Quote:
Originally Posted by SiblingRevelry
So I did go to church today...and got to hear a full-blown sermon on the subject of tithing. This UPC pastor was preaching strongly against the spirit of Tobiah (see the book of Nehemiah) in the church. I am a polite person, so I waited him out (i.e., I sat there through the entire thing like a good girl and just let it wash over me). But this pastor was very clear that he is entitled to all the tithing monies. I'll be honest, that set my teeth on edge, particularly since he made it a heaven or hell issue. In his preaching, if you weren't paying in the proper amount of tithing, you would go to hell. And he made it particularly clear that it isn't tithing unless you tithe on the gross.
I have to admit, this guy was a very good speaker, but the tithing and the grandiose plans he's got rather put me off. I particularly noted that although they had an outreach some months back that brought in quite a few visitors to the church over a couple of weekends, it didn't seem to have made a huge impact on the membership all these months later. But the pastor wanted to hand out thousands of fliers yet again this weekend. He wants to have a thousand members in a couple of years.
I did note this for Thad's benefit: this guy mentioned that he wanted to advertise on TV and "it's been approved."
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Wouldn't it be great if the AFF and all other Pentecostal forums were a place of encouragement and uplifting words - sharing GOOD reports and testimonies of what God is doing - instead of trying to find something negative to say about one another?
I would say that the church isn't doing too bad, having grown from just a handful one year ago, to an average of 134 members. The Pastor does have a vision that so far has been right on target. Unfortunately, Sibling, you happened to visit on a Thanksgiving week-end, when there were several members out of town, as well as some viruses going around.
The message on tithing is not a norm for him. He doesn't dwell on finances, but if the Lord lays it on his heart to preach it - it doesn't bother me because I believe it. By way of clarification, you missed part of what he said about tithing. He's not going to take it all and live on it. It's for the MINISTRY - which includes assistants, music ministers, all those who are totally involved in the ministry of the church.
This past Sunday there was almost a full house (although the outreach had to be postponed because of the rain Friday and Saturday) - and an AWESOME service! The presence of the Lord was strong. Wish you had been there.
Don't be too sceptical. Do you believe there were 3,000 added to the church in the book of Acts? Why can't 1,000 be added today? If God made a promise, He will keep it - He won't let anyone down.
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