If preachers are chosen by God and the truth lies before us in the Word of God,?

Question

why do they try to make money off of appearences and books and tapes? Jesus never did anything for monetary gain. One of the most popular ministers ask for $10,000 to come speak at a nearby retreat I go to here in NC. That is ridiculous! Why do they charge that fee if there message is going to help someone grow in faith?

Answer 1

What goes around, comes around. How much money do you figure the retreat is drawing for those pastors who are not "visiting?" Religion is the biggest cash cow in the world; and they all defend the 10 per cent tithe if they agree on nothing else.

Take the food and the money away, leaving enough to eat and clothing on their backs (Scripture says this is enough) and these people will be history. Else like attorneys they might throw in a little pro bono. By Scripture they are not even to carry money on their person when they travel. Plastic, I am sure they will say, doesn't count.

Hold your own retreat with God. Everyman must answer for himself and have his own experience. Let them do with their money, support your family, give your ten per cent to the poor from your own hand, testify to what you know, and avoid religious busy work; where the tares are being bound together.

Answer 2

It is unfortunate that some people have gotten into ministry to make "big $$". Not every minister is like that.

I believe people should be paid for thier work. This is thier work...definately pay for travel expenses, etc. But 10,000 for a retreat weekend is extremely high. I also think it is fine for minsters (ministries) to sell books and resources. It cost to produce those items. I do NOT think these items should be for sell in the sanctuary of a church (it is inappropriate to sell things product for personal gain in God's house). Some churches today have bookstores in the lobby and as long as any gain being made is going back into the kingdom, I think this is okay.

Jesus may not have asked for $$ but we know He had some $$ because there was an appointed treasurer (Judas). They wouldn't have needed a treasurer if there were not any funds. So somewhere along the way, people were giving offerings to Jesus and His disciples.

Answer 3

Unfortunately, the "world" has not left the "church" in the background when it comes to greed, and self-indulgences. It's almost a two-way street - if you are a member of a congregation, you can 'see' what happens to the tithes and offerings in the church. You can witness with your own eyes what the minister is doing and how the funds are spent. There are people who do not attend church on a regular basis and would rather 'send' their money There are those ministers who have become so popular that their 'presence' commands certain amounts of money - it's not to say that they have not been called, but if they are misusing funds, or directing people in the wrong way - they will definitely have to answer for every deed.

Answer 4

If you search the bible you will realize that God blesses His Own abundantly & in increase in all areas of life.

Are you trying to tell me that a Preacher can't write book and sell it?

But you have a point about a minister asking for $10,000. But usually ministers ask for people to give as God puts on their heart. And if this ministry is Gods call, then all expenses will be provided for.

And Christian Church doors are open to the public without a fee.

Answer 5

Perhaps because not all preachers are chosen by God? Some become preachers because it's good work if you can get it!

The vast majority of Christian ministers truly feel called to their ministry, and work behind the scenes, for little monetary gain, to further the kingdom of God. Don't judge all by the actions of a few.

Answer 6

I'm answering according to the question in the title not based on the novel of the context of the question . All I got to say is that I think our God Is obviously the real God ; I believe in the Holy Trinity. And I believe everyone else is clearly worshiping the wrong god . Which doesn't bug me . I don't personally care . I just know mine is real and there's is not . Especially those religions from the east . Like Asia ; it just gets crazier .

Answer 7

These men who charge obscene amounts of cash in order to be seen by men (because that's what they really want) will stand before God and give an account for such actions. And, personally, I wouldn't want to be in their shoes.

I can understand offering books, tapes, and other material (at decent prices) to help aid in financing missionaries, medical aid, traveling, and other everyday life expenses.

But, selling these things in order to buy you a $250,000 Bentley? A new suit? A Rolex? A flashy necklace?

That's wrong.

Answer 8

I wouldn't know. I've been a clergyman for 12 years and I drive a 12-year-old car and the front bumper is being held on with black duct-tape. I can barely afford gas to make my rounds to hospitals and hospice care facilities. The most money I ever made as a clergyman in ONE MONTH was $1,000.00 - and that was with three weddings and two funerals.

Where are all these riches, anyway?

Answer 9

I believe outrageous fees are a sign of power and greed and such is wrong. Yes, people have to pay bills and put food on the table, but if you're using people contributions to your ministry to buy expensive cars and mansions, you're probably in sin IMO. There's no justification for such a lifestyle if you're using other people's money to live it.

Answer 10

Greed