Why do churches ask for so much money? Didn't jesus want to keep money out of religion?

Question

Why does a religion founded by a wandering carpenter need a 10 million dollar campus and a preacher pushing a brand new lexus?

Answer 1

I have a problem with this myself. Preachers push for tithing, when tithing was originally for a big celebration, not for salaries, campuses, etc. You never hear a preacher tell you that, though! They just say it says in the Bible to do it! But in the Old Testament, everyone tithed at the end of the year, and they had a HUGE feast. So we take those verses out of cultural context. God loves a cheerful giver. if you are tithing out of obligation, you might as well keep your money.

But then, church is so messed up compared to what it was originally for in the beginning. Not to mention the absolute wastefulness of the money. I highly doubt Jesus would be spending millions of dollars on church buildings when there are so many other needs in the community. Heck, he just preached outside in the open!

One thing I caution: everyone thinks that preachers should be poor and happy to be so. When you are around a vast amount of wealth, it is hard to have to be on food stamps. A church SHOULD take care of its minister to the best of its abilities. Preachers are people too, and have no more desire to live in poverty than anyone else. A good rule of thumb is to pay the minister the AVERAGE of what people in the church make. If they do not want to do that, then they should not hire someone. Ministers have to feed their families too.

Answer 2

Not all churches to have 10 million $ campus, which by the way would be quite small at today's prices, and I would definitely question any pastor driving a Lexus. But, to have just a decent building, pay the power, electric, and give a fair wage to a minister does cost a lot. All churches' books are supposed to be open for inspection (in the USA, as far as I know). You can see where the money is going.

By the way....Christ and the Disciples were put up in a home, according to theologians that I have talked with. They did not live as paupers, either. But, of course, standards were different then, and people were paid with food, clothing and shelter, not just gold pieces.

Answer 3

Jesus didn't like religion. He liked relationship. However, some of the organized church is truly, in their own way, trying to spread the Gospel by getting enough money to buy Bibles, Christian books, Christian education, etc. Then there are more, I believe, who are just plain greedy and exploiting the entirety of Christianity. If a preacher is driving a brand new Lexus and one of his congregation is hungry, he better get to the business of selling that car and feeding his hungry brother. But you can look at it in different ways: 1) A preacher's love of money is destroying the church. 2) A believer's love of money, by not giving it freely, is destroying the church. Personally, I think that we should all share what we have with everyone, not only Christians, churches, and preachers. You can give gifts to the true Church, which is Christ's Body of believers, simply by feeding a hungry person, or providing shelter to a homeless person, or spending your time with a lonely person, etc. Peace.

Answer 4

Jesus didn't want the church to be run like a business. He was angry when he saw preists selling people animals to sacrifice in the temple. He did enchourage giving, though the amount should be determined by God alone. As for the large campus and preacher diving a lexus, how do you know that God didn't just reward them for using their money wisely (or putting it to good use)? Remember, God knows how much money you can handle, and if you can be a good steward, you will be blessed.

Answer 5

Not all churches beg for money. Unfortunately, some do and they tend to get the most publicity.

I don't know if Jesus ever said to "keep money out of Christianity"...He Himself had people who helped support Him during His ministry...but, yes, the greed of some preachers is disgusting...

The thing is, Christians are people too. They aren't "holier" than other people and we all have our temptations. Some choose to resist while others give in. (I'm not excusing the greedy acts of others, just trying to explain it. Many people seem to think that Christians should NEVER EVER slip up, and once someone does, they scream "HYPOCRITE!" at us.) So, some pastors/church leaders/whatever choose to give into greed when they should resist.

But, no offense, why can't a Pastor have a Lexus? I mean, not if his congregation is paying for it necessarily and it shouldn't be a goal...but, if he's blessed with one...why is that a problem?

I love what one man said when confronted with this...he was a preacher..."It's a company car..." Which means God gave it and God can have it whenever He pleases...I think that's a good way to look at it rather than condemning preachers into always having crap things...

Answer 6

Mother Teresa dont need much to love and help people.
She use a stick to write on the ground to teach the children to read and write.
There is a Pastor in Borneo ,who has a 18 year old generator which malfunction. The Seminary student tell him that he cannot do bible study that night and say he should get a new replacement. Undisturb by the situation he tell the student we will repaired it and will study with candle light for the night.
What I want to say to you is you see but you do not see all the works of the preacher around the world. They do with what they are blessed with.

Answer 7

When the preachers take the money for buildings and cars that is wrong. The church is supposed to use the money to help the poor. People should give to a church that has programs for the poor and needy, that helps people with community service etc. If your preacher is buying fancy cars with your money GO TO A DIFFERENT CHRUCH!!!!

You have the responsibility given to you by God to give your money to a place that will use it responsibly for charity.

If you can't find a church like that give to a Christian organization that helps the poor directly like World Vision, Compassion International, the Salvation Army etc.

Answer 8

Jesus was raised by a carpenter, but as far as scripture tells us, he didn't actually employ himself as a carpenter in his wandering years of ministry. He didn't have a job and he didn't farm, but he did accept both monetary and food offerings from those who wanted to offer them. Sometimes he asked if anyone had anything, sometimes people just volunteered.

If a person is faithful to God, there is no doubt that God is going to bless that person financially.

As far as why churches ask for so much money--some do it out of a real need to keep the church open. A church is supported by the people. Others, unfortunately, do it out of bad motives and greed. But don't worry, God knows what they're doing:

2Pe 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
2Pe 2:2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
2Pe 2:3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

Answer 9

I also use to have a HUGE problem with this issue myself.. until I found the right church.

Our pastor has a way of explaining it to me that made me feel not only comfortable about giving my tithe but truly excited!

For one thing I know the money is being used to better our community and provide a ministry to many. I was blessed to receive a great act of kindness from the church when I was in need.

Also why is it OK in our society to see Entertainers, Athletes and even drug dealers with allot of money.. but it is no OK for a Man of God to prosper? That does not make sense.. as another person answered if you are loyal to God with your tithe he surely will bring blessings upon you.. so when I see our Pastor being blessed I know he is a servant of God & I am thankful for it!

That is not to say that I don't agree that many churces are exploiding the faith but as someone else mentioend God knows what is going and I have no doubt will see to the correction of that in time.

Answer 10

Churches and all religious institutions are working for englightenment of the public by preaching and books etc. All this system needs money. Jesus Christ never asked to take money out of religion. If he asks so how can he order for charity. He asked to let the illegal money out!!