Does the modern church seem like a club? Does the modern church seem like a corporation?

Question

I was thinking about the old church, which is just a place for people of that religion go to worship.

Then I was thinking about when I've gone to a church, and they pass around the collection tin of course, and I think nothing of it. And that cash or checks goes into the church's treasury. The treasury keeps track of how much the church makes and has, and divides it up for different things that the church needs FOR the church. To pay the person to come preach, to pay for the buildings expenses, etc. And I was thinking how corporation it all felt. Except it's like a warped corporation that involves everyone joining the club (in order to get more people which is more $$$).

Any thoughts?

Answer 1

Are you referring to the Catholic Church? Your theory sure is not new. Actually, the Catholic Church was that a long time ago, from more or less1300 to 1800. The bishops and the pope were more concerned of the money they could get from the people rather the religious aspect of their vocation. However, much of the old Church has actually changed. As you can see, Christianity has billions of followers around the globe now, and there are a lot of churches, priests, ministry workers, church maintenance staff, missionaries, monasteries, etc. and there are gazillions of hosts and millions of gallons of wine to make. and they also have to pay for the electricity, water, and who knows what else. And because the Church isn't really paid by outside sources, they have to seek financial assistance from their followers. That's why they have to do collections. And I'm sure the money will go to those expenses.

Answer 2

You are very correct and that is why I walked out of organized denominationalized religion several years ago. I now have a home based church that I run. I don't take offerings, collections or tithes. We hold it on Sat. night (Sabbath) instead of Romes pagan day. We take 2-3 hours for teaching and discussion, those in attendance are welcome to and encouraged to interrupt at any time and ask qeustions, when can you do that in a church. We take field trips also to go to museums, exhibits, and even Christian oriented movies such as The Nativity, A night with the King, The Passion and Narnia. I constantly remind them to trust in God, not me, not a church and not any books but to seek out God and follow Him.

If ever in the area you are more than welcome to join us or better yet you could start something like this in your home. Christ never taught going to a building, man came up with that idea.
Below I listed an anti-church pro God website that you may enjoy.

Join the Revolution
Reject Religion- Trust Christ

Answer 3

there is a certain amount of cost involved in running a church...collections are ok as along as they do not become the ticket into the church and the only reson they would help you.

i called some churches recently asking for help for someone ELSE....none offered to help.. they expected MY church, or where I PAY tithes to help , so that they would not have to....this is when a church becomes an investment corporation. the help needed would have been too much for any one small church..but would have been fine for several big churches,.....if a church is too busy building social halls to have bible studies in, but has no compassion for the poor, then it is a failure.

Answer 4

ive too felt similar. ive noticed as well, while sitting in an evangelical class (way of the master, you can look it up at www.wayofthemaster.com) it gives off the same exact feeling as a pyramid scheme. it makes you feel like the more people you bring to god the more rewards u get in heaven. it seems like most everything that the church is involved in is urging towards personal gain. there is a reason i wont give money to a church but would rather buy a homeless man some food. i dont need the church to disperse my money (or disperse it among itself?) i dont think thats what god had in mind.

Answer 5

This may shock you but money is the only area where God has authorised people to test Him. Most churches could be easily funded by one wealthy individual but that is not Gods plan. Giving money to God produces wealth for the giver and unless you are giving it cheerfully you should keep it.

Malachi Chapter 3

8 “Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me!

“But you ask, ‘What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?’

“You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me. 9 You are under a curse, for your whole nation has been cheating me. 10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test! 11 Your crops will be abundant, for I will guard them from insects and disease.[a] Your grapes will not fall from the vine before they are ripe,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 12 “Then all nations will call you blessed, for your land will be such a delight,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

Answer 6

Church does often have the appearance of a corporation, but our church donates 1/2 million dollars to foreign missions.
We also have a vibrant prison ministry.
We support mission churches in our city.

The pastor makes a good salary, but he has a doctorate, and has over twenty years of preaching experience before he came to us.

If you take being of service to your community seriously, it costs lots of money.

Answer 7

I'm going to corporation. You don't have to really try to get in like you would a club, you just have to give them money.

Answer 8

I don't like big mega church. Some even say God will make you rich so come to church. That's little over the top.

Answer 9

A lot of them. I believe God will send judgments , first to the house of God and then to the rest of the world.

Answer 10

Well, of course always financial things important to secure to any foundation. whether for profit or non-profit. today even many blogs secure donation things to keep them running. otherwise how to keep it works?