Pastors asking for money

[Spiritlight]

Hi I am writing here out of concern as i have been a member of a new church for about 8 months. our Pastor in it seems almost every service mentions giving money to the church and really emphasizes it. It come up far too frequently for my liking and concerns me a little. Sometimes it is for giving to people overseas in poor circumstances and I like that the church is in a position to give from the congregations resources to help less fortunate people to improve their standard of living and I like and support this.

Is it common for you guys in church to be prompted often in church services to extend your giving to the church. Maybe I am too cautious but am getting a little suspicious.

 

[stormdancer0]

Our pastor does a sermon once in a while (maybe every 18 months or so), about giving. But generally, we have faithful tithers, and though we're small (less than 10 families) we are doing okay.

If you are not already extending your giving to your church, you are out of God's will, anyway. In fact, your local church is your greatest obligation in giving.

A good thing to look at is this. Is the pastor living in a huge house, driving new cars every couple of years? Does his wife always have the latest fashion? If so, there's a good chance the pastor is not putting enough back into the church. Too many "pastors" (quotes there for good reason) look at churches as a way to make money. Lots and lots of money. It's not right. That's why I don't watch people like Benny Hinn. He could feed a good portion of the starving children in Africa for what that mansion cost. In my opinion, this is a colossal waste of God's money.

Also, are you giving to missions, or are you building newer and newer facilities when the ones you have are adequate? How is the church using the money?

 

[Spiritlight]

The church just bought a new expensive building and pastors in latest fashion yes.
As far as giving goes you give to gods kingdom now if that be giving to something your government matches dollar for dollar or more in a non affiliated church christian charity i would give to that partly as well in preference to my church.
we have hundreds in our church it is big.

 

[stormdancer0]

I dislike big churches. They are too hard to self-police, and get into image wars with other big churches - "Look how big OUR new sanctuary is!!!"

Ask someone on the finance committee if you can see the books from the last year. If you are a member there, you have a right to see them.

This is one reason I like the Amish idea of churches. When they get too big, they just split into two congregations. Of course, they meet in homes, but the idea is a good one. There was a mega church near where I used to live. Thousands of members, and the pastor was making over half a million a year. You could go to that church for 10 years, and still run into people you've never met, who've gone there as long as you have. It's ridiculous.

If it were me, quite honestly, I would feel led to find a small church for a couple of reasons.
one, that big church obviously has more money than it knows what to do with, and can easily go without your tithe. There are hundreds of small churches in your area, I bet, that give most of the non-necessary money they gather to mission work.

two, you get more of a chance to minister yourself at a small church. IOW, they want more than your check.

three, they are more open to scrutiny about their spending habits.

 

[ranyhyn]

Our pastor has yet to preach a sermon on tithing or giving in the 10+ years he's been there. My wife and I have only been members there for about 5 years now. We too are a smaller congregation - we have about 80-100 in attendance on a Sunday morning, about 50 on a Sunday night about about 30 on our Wednesday night Bible study.

We've had to cut back a small amount on overseas missions this year but we're in good shape.

A good thing to look at is this. Is the pastor living in a huge house, driving new cars every couple of years? Does his wife always have the latest fashion? If so, there's a good chance the pastor is not putting enough back into the church. Too many "pastors" (quotes there for good reason) look at churches as a way to make money. Lots and lots of money. It's not right. That's why I don't watch people like Benny Hinn. He could feed a good portion of the starving children in Africa for what that mansion cost. In my opinion, this is a colossal waste of God's money.

Also, are you giving to missions, or are you building newer and newer facilities when the ones you have are adequate? How is the church using the money?

Sometimes you have to wonder if those "pastors" took that position because they wanted a "job" or if they were truly "called and ordained" in that position by God. I like your idea about taking a look at the financials because that could shed a lot of light on things. I don't think ALL large congregations are bad but I do get a better sense of belonging in the smaller congregation.

 

[stormdancer0]

A lot of big churches will not give the financial info to anyone not on the committee. But I think if you're a member, paying tithes, you have a right to know where that money is going.

Many pastors that started out called veered into the money racket, accepting it as proof that God is pleased with them. They forget that God gives more so that WE can give more, not so we can have the newest car, biggest house, and largest wallet.

 

[ranyhyn]

A lot of big churches will not give the financial info to anyone not on the committee. But I think if you're a member, paying tithes, you have a right to know where that money is going.

Many pastors that started out called veered into the money racket, accepting it as proof that God is pleased with them. They forget that God gives more so that WE can give more, not so we can have the newest car, biggest house, and largest wallet.

Well I know if I asked for something like that and they weren't willing to give it to me I'd have to ask even more questions. They'd have to give a good scripturally based answer as to why not to let me see it. Otherwise I'd have to find another church.

And I definitely agree with your second statement there. Our pastor recounts how he used to really like the car his pastor had. But God quickly let him know that he only wanted it so he could show it off to other people. God blesses us so we can bless others that are less fortunate.

 

[lilmissmontana]

I dislike big churches. They are too hard to self-police, and get into image wars with other big churches - "Look how big OUR new sanctuary is!!!"

