[Free_in_Alabama]

And that is why I choose to home church. Ever place I have gone its the same. Sing for the plate, pray about the empty plate, sing some more why the plate is passed around and finally pray cause the plate has something in it. After that church is half over unless they have a building fund or missionary fund for some people I have never seen before or the preachers house needs a new roof or the plate has been a little lite lately then 75% of the worship time is spent on fund-raising. 80K when the average person in the congregation makes 40K - that a little excessive but if thats what the congregation wants more power to them. How much do they spend on the orphans and widows?

Yes - I am being a little sarcastic but not too much.

[newhouse]

Well hey- try the LDS version. Members tithe which goes towards buildings, teaching supplies, that sort of thing. Bishops support themselves from the git go. Works right nicely.

[TheGunny]

Are you really in Alabama? Do you have any idea how demanding folks are of a pastors time? My Pastor has a Masters Degree, works 7 days a week (Monday is his day off but it is often interrupted). Do you have any idea what it takes to research and compose a sermon for Sunday morning? To visit and care for the homebound or sick. Visitations, counseling....he takes care of his own family too. If you were a Christian (I would think) you would understand these things. 80k I think is overshooting what most Pastors are paid, but its a drop in the bucket and they, he, is worth more than that.

[P-Marlowe]

And that is why I choose to home church. Ever place I have gone its the same. Sing for the plate, pray about the empty plate, sing some more why the plate is passed around and finally pray cause the plate has something in it. After that church is half over unless they have a building fund or missionary fund for some people I have never seen before or the preachers house needs a new roof or the plate has been a little lite lately then 75% of the worship time is spent on fund-raising. 80K when the average person in the congregation makes 40K - that a little excessive but if thats what the congregation wants more power to them. How much do they spend on the orphans and widows?

Why do I have the feeling that when they passed the plate you never gave anything?

Yes - I am being a little sarcastic but not too much.

Me too.

[guitarplayer1953]

You forgot about a elder standing up and prophesying that we are to give till it hurts. Or having an associate pastor stand up and talk out of Malichi about who's robing God. I got sick of this dog and pony show years ago.