We have a pastor who has told the church that he is an apostle and has used churc money to take his wife with him on trips that the church pays for. He has been paid over $4,000 per year over what his salary is was voted by the church. Has surronded himself with persons unable to move the church forward and lack knowledge of laws. We are a 501 C and he has meetings that he calls to talk about himself and what he will do and members are not allowed to talk or they will be called devils. We are a small low income community, but our church has lost over half it's members. We need help.
2006-09-05 04:54:00 · 10 answers · asked by Julie Mae J 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
If it is non profit, as most church groups are, it is fraud to use church money for personal use.
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2006-09-05 05:01:30 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First off Pray, Secondly call the police in. He is robbing the church, and that is wrong. As a Shepherd he will be judged more harshly. Anyone who is in authority, and says they are of God will have to prove they are. Take the people to the Bible of false preachers. 1 Tim. 3: 1-16. Matt. 24, 2 Corn. 11:4 2 Pt 1:16-21 Lk 6:26 2 Cor 3-4&5 1 Tim 1:3-4. Print these out for the others to read. If they will not adhere leave. It is hard, but you can't stay where the false prophets are. They had a sistuation like that in Lapeer. Most the people left, and by the time people opened up their eyes that was left. They finally left too. He is gone. The Bible says our sins will find us out. Also if he talks about himself then he is not of God. Our church talks about Jesus, not about self.
2006-09-05 05:07:17 · answer #2 · answered by salvation 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the 4,000 was embezzled then you could get the police involved (but they will require proof to prosecute).
I've seen a similar case where the individual went to Europe for a month long vacation. While he was away some people questioned his ability to finance such a trip on his income... there was an investigation of the accounting, and they found he had made a habit of skimming from the collections to supplement his income. When he returned to the states he was confronted and charged with embezzlement. He is currently on probation and was court ordered to make restitution (though it is based on income, and he will probably never pay back the full amount). The amount was never fully disclosed to the other members, but it was probably several hundred dollars a month over a 4 year period.
2006-09-05 05:11:17 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Biblically, someone goes to the pastor and lovingly talks to him
if he doesnt listen go back with a Christian friend and lovingly do the same and if he doesnt listen go to the church
also the way of going to the church depends on the denomination, most denominations have boards that look into these sorts of things in several local churches they supervise
some local churches are really not very accountable to anyone outside their local body, in which case stil hopefully even in that local church there is a board of elders to go to at least, but they may or may not be willing to scrutinize the situation
A person making a few thousand dollars above the budget by itself, if approved by the allowed means isnt necessarily by itself wrong. Depends on the circumstances and there needs to be some flexibility. Try not to get bent out of shape for some things beyond what they mean, do not characterize a person by their worst mistake but sometimes people move into pastor jobs who actually dont like authority over themselves and it sometimes causes problems.
If its way out.. maybe you should go to a church with a more balanced accountable authority.
2006-09-05 05:01:50 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Begin by realizing that faith and religion are two seperate things, and that ministers are the best salesman on earth. You can tell when a salesman is lying as his lips are moving. You do not need religion or a church to have faith! Leave the situation and urge others to do the same, eventually he wiil have no income and move on to terrorize another community. Or you could file a complaint with the IRS or your state tax authority. Pray to God for answers in matters of faith, not a pastor.
2006-09-05 05:01:48 · answer #5 · answered by Jimbo 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have two choices. 1. Report the behavior to the church board, most likely the board of elders. If they won't take action then your only and remaining action will be to leave the church. This church sounds like it is severely ill. It's Sheppard is not a christian and is leading the church to destruction. You can find a better local body than this.... Jim
2006-09-05 05:02:06 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The church should have a board of elders that hires and fires - check the bylaws. If the elders (or board of "whatever") aren't interested in making the pastor accountable, then perhaps you should consider a new church. God bless. ~Nisa
2006-09-05 04:58:40 · answer #7 · answered by newfsdrool 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
there should be some sort of a board of directors who oversee the Church official business. there are district offices and then regional offices and then a national headquarters generally speaking. those who are " in the know " on the local board should have the names and addresses of those whom you can contact under these circumstances. best wishes.
2006-09-05 05:13:17 · answer #8 · answered by Marvin R 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call your brothers and sisters in Christ to pray and then Go the your denomination board and report it to them they should be able to help you.
In Christ in Love,
TJ57
2006-09-05 05:14:34 · answer #9 · answered by TJ 57 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
change churches...
2006-09-05 05:05:14 · answer #10 · answered by Commander 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