself that. I don't like what I see but I have put it in his hands knowing that he has got it all in control.
How is your mom doing? I cherished those few hours I sat in her sewing room and listened to her talk. She is a living patriarch.

Cindy 06-05-2008 08:25 AM
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bro-Larry (Post 482155)
I don't think a Jag is too much car to drive, I drive a 40K pick up. If I drove a car I'd buy an S Type Jag.

AS for being a bad witness, that's in the eye of the beholder. My daddy owns the cattle on a thousand hills and the gold in the hills also.

What about Britney, fidity-cent, foo-daddy and Paris? They don't care what you think of their lifestyles.

Most church people don't even understand what God has provided for His chidren. They mostly have a poverty image. Poverty is one of the curses of the law. Christ has redeemed me from the curse of the law.

Not bragging but my giving is directly proportional to my lifestyle.
Yeah? Now about that truck? Any chance it might be heading to Mineola soon? Sure would be nice to see you and your honey.
Well my car ain't anywhere near 40K but it is going to be paid off this weekend. Thank you Jesus.

Rhoni 06-05-2008 09:01 AM
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Joie (Post 479987)
Not just the rich and famous, do you have examples for more than modest spending in the ministry?

For example, as a minister or in the ministry, is it okay to drive a Jaguar, wear overly extravagant attire, etc?

http://www.christianpost.com/article..._to_Public.htm

Joie,

With all due respect...I was in the ministry for 15 years and I think it a bit bigoted to think that others in your church should be allowed the luxury of such things but it should be denied ministry because of some irrational thought process that they should be poor and outwardly humble to be in ministry.

It brings back very bad memories of one of our board members [1980's] saying, "No minister worth his salt is worth more than $50,000.00 per year [poverty wages today]" spoke by a board member who made more than $50,000.00 as a factory worker with an 8th grade education.

Just touched on my nerve here. I think Preachers/Pastors should reflect the upper average of their congregants. If they can afford it...go for it!

Blessings, Rhoni

Baron1710 06-05-2008 09:05 AM
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rhoni (Post 484701)
Joie,

With all due respect...I was in the ministry for 15 years and I think it a bit bigoted to think that others in your church should be allowed the luxury of such things but it should be denied ministry because of some irrational thought process that they should be poor and outwardly humble to be in ministry.

It brings back very bad memories of one of our board members [1980's] saying, "No minister worth his salt is worth more than $50,000.00 per year [poverty wages today]" spoke by a board member who made more than $50,000.00 as a factory worker with an 8th grade education.

Just touched on my nerve here. I think Preachers/Pastors should reflect the upper average of their congregants. If they can afford it...go for it!

Blessings, Rhoni
Should the preacher with an 8th Grade education make more than the factory worker with an 8th grade education? Should the preacher who has sacrificed and worked hard to get an education be paid the same as the one who is content with an 8th grade education? Should a preacher who has wisely invested what has been placed in his hands be required to live as if he makes $30,000 a year?

bkstokes 06-05-2008 09:26 AM
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rhoni (Post 484701)
Joie,

With all due respect...I was in the ministry for 15 years and I think it a bit bigoted to think that others in your church should be allowed the luxury of such things but it should be denied ministry because of some irrational thought process that they should be poor and outwardly humble to be in ministry.

It brings back very bad memories of one of our board members [1980's] saying, "No minister worth his salt is worth more than $50,000.00 per year [poverty wages today]" spoke by a board member who made more than $50,000.00 as a factory worker with an 8th grade education.

Just touched on my nerve here. I think Preachers/Pastors should reflect the upper average of their congregants. If they can afford it...go for it!

Blessings, Rhoni

Rhoni

I understand exactly what you are saying. I also do not believe that one should live in a poverished way just as a qualifier of being spiritual. However, the example of John Wesley has inspired me and I pray that it would others as well. He was a man who did not give because he had to do so or to fill some type of quota. He gave because he sincerely wanted to bless others. I pray that we all become more like this. That we give in order to bless the less fortunate.

