The obvious coment is that the main-stream, or main-line churches have all failed miserably at quenching the thirst that people have for a creditable message of faith..OTOH, I'd rather have this guy put his whole family on the payroll, as compared to what ECUSA does with its Diocesan pledeg here in NY.
Theologically speaking, his sermons are hardly 'meaty'.
Some find him to be inspiring and uplifting, which is fine. To me, his sermons are motivational messages sprinkled with a little religion.
Not knocking the guy...he could be doing lots worse.
If he's sincere, then good for him.
If they're making audited financial statements available to the public, then it seems to me they're being honest with their contributors. It's up to the congregants to decide whether they're getting something they value.
A bit different than the way Jesus ministered. He had no home, no mega buildings, traveled about the country with a few disciples. He preached about the kingdom of God not what you could accumulate on this earth. He gave his life that others might live. He was a servant not a CEO.
I wonder what percentage of their income goes towards supporting missionaries and charitable outreach?
This might be a style thing with me, but I never have liked the "shiny happy people" version of Christianity prevalent in the American church. A premium is placed on having a perfect smile, perfect suits, perfect family, hyper-polished presentations, etc. I would much rather listen to a preacher that is rough around the edges and has had his share of dark times. After all, Christ was called "the Man of Sorrows" and Solomon wrote "a sad face is good for the heart." Seeing a preacher with an eternal 1,000-watt smile and ubiquitous $2,000 suits makes me squeamish from the start. But as I mentioned, that might be more of a style than doctrinal issue.
1. Good work, if you can get it.
2. Sounds like a 'business', should be taxed as such.
I have absolutely NO qualms about criticizing most, if not all, of these 'made-for-TV' 'ministeries'. Joel sounds and looks a little too slick, for me. As does that slickster in Columbus or the weird bearded one that is always selling his books (has to do with 'gifts of life' or something like that).
Give me an old-fashioned Cathloic priest any day; not these 'happy-people' ministers that are only a small upgrade from a used-car salesperson.
I don't know the context of this statement, but I strongly disagree with it as it reads. God does indeed bless some people with "wealth and prosperity", but we not entitled to that from God. In fact God calls people to follow Him wherever He leads whether that would be serving as missionaries to Africa or serving in small churches in backwoods America. There is no guarantee that we will be "comfortable" but rather we are commanded to just follow Him.
I think that statement refers to the verses in Malachi chapter 3 about "opening up the floodgates and pour out so much blessing". However those verses are not talking about financial blessings per se, but we will be blessed in other means.
....but it 'is' the......'TAKE'....as USUAL....$$$$....the love of _______'is' the ...........hidden....Terrorism!
....impossible?
1st John 4:1......
Let me get "everyone" on the phone, then we'll tell you.
I guess everybody has a line that separates prudent accumulation of property and security from greedy hoarding and huge salaries. This one in the story crosses mine.
$200,000 a year for a pastor? That's even more than most school superintendents make in Illinois, my new definition of over-paid "public servants."
Let God's word judge who is faithful, who is sanctified.
Big, small, or in between, it doesn't matter, if church bodies are being fed something less than the whole gospel, then God is no doubt less than pleased. But the Lord will sort the 'wheat from the tares', and the 'sheep from the goats'.
What saith He?
"Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." Matt. 7:14
Just a few. His words, not mine.
This will probably sound like sour grapes; but I don't understand a "Man of God" lives in a $2.3 million dollar home.
You know, we do not have safe communities anymore where common values are shared. These mega churches provide communities for people to find others who share similar values and a safe place to raise children. I think it is great and wish there was one around here.
I certainly have disagreements with their theology, but his salary was not out of line and facility costs are in line with attendance.
His Father was above reproach as far as I know. I sure don't want to see another Jim Baker?Swaggert type scandal. but money and power corrupt. He needs prayers to keep him on the right path.
http://www.revike.org/