Ask someone on the finance committee if you can see the books from the last year. If you are a member there, you have a right to see them.

This is one reason I like the Amish idea of churches. When they get too big, they just split into two congregations. Of course, they meet in homes, but the idea is a good one. There was a mega church near where I used to live. Thousands of members, and the pastor was making over half a million a year. You could go to that church for 10 years, and still run into people you've never met, who've gone there as long as you have. It's ridiculous.

If it were me, quite honestly, I would feel led to find a small church for a couple of reasons.
one, that big church obviously has more money than it knows what to do with, and can easily go without your tithe. There are hundreds of small churches in your area, I bet, that give most of the non-necessary money they gather to mission work.

two, you get more of a chance to minister yourself at a small church. IOW, they want more than your check.

three, they are more open to scrutiny about their spending habits.

The other thing I see with the large churches is a tendancy to pump them in and out like doctor's offices ... in my day a pastor was more than a few minutes of sermon ...and usually a sermon with food for babes, but no meat ... or feel good sermons ... I'm not saying they don't have a place ... I don't know that ... I can just see some issues ...

The pastor I study with has a unique way of holding church ... the church is comprised of tables and you bring paper and study with him ... hardcore study ... one full hour ... worship is offered, too ... but there is a focus put on the Lord's Word that's rarely seen ... I'd like to see that in more churches ... how do we know if our church is teaching us the Truth unless we study the Truth ... an immensely important role of pastors is not only to help guide the sheep into the pasture ... but then to feed them ... all the levels of learning ... not just the babes ... it's just not all feel-good stuff ... and it seems to me tithing should go to who is feeding the people ... physically and spiritually ... hard to see fancy cars and things as feeding the people while many don't have enough to purchase a Bible for the real manna ... so true about the finances, stormy ... as always, another informative post from you ...

 

[KRamey]

I think it's safe to assume that there is good and bad in any church and with that being said we have to realize that big churches are able to do things that sometimes your smaller church may not be able to do. The power in numbers of a large church can do amazing things around the world.

I've been to churches of all sizes and some seem to ask for tithes more than others. With so many jobs lost, people getting cut back, the price of everything going up and the fear of economical ruin, there are many who find themselves either unable to give the way they have in the past or scared to continue giving God what's His to begin with. Churches all over the country are feeling the same slow down that its members are feeling. If your church is screaming we need money every week then I would assume that they have many things that are going on that need those funds. Missionaries around the world continue to spread the word as the people who support them are loosing jobs and seem to live in constant fear of all our economic debt. Maybe your church isn't sending hundreds of thousands a year in mission projects but some are.

I live in Houston which is a very big city and I met with a gentleman the other day that was going through a very bad time and was on the verge of being homeless. Through our conversation he spoke of trying to get help from local churches for small things like gas for his car so he could get to work. Time and time again he was told that they couldn't help due to not having the funds. Is this man not able to get help because the preacher isn't giving back enough or the church building fund is trying to keep up with the growth in and around the community? WE THE CHURCH not the place you worship but the church itself are suffering through some crazy times! Your church needs you more now than ever before no-matter how big or small the building you worship is.

I remember about ten years ago, me and a christian brother were driving down the road and we came to a light where there was a man with his three legged dog and a sign asking for money. My friend rolled his window down and gave the man some cash and told him that Jesus loves him. As the window rolled up I said "are you crazy, that guy's just using the crippled dog to make you feel sorry for him!" What my friend said to me next, changed my life forever. He said "Kenny, as Christians we just do what we do and let God handle the rest" It's true! We just give and let god work! We trust that our God is in control and no-matter what the man and his dog do with the money we give because God enabled us with the ability to do so. Many Christians fail to remember that God wants us to test him in this area and during the crazy uncertain times when you feel you are barely able to make it yourself you still stand in the gap and be a link in the chain and not a break in it.

I suggest that you just pray and talk with God about your uncertain feelings you get when you constantly hear the need for money each week as I have. Through my prayers I've seen the ministry that God has placed before me and in this vision I see the needs of the church more today than ever! Let God lead you and follow what you know in your heart feels right. Even if the church or the man and his dog do the wrong thing with the money its not for us to deal with. When we give back, it's not to the man, or the preacher it's to God. Believe today that God's promises are still alive and that by doing what's right He will see to it that you are blessed monetarily and with the peace that surpasses understanding!

 

[Spiritlight]

You are so right about an opportunity to give. I have no issues with that. My concern is money being to focal at the expense of other things. Money is just a necessary evil that brings bad blood between people. Where excess money goes sometimes so does greed and trouble. Alleviating suffering is it's only good use. Money never brings happiness only security. Real happpines comes from your walk with the lord and meaningful genuine relationships.

 

[GodsServant05]

I go to a very large church (5,000 members) and my pastor speaks about tithing often. I have no problem with him doing so.

 

[FreeInChrist88]

Is it common for you guys in church to be prompted often in church services to extend your giving to the church. Maybe I am too cautious but am getting a little suspicious.