AmazingGrace 06-05-2008 10:26 AM
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
 
I am so glad we have such a wonderful pastor and I am so glad our church absolutely loves to bless him! The giving in our church is so wonderful to see... And our church will also just randomly a member will take a huge basket and place it on the edge of the platform and everyone will just fill it to overflowing with a blessing offering for our pastor. He lives a modest life and with a very large church he could indeed live so much nicer if he chose.. he doesnt and there are times I do wish he would do more for himself but he loves to see it grow...

I remember the last time our church gave the additional basket offering for him... we had a family in our church who used to be missionaries to India... and now are our Indian pastors.. the wifes mother had just passed and they spent much money returning home to be there for the funeral. Pastor said this is so unexpected let us please return this to the S..... family... so we did and then the giving got doubled. We actually carried the offering into the evening service and filled the basket twice.. it was wonderful to see and wonderful to see a loving giving church and one that wants their pastors to flourish and have the best God wants for them!

Joie 06-05-2008 08:54 PM
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rhoni (Post 484701)
Joie,

With all due respect...I was in the ministry for 15 years and I think it a bit bigoted to think that others in your church should be allowed the luxury of such things but it should be denied ministry because of some irrational thought process that they should be poor and outwardly humble to be in ministry.

It brings back very bad memories of one of our board members [1980's] saying, "No minister worth his salt is worth more than $50,000.00 per year [poverty wages today]" spoke by a board member who made more than $50,000.00 as a factory worker with an 8th grade education.

Just touched on my nerve here. I think Preachers/Pastors should reflect the upper average of their congregants. If they can afford it...go for it! Blessings, Rhoni
_____:____________________________________________ ________________

Rhoni :)
..... I don't want to keep any preachers poor.... I want my preacher to be blessed and his needs met with more than enough! I was addressing extreme ministry situations.....

When lavish lifestyles are not even enough... when a single engine airplane is not enough.. gotta have a twin engine.... when a $200 frock is not good enough..gotta have a $400.....when a 3500 sq foot house is not enough... gotta have a 6500 sq foot house..Now some of those mega ministries might need an even bigger house to house their ego! :reaction


There are ministries taking all the tithes with the church's needs not being met ... multiple special offerings must be taken to pay the church bills plus the people in the congregation are
struggling to make ends meet. Isn't there something out of balance if the preacher is living a lavish lifestyle satisfying his wants instead of needs. . Now this is not necessarily a mega church.

Respectfully with love, Joie

Bro-Larry 06-07-2008 10:08 AM
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
 
Joie, Are you saying that the ministry's lifestyle should be somewhat in balance with the people in the pew?

I know of several ministers who are extremely weathy in their own right, because of good asset management, but they keep it disceet. I see nothing wrong with that.

stmatthew 06-07-2008 10:17 AM
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
 
I think as long as a man lives within his means, whether preacher or not, he is ok. If I open a open a business, and make several million a year (let it be so Lord, let it be so :begging) would I be looked down upon for having nice expensive things?? Why do we look at the ministry any different? A preacher that has given his life to a church should be able to partake of the fruits of his continuous labor. Now while the bible does call us to moderation, what do we judge that by? To many in 3rd world countries, most of us are considered rich to the extreme. To some in this country, if we eat out once a week we are splurging. So to me, it comes down to letting the Holy Ghost keep each of us in line with what is moderate, and what is not.

James Griffin 06-07-2008 12:13 PM
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
 
Good point Matt.

In your scenario it was a pastor being good asset manager and money being made on the side. Anyone who has issue with that is a ….. well a person incapable of having a rationale conversation.

I VERY rarely go on a tirade. Even rarer it is in public.

The plethora of anti-tithing, anti-giving posts and articles published lately on the internet and elsewhere is nothing short of sickening. Even more putrid is the portrayal of all pastors as money grubbing Simonites.

