All this is fine and good. But when a mega-millionaire demands $1m from his congregants during a time of recession and plays on their fidelity to God as the basis for this plea, then we must question this man.
Sounds like Saddleback is acting like a *church*. A church is made up of congregants, not just a pastor and staff. It’s good, then, for the members to all participate in the mission of the church.
He didn’t demand they give. He brought up the shortfall in a letter to members. If people didn’t want to give then didn’t have to.
Everything I have is by the Grace of God. It is not mine, it is His.
If you are a member, their work is your work and their shortfall is your shortfall.
The fatcat you’re worried about isn’t going to see a dime of that money, and he’s already giving most of his income. The members have a responsibility, and they have met that responsibility. Its not that big a deal for them, remember that million dollar shortfall came from a couple of short Sundays, and it was made up with one good Sunday. Thats how they are able to maintain the large numbers of projects they are engaged in. If you want to be a part of the work they do, you can join, and you’ll take on their burden. If you don’t, then probably God has a place where you can be useful but again, where ever that is, their work is your work, and their budget is your budget.