"Put the money in the Pastor's hand."

[Jermyn Davidson]

Originally Posted by Originalist

Get out !! Run!!!!!

I definitely had that inclination at first, but it wasn't so bad of an experience, sans the influence of the "prosperity gospel" during the "3 hour offering service".

It wasn't really 3 hours, but there did not appear to be an upset or non-giving person there except for me. I didn't know these people or their vision. I only gave in one of the offerings.

[Evang.Benincasa]

Originally Posted by Jermyn Davidson

I definitely had that inclination at first, but it wasn't so bad of an experience, sans the influence of the "prosperity gospel" during the "3 hour offering service".

It wasn't really 3 hours, but there did not appear to be an upset or non-giving person there except for me. I didn't know these people or their vision. I only gave in one of the offerings.

The offering services "feel" like three hours. Especially if there is a profit because if there is a profit, and he (or she) starts to profitsize he will usually tell everyone to stand up, take out their wallet, hold it high in the air, wave it, then pull out the largest bill they have, and throw it in the jacket that has been spread out in front of the pulpit. This takes a bit of time if you have a good sized congregation. It even takes longer when all the dope smokers get up to throw some nickel bags into the jacket.

[Jermyn Davidson]

Originally Posted by Evang.Benincasa

I thought you were saying that the parishioners were smelling like weed, not visitors. Also the whole thing about lavishly giving a mink stole (in the summer?) is a bit too much. Especially when some of the people who brought a plate to the dinner could only afford macaroni and cheese out of a box. I wouldn't be cool with the first lady getting a mink, while Miss Minnie is driving a Toyota with 4 broken power windows, and her air conditioner doesn't work.

But it probably wasn't like that over at the COGIC you attended, they probably had all new cars in the parking lot.

The people on my row may have been members or semi-regular visitors. After church, I could tell that people knew them and seemed to know them well.

You know, I mentioned the giving nature of these people and I mentioned how I did not notice lavish cars in their small parking lot or on the street in the immediate area of the church. The people didn't appear materially rich, but only a few actually looked impoverished..... and the weed smell was probably only on my row because of the people I sat beside.

[Jermyn Davidson]

Originally Posted by Evang.Benincasa

The offering services "feel" like three hours. Especially if there is a profit because if there is a profit, and he (or she) starts to profitsize he will usually tell everyone to stand up, take out their wallet, hold it high in the air, wave it, then pull out the largest bill they have, and throw it in the jacket that has been spread out in front of the pulpit. This takes a bit of time if you have a good sized congregation. It even takes longer when all the dope smokers get up to throw some nickel bags into the jacket.

I am laughing, but you should stop.

Besides, the people who gave, appeared to do so out of a cheerful heart and appreciation for their Pastor. God will honor the faith and generosity of these people.

Seriously, the fact that they were able to give so much is indicative of a level of financial blessedness that is simply not reflected in their clothes and cars-- kind of a unique experience to actually witness.

[Sean]

Originally Posted by Jermyn Davidson

Several nice gifts presented to Pastor's wife, along with more cash.

The people on my row smell like weed-- and have been smelling like weed since I got here.

I am bored.

More cash, apart from the other departments-- the pastoral care department just gave $250.00 more!

Without meaning to be prejudiced, these people don't look like they have all this money to be giving like this. Don't look particularly financially blessed, don't have fine cars in the small parking lot of this small church-- but they are obviously blessed in their giving of so much money.

Much cash for the Pastor.
Many gifts for his wife.

Sounds like a ponzi scheme...LOL

[Sean]

J.D., our pastor received a brand spanking new Jaguar at an anniversary function(rolled in though the door of a lavish hotel conference room)...top that!



LOL

[Sean]

Now that is what I call "giving to Jesus"(the representative of Jesus in a Jag)....LOL

[Jermyn Davidson]

Originally Posted by Sean

J.D., our pastor received a brand spanking new Jaguar at an anniversary function(rolled in though the door of a lavish hotel conference room)...top that!



LOL

I can't top that. In fact, that sounds like it should have never happened.

[KeptByTheWord]

Did these people make note of you on your phone during the entire service... lol!

Sounds to me like the people are genuine and sincere, and indeed the Lord will bless their sincere hearts... but the pastor/wife are obviously conning those poor souls. IMO.

[Jermyn Davidson]

Originally Posted by KeptByTheWord

Did these people make note of you on your phone during the entire service... lol!

Actually, I am not sure-- but how would that conversation go over anyway?

Originally Posted by KeptByTheWord

Sounds to me like the people are genuine and sincere, and indeed the Lord will bless their sincere hearts... but the pastor/wife are obviously conning those poor souls. IMO.

Maybe not.

After service, I got to see a second much larger, 2-building lot that the church owns in a bad section of Cleveland. It is an old 19th century edifice, beautifully and classically built, along with a school building next door to it.

This small congregation of inner city believers share their Pastor's vision for the city and they are not afraid to give.

Due to the largeness of their vision, my gut tells me that this Pastor will probably take a good portion of what was given financially and put it towards his vision for the ministry.

I realize I am being very optimistic, but you should have been there to see what I saw.

These people give and give and give and probably have been doing that for quite sometime.