The median average attendance in churches today is still in the seventies. And the overwhelming majority of “laity” don’t tithe, even in churches which preach it. Which means the majority of pastors are putting money INTO their churches.

Sick of money for miracles preachers? Who isn’t? I have published articles labeling them parasites feeding off the body of Christ.

However just because there are a few prostitutes masquerading as men of God gives no right to lump all pastors with them. Guess what; read your NT, it was happening while the Apostles were still alive.

If you have a problem with the financial lifestyle your pastor lives, thank God you live in America and just go to church somewhere else.

The vast majority of pastors I know are not in it for the money and would be financially better off if they left the ministry.

Rico 06-07-2008 12:16 PM
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
 
Wow! Brother G is about to preach up in here!

AmazingGrace 06-07-2008 01:41 PM
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
 
Yep I agree Bro G! Ya know what,,, my pastor drives a Lexus... an old one... his wife drives a newer one... they live in a nice 2 story house... in Dallas probably worth about 500,000 and guess what?! The church here wishes they would live nicer than they are but they are happy! They are not money hungry people... he tells stories often of how he has worked 3 and 4 jobs at a time... does he have to now? NOPE! Thank God we have a church over 1000 who love to pay their tithes! They love to give... cant tell you of the services they have given him love offerings of thousands of dollars... ANd he turns and puts it into the building fund or whatever. Or gives it to someone else in need....

He has a church that loves him and he lives very modest compared to what he deserves. He took this church when it had barely over 60 people and in the last 10-15 yrs we have seen massive growth and revival. Starting churches in other countries and states and daughtering so many its hard to count... Yet his love for souls is first and foremost and it shows in everything he does.

We have a very large pastoral staff.. close to or over 20 pastors on staff at our church and they work very hard for what they make and some dont take a salary at all... but they are all so deserving of so much more!

Rico 06-07-2008 02:00 PM
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by AmazingGrace (Post 487827)
Yep I agree Bro G! Ya know what,,, my pastor drives a Lexus... an old one... his wife drives a newer one... they live in a nice 2 story house... in Dallas probably worth about 500,000 and guess what?! The church here wishes they would live nicer than they are but they are happy! They are not money hungry people... he tells stories often of how he has worked 3 and 4 jobs at a time... does he have to now? NOPE! Thank God we have a church over 1000 who love to pay their tithes! They love to give... cant tell you of the services they have given him love offerings of thousands of dollars... ANd he turns and puts it into the building fund or whatever. Or gives it to someone else in need....

He has a church that loves him and he lives very modest compared to what he deserves. He took this church when it had barely over 60 people and in the last 10-15 yrs we have seen massive growth and revival. Starting churches in other countries and states and daughtering so many its hard to count... Yet his love for souls is first and foremost and it shows in everything he does.

We have a very large pastoral staff.. close to or over 20 pastors on staff at our church and they work very hard for what they make and some dont take a salary at all... but they are all so deserving of so much more!
Want me to send you my address, for the next time y'all take up a few thousands smackeroonies he decides to give away? :D

AmazingGrace 06-07-2008 02:06 PM
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rico (Post 487840)
Want me to send you my address, for the next time y'all take up a few thousands smackeroonies he decides to give away? :D
He was joking one service about his car messing up and how that he was just gonna drive his wifes cuz it was newer... Then he said and NO dont send me no offerings to fix my car I can fix it I have just been too busy... one of the ushers went and got this huge basket they have for offerings... put it on the platform and dropped 20 in it and then it took off... we had a line of every single church person dropping money it in... he stood and laughed for a bit and then he said no this family is in serious need due to a death in the family... And he called them up and handed them the basket!!! He is definitely a man of great character (and he is one a lot too! lol) But we sure love him!

