Preachers, Facebook and Begging for Money

[Sister Alvear]

I have always been blessed for helping others...God has been so good to me...I am very grateful.

[n david]

Originally Posted by consapente89

A while back Elder Ballestero did a series of blog posts on ministerial ethics. They were excellent. This one was especially well written and on point. There is a proper way for various ministries to be funded, and an internet campaign directed at various saints of Apostolic churches is not a proper method.

A few quotes:

"Missionaries who get on Facebook and plead with saints for money are without scruples or ethics. Don’t give to them. Let your pastor guide your giving."

"No evangelist should ever ask for money on Facebook. Don’t be foolish and give to him, no matter if you like him or not."

"How ever it’s done, it’s never done privately between a saint in a church and the missionary."

https://martynballestero.com/2010/08...ing-for-money/

I completely disagree with Ballestero. Ironically, he uses his blog to promote his daughter's candle business and his daughter in law's CDs. But of course, that's different.

"Let your Pastor guide your giving?" Seriously? I'm not anti-Pastor, but my Pastor does not work my job to obtain my paycheck. With all due respect, what I do with my finances is none of his business. I pay offerings and give to the church and its numerous supporting ministries.

"""No evangelist should ever receive money from saints in the church where he is preaching a revival.

If money somehow makes it to his hand or pocket, he must give that to the local pastor.

If the pastor decides to keep the money or give it back, that is the pastor’s prerogative."""

Ridiculous and unlawful.

There's possibly a reason the saint is giving the money directly to the evangelist in first place. Perhaps if the pastor wasn't misusing offerings, saints wouldn't be bypassing him.

Next, if a saint is giving money directly to an evangelist, it is the same as a restricted offering. The pastor, by law, cannot take that money and decide not to give it to the evangelist. It is not just unethical, it is illegal.

It's incredibly hypocritical of Ballestero to talk about scruples and ethics, but then advise Pastors to take money given directly to Evangelists and decide whether or not to give it back. He has no ethics or scruples, and in fact is breaking the law, if he does this.

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by Scott Pitta

The cops weed out the frauds. The policy is several years old and was designed by the churches involved. It works great.

If you are in need, talking to a cop is not a problem. But those frauds are rather shy

Yep, that's what Jesus told us to do.

Not.

[aegsm76]

Originally Posted by n david

I completely disagree with Ballestero. Ironically, he uses his blog to promote his daughter's candle business and his daughter in law's CDs. But of course, that's different.

"Let your Pastor guide your giving?" Seriously? I'm not anti-Pastor, but my Pastor does not work my job to obtain my paycheck. With all due respect, what I do with my finances is none of his business. I pay offerings and give to the church and its numerous supporting ministries.

"""No evangelist should ever receive money from saints in the church where he is preaching a revival.

If money somehow makes it to his hand or pocket, he must give that to the local pastor.

If the pastor decides to keep the money or give it back, that is the pastor’s prerogative."""

Ridiculous and unlawful.

There's possibly a reason the saint is giving the money directly to the evangelist in first place. Perhaps if the pastor wasn't misusing offerings, saints wouldn't be bypassing him.

Next, if a saint is giving money directly to an evangelist, it is the same as a restricted offering. The pastor, by law, cannot take that money and decide not to give it to the evangelist. It is not just unethical, it is illegal.

It's incredibly hypocritical of Ballestero to talk about scruples and ethics, but then advise Pastors to take money given directly to Evangelists and decide whether or not to give it back. He has no ethics or scruples, and in fact is breaking the law, if he does this.

It is very hard for me to be critical of the elder who has seen and done more than I ever have.
I have immense respect for him and his family.
I am even "shade tree" related to the elder through a cousins marriage.
I believe his stance is based on seeing saints give money to con men who just have a sad story or are good talkers.
I have seen this myself and experienced giving to them a few times.
That is what I believe is the basis of his belief.

[n david]

Originally Posted by aegsm76

It is very hard for me to be critical of the elder who has seen and done more than I ever have.
I have immense respect for him and his family.
I am even "shade tree" related to the elder through a cousins marriage.
I believe his stance is based on seeing saints give money to con men who just have a sad story or are good talkers.
I have seen this myself and experienced giving to them a few times.
That is what I believe is the basis of his belief.

I understand, though he had no issue blasting missionaries, evangelists and pastors as not having scruples or ethics. Likewise I have no issue pointing out the glaring hypocrisy and illegality of his advice.

[jediwill83]

Originally Posted by n david

I understand, though he had no issue blasting missionaries, evangelists and pastors as not having scruples or ethics. Likewise I have no issue pointing out the glaring hypocrisy and illegality of his advice.

widsom and experience is always overruled by scripture.

[Scott Pitta]

There is nothing wrong with vetting who the recipients are of finance under our care. Be that personal funds or a church checking account.

Contemplate these words "Be wise as serpents"

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by Scott Pitta

There is nothing wrong with vetting who the recipients are of finance under our care. Be that personal funds or a church checking account.

Contemplate these words "Be wise as serpents"

The Bible gives instructions in the vetting process. Those instructions do not include "background checks by local police."

[Scott Pitta]

How do other churches determine who is the recipient of charity? How is such charity fit into the church budget ? How often can repeat requests be made ?

[jediwill83]

Originally Posted by Scott Pitta

How do other churches determine who is the recipient of charity? How is such charity fit into the church budget ? How often can repeat requests be made ?

So does "Give and it shall be given unto you...." only apply when given to a preacher? Asking for a friend.