Quote:
Originally Posted by philjones
Deacon,
A couple of things. Your dad did not have a pastor... what he had I do not know but a true shephard would NEVER do what you have described here. More than likely he didn't make hospital visits or visit the elderly or the orphans either. Sad! I am sorry for your experience and that of your dad, except that I am sure it has made you more aware of your responsibility and the true purpose of your call.
That said, your last line is a bit problematic for me. I know several UC preachers who get sent down the river by MANY for doing exactly as you have asked. They are then accused of doing it on the back of the church because they believe in the principle of the tithe being for the ministry. Further, if their business dealings are discovered, they are excoriated because they are too focused on this life and not busy about heavenly things.
Maybe all preachers should take the Catholic oath of poverty and that would keep everyone happy... of course, they would also have to take the oath of celibacy because ain't no OP woman going to marry a man who has taken a vow guaranteeing she will be poor always.  |
HA-HA!!!
Well all that being said, the man had good qualities too. His ministry was not without successes. Unfortunately the first thing people think of when he comes up is "He's Filthy Rich".
If a pastor, with the income he makes is able to make his personal wealth grow through outside sources, I have no problem with. I still think it can send the wrong message if the man lives to a point of extravagence. As a "man of God" there is a different standard he must live by (DID I SAY STANDARD?).
We often hear how the man of God has to live by convictions that are above the people in order to keep the people living by a higher standard. If that is the case then we can't turn around and say, "Nobody criticizes the Apostolic plumber for making a bunch of money. Nobody criticizes the Apostolic business owner of if he drives a $60,000 car." Well, that's because the expectations of a pastor and a lay man are different. If a preacher doesn't know that, then maybe he needs to think about a different career. You can't have it both ways.
Also, its one thing for a preacher to invest in the stock market and do well. Its another thing for a preacher to spend lots of time investing in businesses that require a lot of his time and effort and attention. If it s something he can do on the side without much distraction, I don't have a problem with. But if the guy neglects his duties in serving the saints, I have a problem with it.
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