Rico 06-07-2008 02:13 PM
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by AmazingGrace (Post 487844)
He was joking one service about his car messing up and how that he was just gonna drive his wifes cuz it was newer... Then he said and NO dont send me no offerings to fix my car I can fix it I have just been too busy... one of the ushers went and got this huge basket they have for offerings... put it on the platform and dropped 20 in it and then it took off... we had a line of every single church person dropping money it in... he stood and laughed for a bit and then he said no this family is in serious need due to a death in the family... And he called them up and handed them the basket!!! He is definitely a man of great character (and he is one a lot too! lol) But we sure love him!
SWEET! Pretty neat the way God blessed that family, huh?

AmazingGrace 06-07-2008 02:21 PM
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rico (Post 487852)
SWEET! Pretty neat the way God blessed that family, huh?
Yes indeed! Our pastor and church are totally awesome we are indeed Blessed!

Joie 06-07-2008 02:22 PM
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by AmazingGrace (Post 487844)
He was joking one service about his car messing up and how that he was just gonna drive his wifes cuz it was newer... Then he said and NO dont send me no offerings to fix my car I can fix it I have just been too busy... one of the ushers went and got this huge basket they have for offerings... put it on the platform and dropped 20 in it and then it took off... we had a line of every single church person dropping money it in... he stood and laughed for a bit and then he said no this family is in serious need due to a death in the family... And he called them up and handed them the basket!!! He is definitely a man of great character (and he is one a lot too! lol) But we sure love him!
Tks AG... what a heartwarming testimony! Yes, those are fine folks. I know them .. your pastor's wife is from the same area I am from in Louisiana... she is younger. Have visited her home church in La.... Talley's Chapel.

Years ago, my dear dh took me to your church for an anniversary service when they gave
the elder pastor a gold Cadillac. :)

One of my oldest friends is in your church Johni Norman Loucks and her husband Don.

AG.. wonderful getting to know you...I am certain we know many of the same brothers and sisters..:)

_________________________________________

Rico... it is nice to get to know you too.... you are extremely entertaining... :)

AmazingGrace 06-07-2008 02:28 PM
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Joie (Post 487856)
Tks AG... what a heartwarming testimony! Yes, those are fine folks. I know them .. your pastor's wife is from the same area I am from in Louisiana... she is younger. Have visited her home church in La.... Talley's Chapel.

Years ago, my dear dh took me to your church for an anniversary service when they gave
the elder pastor a gold Cadillac. :)

One of my oldest friends is in your church Johni Norman Loucks and her husband Don.

AG.. wonderful getting to know you...I am certain we know many of the same brothers and sisters..:)

_________________________________________

Rico... it is nice to get to know you too.... you are extremely entertaining... :)

Amen! They love the pastors here for sure!

Glad to know you also! I am sure we do! I have not gone to Bro H's church forever but the church I went to before this was only 10 min down the road and my best friend grew up in this church so I have visited it my entire life... since it was so small and now to see the diff... WOW!

PMBrown 10-08-2008 09:30 PM
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
 
I don't see a problem with ministers enjoying the blessings God has given them as long as their priorities are in the right place. After all, how else are we to think about God's blessings overtaking us?..............(also see 3John 1:2)

Scott Hutchinson 10-08-2008 09:35 PM
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by PMBrown (Post 606044)
I don't see a problem with ministers enjoying the blessings God has given them as long as their priorities are in the right place. After all, how else are we to think about God's blessings overtaking us?..............(also see 3John 1:2)
I agree my friend.

mizpeh 10-08-2008 09:36 PM
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by StMark (Post 480218)
The days for man's kingdom is coming to end and most of the ministry doesn't even see it. They are still living in the 80s and 90s. I believe a reality check is on the way though.


Personally, I don't think a pastor should drive an overly extravegant car.Especially in this day and age when more and more people don't trust pastors. The bible says to let your moderation be KNOWN to all men


I just read where the majority of americans trust their bar tender more then they do pastors
bump

ThePastorsCoach 10-08-2008 10:56 PM
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
 
Well......My two cents worth.
If a minister can raise it and his supporters give it - he should be able to buy, drive, fly, live in what ever he wants and if I don't give to him - I have NO RIGHT to judge him or tell him what he should do with the money that his supporters give him.

