are pastors allowed to own their church buildings, or should the congregation?

Answer 1

Some churches start at people's home even. Many times one person cannot own a building,and some times church has to rent a place first Jesus warned us to not to tackle for legalistic things. My church building was built to us, it is not any pastor's property. You need to trust your church.

Answer 2

It depends on the denomination and how the church was started. As most pastors move from church to church, it seems more reasonable that the building be held by a trust or congregation.

Answer 3

They are allowed to own it. I mean I know of Pastors whose church meets in their home. However, if the Church builds a building its best that the church comes together and the non-profit organization owns the building.

Answer 4

Depends on the type of church government. (Although, I have never heard of a pastor owning the church building in any type of church.)

There are churches that have a congregational government, where the parishioners have the say.

There are other churches that have a presbyterian government, where a board of elders make the decisions.

Then, there are churches that have an episcopal government, where the bishop (or equivalent) or the governing body of bishops rule.

Answer 5

The building should belong to the local diocese if it belongs to one. NEVER to the pastor at all costs...I know of several pastors who act like they own their churches and hire only family members as employees. One pastor has SIX family members on the payroll...terrible!!!!!!!! Very suspect, too! That's like allowing the fox to guard the hen-house!!!!!!!!!

At least have a board of directors who do not belong to the church.

Answer 6

Fred Phelps owns his, and he and his family live in it, all three generations, when they are not out picketing soldier's funerals with signs that say "God Hates America."

Of course you might not consider him a good example ;)