In another thread I expressed concerns about our local preachers and how they IMO abuse the church financially... Since it seemed to be a little off topic for that thread I thought I'd start a separate thread over here...
My examples of how this works have not set well with me. A preacher of retirement age who continues on by hiring out all the 'work' (preaching, hospital visits, etc.) but keeps the title and the money... another who tells my husband that every third dollar is his for personal use no matter how large the congregation grows or how much money that becomes... Both living in an upscale area far from the churches they pastor which are in mid-income areas... Essentially saying to me that they are too good to live among those they 'lead'. Not very Jesus like it seems...
So how does your pastor pay model work if you know, and what do you think about it.
Well, I have mentioned MANY times on this forum, my feelings about "Professional Business Church". Most of my minster friends would strongly disagree with my opinion on that matter.
Having said that...my last pastor worked and owned his own business...his wife worked as well, and they had their salary and benefits supplied by their secular jobs. IF they got any money from the church it was not much...most of the money given went right back into the church...in fact, when they retired, the church was almost totally debt free...how's that for a testimony. The congregation was not huge, but the atmosphere of love and restoration was unlike anything I had ever experienced in any other church.
Now, my current pastor, also works a secular job...and told me in the past that he always would....however, he has more recently recanted that idea and hopes in the near future to be full time. Both of these men believe in the tithing doctrine, whole heartedly...although neither ever actually taught it, and i have been in that church for five years now....at any rate.
It amazes me how much of the church system we have adopted from the Catholic system, and yet preach it as Apostolic and foundational...unbelievable...from expensive buildings, to chock full calendars and programs...we have our own rituals.
I see nothing wrong with financial support of the pastor, and understand that as being biblical...but in principle and in love...not in law and curse. Whats more, is that if the five fold ministry has equal parts in equipping and in the perfection of the saints...then IF there are perks...they should be shared and not all tribute paid to just one man, and all other ministers should just be glad for the opportunity to "minister".
In another thread I expressed concerns about our local preachers and how they IMO abuse the church financially... Since it seemed to be a little off topic for that thread I thought I'd start a separate thread over here...
My examples of how this works have not set well with me. A preacher of retirement age who continues on by hiring out all the 'work' (preaching, hospital visits, etc.) but keeps the title and the money... another who tells my husband that every third dollar is his for personal use no matter how large the congregation grows or how much money that becomes... Both living in an upscale area far from the churches they pastor which are in mid-income areas... Essentially saying to me that they are too good to live among those they 'lead'. Not very Jesus like it seems...
So how does your pastor pay model work if you know, and what do you think about it.
My pastor accepts no pay for his work. The last one didn't either. If either one utters a need at nine, it is filled by noon.
The ones you describe are clowns, not pastors,
and I don't even feel sorry for the poseurs who feed them.
Well, I have mentioned MANY times on this forum, my feelings about "Professional Business Church". Most of my minster friends would strongly disagree with my opinion on that matter.
Having said that...my last pastor worked and owned his own business...his wife worked as well, and they had their salary and benefits supplied by their secular jobs. IF they got any money from the church it was not much...most of the money given went right back into the church...in fact, when they retired, the church was almost totally debt free...how's that for a testimony. The congregation was not huge, but the atmosphere of love and restoration was unlike anything I had ever experienced in any other church.
Now, my current pastor, also works a secular job...and told me in the past that he always would....however, he has more recently recanted that idea and hopes in the near future to be full time. Both of these men believe in the tithing doctrine, whole heartedly...although neither ever actually taught it, and i have been in that church for five years now....at any rate.
It amazes me how much of the church system we have adopted from the Catholic system, and yet preach it as Apostolic and foundational...unbelievable...from expensive buildings, to chock full calendars and programs...we have our own rituals.
I see nothing wrong with financial support of the pastor, and understand that as being biblical...but in principle and in love...not in law and curse. Whats more, is that if the five fold ministry has equal parts in equipping and in the perfection of the saints...then IF there are perks...they should be shared and not all tribute paid to just one man, and all other ministers should just be glad for the opportunity to "minister".
Anyway...
This sounds reasonable. Not all pastors do this though. The region I live in they don't work a secular job or put all the 'tithe' money back into the ministry of the church. They believe every dime is theirs to do with whatever they want. There is one pastor in this region who lives in an upscale area and drives a mercedes convertible around town. (He's not UPC, but came from UPC ) There is little to no outreach. No benevolent funds. No church pantry. If there is a need, they go to the saints after all the regular collections of 'tithe, Sunday school offering, building fund, missions etc' are taken and if the people have anything left to give, what's left will go to the family in need.
You know, it wouldn't take a lot to have a church pantry for the hungry. If every family and single person who has a job buy one thing extra when they do their weekly shopping, those among them will be able to have food supplemented to them.
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It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. (Psalms 118:8)
Last edited by AreYouReady?; 09-10-2012 at 10:30 AM.
In another thread I expressed concerns about our local preachers and how they IMO abuse the church financially... Since it seemed to be a little off topic for that thread I thought I'd start a separate thread over here...
My examples of how this works have not set well with me. A preacher of retirement age who continues on by hiring out all the 'work' (preaching, hospital visits, etc.) but keeps the title and the money... another who tells my husband that every third dollar is his for personal use no matter how large the congregation grows or how much money that becomes... Both living in an upscale area far from the churches they pastor which are in mid-income areas... Essentially saying to me that they are too good to live among those they 'lead'. Not very Jesus like it seems...
So how does your pastor pay model work if you know, and what do you think about it.
They should retire when they reach retirement age and if they wish to evangelize, then fine. It sounds like somebody wants job security!!!!
Elly, we all want job security but my hubby once heard an evangelist preach that if you don't have enough money to pay the rent...pay your tithes anyway.
__________________
It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. (Psalms 118:8)
__________________
Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. (Romans 14:4)
Scripture is its own interpreter. Nothing can cut a diamond but a diamond. Nothing can interpret Scripture but Scripture" Thomas Watson.
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