Some opinions wanted - Page 8

Jermyn Davidson · #71 12-08-2008, 08:40 AM

I would feel strange if my Pastor did not make more than me.

But if I ever needed financial help, I'd like to know I could turn to the church for help.

I've never felt that liberty at any church I've attended. Maybe that's just my nervousness.

jtork · #72 12-08-2008, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aak1972

The church I grew up in the pastor said the tithes go to support the ministry not the minister. He recieved 40% of the tithes. IMO this was a good program the more successful he was in church growth the more he made. And vice-versa.

I doubt the pastor could survive on 40% of the tithes in that church now!

Cindy · #73 12-08-2008, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rhoni

Well, we pastored one of those churches which began with a flock of 80 and more than tripled in a year and they wanted some of our 40% back. The exact words of the board member still rings in my ears: "No minister worth his salt is worth more than $50,000.00 per year". Spoken by a factory worker with an 8th grade education who made more than $50,000.00 a year.

There are so many opinions on this. Those who work at Wal-mart and make low wages want the preacher to stay poor, and those who are CEO's of companies want the preacher to make more but not more than them.

I think any minister who truly has a heart after God will be a good steward of his personal money and I pray God bless him/her in more than enough.

God bless our Preachers/Pastors in Jesus name.

Sis. Rhoni

Girl, there are churches that don't get any money from their orgs. nor the congregation. And it has to be a heart for souls that keep them there for years. And yes, they put the church before their own needs. Be careful of a line you can cross with God's servants while judging and holding on to the past.

Rhoni · #74 12-08-2008, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cneasttx

Girl, there are churches that don't get any money from their orgs. nor the congregation. And it has to be a heart for souls that keep them there for years. And yes, they put the church before their own needs. Be careful of a line you can cross with God's servants while judging and holding on to the past.

Cindy,
WE also started a home mission church and we worked and paid the church bills also. I am not holding onto the past, and I have paid my dues on both sides of the fence. God's servants are not who I am judging - it is those who gamble in the church when ministering would be more appropriate.

Blessings, Rhoni

Rhoni · #75 12-08-2008, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott Hutchinson

I work at Wal-Mart I want my pastor to make more than me.

Thank you. I used to work at Wal-mart too and working period is a good thing!

Blessings, Rhoni

LUKE2447 · #76 12-08-2008, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gloryseeker

It is very simple. According to the Bible there is only one way that faith comes (Rom 10:17), by hearing the Word.

Now, if someone says, "Ushers come up and pass the plates" you are absolutely right, no faith will come. But if someone takes a few minutes and exhorts from the Word why we are to give then according to the Word faith will come.

Too often, the focus of "offering time" is about the church getting the money it needs to operate. Tithes and offerings is a time of worship. It is a way we honor God and when faith comes and we give according to how God designed His system there are many promises that will manifest in our life.

Having a box in the back and nothing being said about giving robs people of the Word, the opportunity, and the reason we give.

Totaly agree offering time is a form of worship and should not be negated to a BOX ON THE WALL!

I believe in free will giving BUT this back door thing about giving offering because "oh we might offend" someone that they should give.....

Now the 4 and 5 offerings..... I think at some point that would be a like a song being played way to many times in a row.

Rhoni · #77 12-08-2008, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jermyn Davidson

I would feel strange if my Pastor did not make more than me.

But if I ever needed financial help, I'd like to know I could turn to the church for help.

I've never felt that liberty at any church I've attended. Maybe that's just my nervousness.

I grew up in a church that was very good at giving back to others when in need. My family was recipient on many occasions. I think that if you attend a church and are faithful in giving into that church then when you need help there are members in the congregations that routinely give without others knowing where it came from.

Asking for financial help is sometimes necessary but churches many times don't have extra funds to give but give by way of groceries and paying a utility bill at times. Asking for financial help should be limited to deperate situations not as a rule.

Blessings, Rhoni

aak1972 · #78 12-08-2008, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LUKE2447

Totaly agree offering time is a form of worship and should not be negated to a BOX ON THE WALL!

I believe in free will giving BUT this back door thing about giving offering because "oh we might offend" someone that they should give.....

Now the 4 and 5 offerings..... I think at some point that would be a like a song being played way to many times in a row.

The Bible says "bring" not collect!!

ManOfWord · #79 12-08-2008, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gloryseeker

I agree with you in that we invest in what we believe in.

You may want to check your structure because from an IRS point of view the Board of Directors cannot establish your salary. If not set up properly you could jeopardize your 501(c)(3). An independent financial committee needs to be involved especially if it can be viewed that your Board has a personal interest in your salary....like relatives who may serve on the Board.

My wife and I are also the biggest givers in our church, we are also the most blessed!

Not so. According to our By-Laws, the board sets the pastor's salary. I have no relatives who serve on the board. I have never read in ANY IRS publication stating that there has to be an independent financial committee to set salaries. As President of the corporation, our By-Laws state that I set the salaries of my employees and the board sets my salary. We have always been IRS compliant since I have been pastor. Our accountant is an Enrolled Agent with the IRS and handles the finances of many ministries and that has never come up.

aak1972 · #80 12-08-2008, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ManOfWord

Not so. According to our By-Laws, the board sets the pastor's salary. I have no relatives who serve on the board. I have never read in ANY IRS publication stating that there has to be an independent financial committee to set salaries. As President of the corporation, our By-Laws state that I set the salaries of my employees and the board sets my salary. We have always been IRS compliant since I have been pastor. Our accountant is an Enrolled Agent with the IRS and handles the finances of many ministries and that has never come up.

This is the IRS compliant way. The independent committe is used during an audit.