![]() |
Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
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 |
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
Modesty? What's modesty?
|
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
Beautiful thread. This should raise our collective IQ at least a negative 40 points.
|
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
Quote:
|
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
and I have no problem with Sherri driving a jaguar..she does more than her share for missions...
|
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
From the article:
Copeland, who has said his ministry fully complies with all laws, believes the inquiry is a violation of religious freedom, an invasion of privacy and a threat to the separation of Church and State. Where does the constitution mention the separation of Church and State? Good luck finding it. The liberals use this phrase, taken from writings of one of the founding fathers, to further their agenda to completely erase any mention of God in our society. Now Copeland thinks he's being slick and is using this misunderstanding as a defense against anyone looking into what he does with the money that is given to him? What a joke! Also from the article: Further questioning the probe, Copeland has raised suspicion about Grassley targeting only Pentecostal churches that preach the prosperity gospel - a teaching that God wants his followers to be rich both spiritually and materially. Good! Its about time someone looked into how Copeland and his kind have perverted the Word of God for personal gain! From the article: Many have shown support for Grasley's investigation, saying the Iowa senator is being careful and not going into doctrinal issues. Rusty Leonard of MinistryWatch.org - which rates ministries on financial transparency to aid donors - says the inquiry is well-founded as it is trying to ensure that the ministries' leaders are adhering to "fundamental biblical principles such as transparency and honesty while exhibiting a sacrificial lifestyle modeled after Jesus." Go Rusty! Go Rusty! Go Rusty! From the article: "If KCM failed to defend its legal rights, then it is deeply concerned that you and your church or your neighbor's church could be next," said the ministry. Yeah right! Copeland is concerned about one thing and one thing only; protecting his golden egg laying goose! |
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
No offense or surely no condemnation intended toward anyone on this board.... have not been around very long to know who is who.
Nevertheless,off the board, I have been around long enough to see how sad it is when big churches spend extravagantly within the ministry. At the same time, three offerings were being taken at services because the electric bill was so expensive in the summer. Believe me, our giving was extragavant, and I loved that church. I agree Brother Rico. |
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
Actually, by designating certain ministries and churches as being tax exempt, the revenue which would have come from their income and property taxes has to be made up for by the taxpayers. Isn't this a form of government subsidy of religion?
I think one of the problems with Kenneth Copeland's ministry is an airplane which is owned by the "corporation" for transporting ministers, etc, but it has been used in the past for private use. |
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
Quote:
Seriously Joie, I think those kinds of lifestyles say a lot about where they're treasures (hearts) are. |
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
This Is a very important subject concerning our dress and the owning of worldly things. The scripture teaches love not the world or the things of the world, If any person loves the world and the things of the world the love of the father is not in him.
The scripture Is very clear about we are not to dress ourselves in anything that is expensive. If we are not to dress in expensive dress then we are not to own anything expensive. We are also not to own anything we don't need. The bible say with food and raiment we are to be content.In the bible using the word gold we understand that we are not to dress in expensive dress. A meek spirit don't wear or own expensive things. Note here the scripture says gold and pearls or costly array. It don't say jewelry, although jewelry is extreme dressing and a lot is costly.We are to sell everything we don't have need of and give to the poor. 1 Peter 3:3: Whose adorning( Dressing) let it not be that outward adorning( Dressing) of plaiting the hair, (Interweaving and knotting of the hair) and of wearing of gold,(Expensive things) or of putting on of (expensive) apparel; : But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. 1 Tim.2:9: In like manner also, that women adorn (Dress) themselves in modest (descent,not extreme) apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; Acts2:44: And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45: And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need Acts4:32: And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. 33: And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. 34: Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 35: And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. 1 Tim.5: Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.6: But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7: For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.8: And having food and raiment let us be therewith content Math.6:19: Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:20: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 1 Tim.6:17] Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;[18] That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;[19] Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life |
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
Quote:
:toofunny j/k |
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
You heard it here. Big cars ok as long as you drive them in cheap clothes.
|
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
Quote:
|
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
Quote:
|
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
Quote:
|
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
Quote:
|
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
Quote:
Ahh shuddup already, ya troublemaker! :D Actually, I've heard people make that argument before. They say the government uses the threat of taking away the tax exempt status to keep preachers from using the pulpit for political reasons. Doesn't seem to stop some preachers though. Where there's a will there is a way! Reminds me of the pastor I had during the Bush/Gore campaign battle. He never actually endorsed either candidate. He did, however, say, "If things go the wrong way, it could get pretty gorey. I'm hoping God sets another bush on fire!" Pretty slick, huh? :lol |
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
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 |
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
Quote:
Something is not working! :) |
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
Quote:
No, they were not church going people. their perception of pastors was money grubbing, lavish living, or preist how molest little boys, scandalist life styles, phoenies, etc. some of it might be an excuse but there's another part of me that understands why they feel this way. the church as a whole bright this on themselves |
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
Quote:
|
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
Quote:
Having money is not my issue Matt. I know some pastors in the UPC who did quite wealthy because they invested right and lived very frugal. they also gave a lot back to build their churches and to world missions. They didn't Strive to become rich at the expense of ministry nor did they get money by milking people with gimmciks like the charismatics are known for. Again, it's not having money, I just don't believe that this who serve in the vocation of a minister, an humble servant, should be flashy. It's a horrible testimony to the world. And I'm not saying everyone has to hunch around like mother theresa either. I think the ministry in general (pentecost) has preached moderation in everything but lifestyle which leave the sinner scratching their heads |
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
Quote:
I have had preachers try to justify to me why them and others wore 2,000 to 3,000 suits and wore alligator shoes. Frankly, I can't see it. Jesus talked about animals having a place to rest and he didn't even have a place to lay his head. I can't see Jesus walking around like some do. |
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
Quote:
StMark... this is true. |
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
Quote:
|
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
Quote:
|
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
It's all a matter of the heart. I think you can have nice things if you are in balance, which is the key to every part of our lives. Personally I wouldn't want to be led by a pastor who was always broke and wondering where his next meal was coming from. Pastors are notorious for being bad money managers; we have fought hard to prove this wrong.
|
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
Quote:
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. |
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
Quote:
|
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
I can see the same thread if they had had internet two thousand years ago...
"That Jesus is living WAY too high on the hog! I mean have you seen the robes he wears???!!!! The most expensive ones available! Seamless absolutely seamless, you KNOW that aint right. He's a wine bibber and a glutton! I don't think its right for all those people to be giving him their money and supporting his ministry when he was given such wealth at his very birth!!!!! A woman actually brought a beautiful alabaster box.. a work of exquisite art and smashed it and broke it so the outrageously expensive perfume inside could be poured over his feet. HIS FEET I SAY!!!! Why wasn't that sold and given to the poor is what I'd like to know! He should be giving all that to the poor!!! I say...RICH IS BAD, POOR IS GOOD!!!!!" |
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
Quote:
|
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
Quote:
|
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
Quote:
|
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
Quote:
This smilie definitely fits here. :reaction |
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
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. |
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
I drive a Harley, it's a lot more expensive than a Jap bike. I don't think it's to much though. It's like being baptized in Jesus Name, it's all in the name...
|
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
Quote:
|
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
Quote:
|
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
Quote:
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. |
Re: Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending
Quote:
The X is the little jag. |
| All times are GMT -6. The time now is 08:19 PM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.5
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.