IT IS CERTAINLY NOT GRASSLEY and the GOVERNMENTS business to tell Ministers what to do or what NOT to do with their money.

If you support Grassley - he will be telling YOU what you can drive and live in next!

KEEP THE GOVERNMENT OUT OF THE CHURCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

George 10-09-2008 01:09 AM
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
 
This thread makes me wanna cuss!!! This is the epitome of stupidity!!! I know a pastor who lives in a mansion, drives a nice car, and has never taken one dollar from his church because he is independently wealthy. Before you go pointing fingers at a pastor, you better find out the truth behind it all. You mess with God's anointed and the bears may come and eat you up.

Furthermore, am I the only one sick and tired of holier-than-thou Joelel???? Can't take a joke because the Bible talks about jesting?!?!?!? What is he gonna do with the scripture that says laughter is like a medicine?

FYI - 2008 Jaguar X Type Pricing
Submodel MSRP
2008 X-Type 3.0 RWD 4-Dr Sedan V6 $35,060
2008 X-Type Sport Wagon RWD 4-Dr Wagon V6 $39,330
AND, your ultra con pastor may have paid $50,000 for his pickup!!!
You ought to look up some car prices before you start smack talking.

ThePastorsCoach 10-09-2008 01:12 AM
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by George (Post 606104)
This thread makes me wanna cuss!!! This is the epitome of stupidity!!! I know a pastor who lives in a mansion, drives a nice car, and has never taken one dollar from his church because he is independently wealthy. Before you go pointing fingers at a pastor, you better find out the truth behind it all. You mess with God's anointed and the bears may come and eat you up.

Furthermore, am I the only one sick and tired of holier-than-thou Joelel???? Can't take a joke because the Bible talks about jesting?!?!?!? What is he gonna do with the scripture that says laughter is like a medicine?

FYI - 2008 Jaguar X Type Pricing
Submodel MSRP
2008 X-Type 3.0 RWD 4-Dr Sedan V6 $35,060
2008 X-Type Sport Wagon RWD 4-Dr Wagon V6 $39,330
AND, your ultra con pastor may have paid $50,000 for his pickup!!!
You ought to look up some car prices before you start smack talking.
ROFL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE IT! COME ON AND TELL DA TRUTH!!!!!!!!!!
:friend:amen:amen:amen

George 10-09-2008 01:56 AM
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
 
Ain't nothin' but truth in me! :dance

PMBrown 10-09-2008 03:34 AM
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by AtlantaBishop (Post 606070)
Well......My two cents worth.
If a minister can raise it and his supporters give it - he should be able to buy, drive, fly, live in what ever he wants and if I don't give to him - I have NO RIGHT to judge him or tell him what he should do with the money that his supporters give him.

IT IS CERTAINLY NOT GRASSLEY and the GOVERNMENTS business to tell Ministers what to do or what NOT to do with their money.

If you support Grassley - he will be telling YOU what you can drive and live in next!

KEEP THE GOVERNMENT OUT OF THE CHURCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AMEN to that!!! :iagree

SOUNWORTHY 10-09-2008 07:45 AM
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
 
One time our local news paper came out with an article about how rich our pastor was. He lived in a big house (not that big), had money, owned property and had a storehouse full of expensive cars. What they didn't know is that our pastor was down to one car and he had to find a way to the office at the church until we loaned him my wife's un air conditioned Ford Escort in the month of August.

That pastor now drives a Jag. (10 years old at that) He does own property paid for by investments, not the church.

The bible says a servant is worth his hire.

A_PoMo 10-09-2008 10:01 AM
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
 
Idk, research shows that one of the major objections to becoming a christian by the unchurched is that they have the perception (whether fair or unfair, whether true or untrue it doesn't matter) that all the church/preachers want is their money. There are other perceptions that play into their perception of the church in general, but this is one of the major ones.

