Thanks for the update on Mr Warren. Did not know this.
I do know one thing for certain, though. The money issue with Big Religion is a sore subject with a great majority of people in America (Not too sure about other Countries). Mega Churches that relish in lavish Cathedrals, total state of the art technology, and a payroll that may compete with large corporations, leaves many in a quandry over why they need more.
NFS, I've been to Saddleback and I was shocked. It's anything but lavish. The auditorium is relatively simple. No lavish anything. There are about 3,500 plastic chairs in simple surroundings. I'm 100% with you on the lavish cathedral thing. We eliminated ours and will never own a building again. But Saddleback isn't one of the lavish places.
My personal experience is, our Organization is constantly begging for more money. I say begging, because that's about the only time I get a call, and this is no exageration. 14 years pastoring and the emails, regular mail, and personal phone calls are enough to make one sick. I get hammered with one offering after the next.
Are you able to say what the organization is? I completely understand and agree with what you're, but again, that's not the way Saddleback operates.
It's gotten to the point that I've finally cornered the brethren who call me and ask them, "Is this the only time you call me? Asking for money?"
So maybe this is why I have a chip on my shoulder. Sorry if I come across that way. After 30 years of seeing Pastors get a special plaque and a pat on the back, getting their Churches to the top of the list because of how much they gave, while the Bible clearly states that giving is a secret experience, makes me tired of these pleas.
I'm extremely hesitant to ask when there's a need. I've seen too much people-pounding for money. But then, when people find out there's a shortfall, I always hear, "Why didn't you make the need known?" Paul made the need known in II Corinthians 8 & 9, and that's what Rick is doing here. He's letting his people know there's a need and I would bet you they want to know.
Things get tight, and bills pile up. Welcome to the Family!! Join the people who have lost their jobs and their homes. I've got people in our Church who came from from other churches where all they did was fund raisers. Every service they were selling something, and the asking never ceased. Begging is what it became, and these folks got completely burned out. I also came from a Church were the Fund Raisers became a constant nag on people, and some left the Church because of it.
I can't stand that stuff. Hate it. We don't even pass a plate at our services. But Saddleback is innocent in hammering people for money.
I was on the verge of bankruptcy 5 years ago. I almost lost everything. But I refused to put that burden on people who have a hard enough time getting by. Through my difficulty, I have learned much about prayer, myself, and that God loves me even if I have nothing.
Well.....I won't tell my story, I'll PM you. All I'll say is, I can more than relate.
What about all the people in Church who give because of the guilt trip we lay on them? What about the $119,700,000 his books have brought in (Warrens income on his books)?
Rick Warren calls himself a "Reverse-Tither." A huge amount of his money goes to Aids work in Africa, he takes no salary, he owns two suits, and lives in the same house as he did 20 years ago, before "Purpose Driven" was written. He started the church from scratch around 30 years ago. We're seeing him now at the mountaintop in great success. But it took years of climbing, pain, sacrifice, and making it on nothing.
Sorry Bro, but I just can't grasp the need. Keep your $100.00.
Good film we just watched; Luther. Great film that deals with this subject.
Happy New Year!! Thanks for the Christmas Card! Blessings to your family.
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