Your Pastor: Shepherd or CEO?

Bigger barns can mean more barns, also. It is not just the large structures, but the many that take potentially taxable properties off the rolls. Churches are moving into shopping malls, downtown retail areas and suburban development areas. All become targets because they are seen as "one day a week" uses. The mega churches, at least, are usually operating every day and usually make a portion of their facilities available for parochial schools, community ministries and other community uses.

The religious exemption was at one time justified because it was seen as a benefit to the community because it served the "welfare" of the community. It was the place where the needy were fed, clothed, money hand outs were given, housing was found, unwed mothers were taken care of and the elderly were taken care of and the sick in body, mind, and spirit could find help. All of these ministries, at some point and in some way were ceded to the government, so that now the church finds itself in a position where part of the reason for the exemption is gone. That, along with the loss of respect for the institutional church due to its many public involvements in politics and business outside the scope of its calling, has made it a target for the loss of its exemptions.

When this article was published a few years ago, an elderly gentlemen, a friend, was greatly helped by reading it. This man had been offended by the bad habit his pastor had of constantly looking at his watch while the gentlemen was talking to him. He was hurt because he took the pastors perceived impatience personally.

After reading this article, our friend could see the larger picture and he went to the pastor with his concerns. If the article has helped you in the same way, praise God!

>>Because these mega churches are populated by the YUPPIE type for the most part we see Starbucks move in; a Krispy Kreme (or however you spell those over sugared grease blobs); etc. All so you can attract the right kind of tither.<<

We have two local churches that are exactly like that. In order to pay those big mortages, they need to keep the pews full and the tithes rollin' in. Unfortunately, what gets lost in the process is sound, expository preaching. Don't want to offend anyone by calling them a sinner, do you? You might lose their 10%! So, instead, 'You're ok - I'm ok!'

My brother goes to one of them. For years he's been trying to get me to go there and "Do things the (insert name of church here) way!" Not God's way, mind you - but the church's way. i've tried to get him to see the folly of such a statement, but it's what the leadership of the church has adopted as part of their marketing strategy. It's in all their commercials - "Church should be fun...entertaining...exciting. Do it the (insert name) way!"

It's one of those "name it and claim it" places. I listened to one of the pastor's sermons - in essence, if you believe in Christ, you'll become rich. His son, after all, accepted Christ and is now working in Hollywood making over $2 million a year! It can happen to you too! Then came the sales pitch for their new entertainment facility, and how we can make it happen if we donate "just a little more".

The whole place reeks of image, nice suits, and money.

The outside of the cup is very pretty. But the inside...

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