With that in mind I have to wonder what Jesus would do and what did Paul do? If Paul would dial back his financial situation for the sake of ill-informed CHRISTIANS, how much more would he dial it back for unbelievers? Whether wealth is right or wrong is irrelevant. What impact does it have on the kingdom? That's the question I ask myself.

I'm getting rid of my houses, my Jag, my Benz, and most of my stuff. It's an albatross and I find freedom is in the NOT having of all that suff.

mizpeh 10-09-2008 10:48 AM
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by A_PoMo (Post 606178)
Idk, research shows that one of the major objections to becoming a christian by the unchurched is that they have the perception (whether fair or unfair, whether true or untrue it doesn't matter) that all the church/preachers want is their money. There are other perceptions that play into their perception of the church in general, but this is one of the major ones.

With that in mind I have to wonder what Jesus would do and what did Paul do? If Paul would dial back his financial situation for the sake of ill-informed CHRISTIANS, how much more would he dial it back for unbelievers? Whether wealth is right or wrong is irrelevant. What impact does it have on the kingdom? That's the question I ask myself.

I'm getting rid of my houses, my Jag, my Benz, and most of my stuff. It's an albatross and I find freedom is in the NOT having of all that suff.
Are you giving the money from selling your stuff to the poor in the church? :tease

StMark 10-09-2008 11:17 AM
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by George (Post 606104)
This thread makes me wanna cuss!!! This is the epitome of stupidity!!! I know a pastor who lives in a mansion, drives a nice car, and has never taken one dollar from his church because he is independently wealthy. Before you go pointing fingers at a pastor, you better find out the truth behind it all. You mess with God's anointed and the bears may come and eat you up.

Furthermore, am I the only one sick and tired of holier-than-thou Joelel???? Can't take a joke because the Bible talks about jesting?!?!?!? What is he gonna do with the scripture that says laughter is like a medicine?

FYI - 2008 Jaguar X Type Pricing
Submodel MSRP
2008 X-Type 3.0 RWD 4-Dr Sedan V6 $35,060
2008 X-Type Sport Wagon RWD 4-Dr Wagon V6 $39,330
AND, your ultra con pastor may have paid $50,000 for his pickup!!!
You ought to look up some car prices before you start smack talking.

You have a point but don't you think there is a line? Even though you have it, the COMMUNITY that you are serving may not know all the things you mentioned and would you not want to distract them out of the message you are trying to bring to them??? Especially in a small community, it doesn't take long for false rumors to start flying " did you see that preachers house, car, clothes,etc..... I just knew he was taking all those poor peoples money!" etc

Also, what if a pastor was independantly wealthy but pastored in a coal minning town where most of his saints were barely above poverty level?
Just asking how it would look if he had a mansion while most of his members lived in shacks

George 10-09-2008 01:34 PM
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by StMark (Post 606206)
You have a point but don't you think there is a line? Even though you have it, the COMMUNITY that you are serving may not know all the things you mentioned and would you not want to distract them out of the message you are trying to bring to them??? Especially in a small community, it doesn't take long for false rumors to start flying " did you see that preachers house, car, clothes,etc..... I just knew he was taking all those poor peoples money!" etc

Also, what if a pastor was independantly wealthy but pastored in a coal minning town where most of his saints were barely above poverty level?
Just asking how it would look if he had a mansion while most of his members lived in shacks
I know several preachers who are indenpendently wealthy and they live grand. I can immediately think of two pastors who have large (one over 250 and the other over 1,000) churches, are very involved in their communities, and are greatly respected. The thing is, their congregation KNOWS they are not abusing church funds. The word of mouth of the saints letting people know their pastor doesn't take from the church is what makes their churches grow. Chances are, if the church is of a decent size, that pastor is greatly respected and not condemned for his lifestyle. It is always the jealous outsiders that point fingers. Like every arena of life, there will always be a bad apple in the bunch but don't loop all these men into the bad category.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 10:08 PM.
Page 2 of 3 1 2 3
Show 40 post(s) from this thread on one page

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.5
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.