Disagree.
The government was handing out free money with no strings attached.
Ask yourself, who is going to put that money to better use, our little church or the federal government?
Maybe megachurches with great riches shouldn't take anything, but when a lot of our congregation is laid off and suffering, being able to pay Pastors and staff, and maybe add something to the benevolence fund is not to be turned down lightly.
We were so strict about the local church being only member supported that before the offering was taken, an announcement was made that visitors were not expected to give. Following the money-changer-in-the-temple thing, we didn’t even do fund raising like bake sales — except among members.
It’s even worse taking money from the government. When that happens, the government has more power over it. If members are given stimulus money as income, and then tithe that, it’s different.
The topic is Joel Olsteen’s “church” — a revenue-generating operation/cult. Of course, he’ll take the money; that’s why he’s in business.