Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve Epley
1. I do believe the tithe is for support of the ministry. The pastor is to live OUT of the tithe. He is to be in control of the tithe. That does not mean he keeps all the tithe. In my ministry knowing hundreds of pastors I have never met one who took all the tithe for himself. I surely never have but it is under my control.
2. I would have no objection in telling anyone what salary I placed myself on. Only a couple of times in my entire ministry has anyone asked me and I told them. But you know I never ask any saint in the church what their salary is? I would not tell a non-tither it is none of their business.
3. I have told folks who paid tithes on their gross they would have to use their own judgment on their pensions and SS. I have given tithes back hundreds of time to elderly saints or bought them groceries with it or fill their tanks up with gas. Or anomously sent their money back through other people.
I am not totting my horn because I do not believe I am any different than most pastors I have known. There has never been a saint I have pastored that has matched me on giving to the needy or giving to the church NOT ONE. I do not regret the groceries I have bought, school books I have paid, cars I have fixed, rents I have paid, loans I have made and refusing the payback, clothes I have bought, tires, washers, dryers, refrigirators, stoves, air conditioners, fuel oil, gas & electric bills, and the list is endless. Many times some saint told me about the need of a another saint(most of which never pulled the billfold and gave ONE dollar toward the need).
During those rough peanut brittle years my wife made the most of it with kids and my family sold it including myself. Who sat at bake sales and made most of the goods? My wife. Who cooked dinners for most of our guests? My wife. Who made sure the church was clean when the saint 'forgot?' My wife.
Now God has blessed us with much more than we deserve and you think I am going to allow tightwads and preacher haters to maek me feel bad because I don't have to buy day old bread and can buy a new pair of shoes and not buy used tires? Forget it. I have been abundantly blessed and now I have more to bless others.
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You are a good man Bro. Epley. I believe that and don't need any convincing. I also believe this to be true about my own pastor.
While I feel there should be more transparency and accountability to those who give, it is this fact that allows me to give freely and without remorse. There are many pastors who are trustworthy beyond reproach and would give their last penny for those God has placed in their care.
I believe you (and others) are like that and I think it should be said and not get lost in the greater debate.
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