That was my experience with my former pastor. I was on the Board and had access to the overall church finances. The church's expenses were very high due to a large staff and a large building.

I think in some cases churches can get over extended financially forcing the pastor to over emphasize giving.

 

[Celeste R]

Dear brithern just keep on mind that there is many pastors seeking for money. Some of them do teach the false doctrine if christian tithe. Be aware of the false teachers that only seek for your money.

 

[Minister_C]

We must all remember that the utility companies will not accept prayer as a form of payment. There is a rule of thumb that most pastors consider, which is only 10% of your congregation on average will tithe faithfully. The 10% that is collected is your churches hard budget. Anything given by the other 90% is not usually consistent, so you cant depend on it. If you are going to involve your church in missions, get a new air conditioning unit, repair that old church bus etc, the pastor has to bring it to the floor. If a pastor does not ask, he probably wont receive. I am not making any excuses for men of God misappropriating funds, however the preachers I know who ask (beg) for money, usually have more in the church treasury.

 

[.Iona.]

Not often at all in my church, sometimes they talk about a book and ask members to give a donation for a copy, but otherwise it's very infrequent that they actually ask for money.

Although, when I was a student I went to some churches where they would have someone standing at the doors on the way out after a service to collect money. Or someone come round during the service for money.

 

[Big Drew]

Hi I am writing here out of concern as i have been a member of a new church for about 8 months. our Pastor in it seems almost every service mentions giving money to the church and really emphasizes it. It come up far too frequently for my liking and concerns me a little. Sometimes it is for giving to people overseas in poor circumstances and I like that the church is in a position to give from the congregations resources to help less fortunate people to improve their standard of living and I like and support this.

Is it common for you guys in church to be prompted often in church services to extend your giving to the church. Maybe I am too cautious but am getting a little suspicious.

We take up an offering at my church every Sunday, but there's nothing dramatic about it...occasionally there'll be a special circumstance that we will take up other donations for...I've been in a couple of churches that did harp on tithes and offerings though...one, just a mile down the road from my house, is really bad about it...we enjoyed visiting there, and considered joining...but the pastor, every Sunday, would have a 5 minute mini sermon on how important tithing is...that just didn't set well with me...sure, it takes money to run a church, and support missions...but I don't get into the "You're robbing yourself of blessings," kind of stuff...

Interestingly enough, there was one church I went to for a couple of years, that never passed a plate...never asked for money...just had a box on the wall next to the door...and they took in more money than any other church I've been to......

 

[stormdancer0]

We must all remember that the utility companies will not accept prayer as a form of payment. There is a rule of thumb that most pastors consider, which is only 10% of your congregation on average will tithe faithfully. The 10% that is collected is your churches hard budget. Anything given by the other 90% is not usually consistent, so you cant depend on it. If you are going to involve your church in missions, get a new air conditioning unit, repair that old church bus etc, the pastor has to bring it to the floor. If a pastor does not ask, he probably wont receive. I am not making any excuses for men of God misappropriating funds, however the preachers I know who ask (beg) for money, usually have more in the church treasury.

Exactly!

 

[scjohnson1973]

The first thing I would do is pray about it. Our church has over 300 or so members. Our preacher every now and then will do a sermon on tithing, not too often though. However, I think tithing is very important as it say in God's word

Once a year we do have a business meeting with the members and a detailed description where the money is going. I think that is a good idea so there is no confusion.

Once a month we will do an extra offering to help members that are in need. This is above and beyond our 10%. Also, if we have an extra expense he will ask for a donation. We need a newer church bus last year and we were asked to tithe extra for the expense. Just pray about it and God will show you what you need to do.

 

[Minister_C]

Ladies and gentlemen, I would also like to say that I know quite a few pastors who are struggling to pay the churches monthly rent and utilities. These churches are so strapped financially, that the pastor cant even take a salary. We must remember that we have a obligation to support the house where we worship. If you dont come in during the week and clean the bathrooms for free, you shouldn't have a issue with contributing to the pot for someone else to get the job done. Just think, your pastor spends his money on all kinds of books and material to stay fresh and relevant for you, then he spends countless hours during the week studying and preparing his sermon. On top of that, he must conduct a bible study, and babysit a bunch of overgrown crybabies in their assigned ministries. Then after all that, he still must squeeze out a little time for his wife and kids. Then when he asks for some money, people start grumbling and dropping change in the collection plate. After all that, those are usually the same folks you see breaking their necks to shake the pastors hand at the exit door, go figure. We really need to do a better job at supporting our pastors and their visions for the flock, and yes pastors need to do a better job of keeping you informed of where your money is being used. God bless.

 

[stormdancer0]

Our pastor has been at our church almost 26 years. He's taken a salary only 12 of those years. I have no doubt that many so-called "faithful church members" will be asked about that when Christ judges us.

On the other side, I know of pastors whose wives have to have a new car every two years, who vacation in the Bahamas and go to "pastor conferences" in Hawaii, who will also answer for how they handled God's money. It goes both ways.

If you are giving what you should, sermons on tithing shouldn't bother you. If they bother you, then maybe you need to pray about giving more.