The pastor would live by faith that his needs would be met, church would be held in a rented hall or parishioners home or farm, people would give of their time to help others in the community, every cent in the tithes and offerings plate would go to charity. What do others think?
2007-12-18 02:09:35 · 28 answers · asked by pete the pirate 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I actually did attend a church each week for a number of years, including often counting the large amount of money given in the tithes and offerings each week and how a large proportion of it went on salary, rent and so on, so I am aware of how a churches finances normally run. I felt that it got a little inward looking - all that money going to keep the feel good machine going. Jesus actually sent his disciples out with nothing but their clothing and instructed them to proceed with faith that their needs would be met. What would be more inspiring than a pastor and a church with the same attitude, the pastor depending on God to provide, the congregation helping others (including the pastor if they saw a need)with a heart attitude of love.
2007-12-18 03:02:50 · update #1
Most Pastors I know do live by faith. After all how can a church pay their pastor if people aren't obediently giving their tithes?......You would like to have service in a rented hall?....ok who pays for that hall...most attendees would say they already gave their tithes...why give more? Since you have all the offerings given to charity what do they use to pay for the rental of the hall with? Now a church service held in a home...well my church has an attendance of anywhere between 200-250people how can you fit that into someones home??? On a farm? Ok...where and if you live in a place like Canada where it is Winter and temps hit -40F Church attendance would drop during the winter months. I know alot of people who own farms the only way we can hold a service like ours is to do it outside....People wouldn't even show up....to cold!......People would give their time to help others in the community...ok thats a good idea there....but are you talking all of their time?? What about their families?...Jobs? No money made at a job...no Tithe...no charitable offerings.
A nonprofit organisations still have to pay taxes....so....who are you gonna nominate each year to pay for the churches taxes?
Just like a country uses taxes to pay the presidents, sentors,government workers, police officers, uses money social assistance Churches opperate in the same idea.....
As far as the pastor living by faith...wouldn't he be using the idea that he would faithfully hope that God will speak to the congration to give to the church to help their pastor's living expenses? My church gives my pastor a living allowance. It isn't alot but it is enough to help him cover his basic needs.
Ever hear this story?
A man was stranded on the top of his house in the middle of a flood. He begins to pray...God please rescue me....So along comes a boat...he sends them away because he says oh...God will save me.....along comes a helicopter...he sends that away saying oh...God will save me....then along comes the second boat...he sends that away to saying...God will save me....The man dies of starvation. As he enters the kingdom Heaven he asks God...how come you didn't save me....God says...I sent you two boats and I sent you a helicopter...What more were you hoping I'd do?
2007-12-18 02:41:03 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
For the most part, this is true. At my church, they don't pass or take offering. They have a basket in the back of the church for offerings, and once in a while Pastor Max will mention that it's back there for the new comers. i don't totally agree with the tithes and offering going to charity. In giving in the Bible, there are tithe offerings and alms. Tithe is for the upkeep of a church house and modest means for the pastor. Alms are given above that, and are used to help the poor and widows and such. Renting a hall would be a waste of money because they are not cheap, and you can pay on a mortgage instead of rent. It would be ideal to have church in a house , but what happens when you have a large church (100 + people) and everyone only has a small house.
2007-12-18 02:27:18 · answer #2 · answered by drfulkrumsinvisiblekneemachine 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I, too, hold this vision with you.
Take heart there are those out there practicing this to the best of their ability. Many 'home churches' are the perfect example.
The group I worship with has chosen to 'pay its own way', we are in a free & clear building and we are 75% of what you describe. 25% goes to upkeep and salary. We are 'small but mighty' in God. It is a squirming point for some that we refuse to focus on the dollar bill (other than to thank God for every penny and send it out to do good in the community and the world). It is a great demonstration point when the minister can live by faith. It really sets the tone for others to follow.
Every week it is a faith demonstration that keeps the lights on and the doors open and the phones, etc. answered.
I think you've got a great idea there. Tithing and giving as spoken of in Scripture is what allowed churches to function in the first place.
Even church, or especially churches, tabernacles, mosques, etc. all have to struggle with the greed and the moderation issue. God provides -- abundantly so. And good stewards know and practice this gratefully.
[Remember y'all, this is my opinion and I get 2 pts for it]
2007-12-18 04:20:56 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In very small congregations, this would work. However, the congregation would have to give up such expectations as having the pastor show up at the drop of a hat, drive them to their doctor appointments (yes, I was in a church where that was expected), and be on call 24 hours a day. I've been in too many churches that equated "having the pastor's needs met by faith" with "letting the pastor starve" to ever agree with that.
2007-12-18 02:57:05 · answer #4 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Guess what? A "rented hall" involves formal finance.
Most homes cannot accomodate 200-300 people.
The pastor has to take care of his own family. He needs a salary.
People DO give their time to help others. Much of the tithes and offerings DO go to charity.
Your idea is unrealistic. Do some research next time, friend.
2007-12-18 02:20:09 · answer #5 · answered by batgirl2good 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
LOL...nice try...someone still has to pay the bills...the church itself is the charity...
I don't think you understand how an actual Christian church does work...the pastor lives in a house provided by the church...the church members tithes and offerings are divided up to different missions, charities, and bills...the pastor is offered a salary for his monthly living expenses...
That's assuming it's not one of those TV evangelical money laundering schemes or led by an extortionist pastor...
2007-12-18 02:18:36 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
So? Who pays for the Church & the missionaries (to bring the Gospel to all nations) & other ministries or the sound systems, etc.?
Jesus Christ is our High Priest & King (forever) after the Order of Melchezedek. Abraham gave a 10th to Melchezedek. So? We should also give a 10th to Jesus, our High Priest & King.
And Jesus said to bring all the tithe into the store house so there is food in His House. So? The tithe belongs to the persons Church where the Word of God is preached (spiritual bread) and there is food available for the needy (physical bread). (Malachi3:10). verse8 "Will a man rob God?".
The person can give their offerings to God to where ever the person wants to give generously for.
2007-12-18 03:15:13 · answer #7 · answered by t a m i l 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Where's the Pastor supposed to live, in a cardboard box? Who pays the rent for the church building? We are supposed to honor our Pastors, they are anointed of God to care for and feed the flock. They are human just like you and me and need money to live and a home for their family. Take off the rose colored glasses, this is the real world, and living by faith is not living by magic. Sorry, but I've had 2 great Pastors and they are not magicians praying for money to drop out of the sky. Bless you.
2007-12-18 02:23:37 · answer #8 · answered by karenhjones 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The "ideal" church knows and practices biblical stewardship, and recognizes that bills are a fact of life. They would of course, go over the budget, and remove all unnecessary expenditures.
The Pastor is worthy of his pay.
A rented hall means there would have to be some form of finance.
The church, as you hinted at, would pay greater attention to the matters they should be paying attention to.
2007-12-18 02:16:36 · answer #9 · answered by Jed 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Amen! Acts 2:46-47 - "And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved."
The church you described in your question sounds like the one described above in Acts, and look how the Lord added to that church! Acts 7:48-50 - "Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet, Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest? Hath not my hand made all these things?
The "ideal" church you described is, in my opinion, the one the Lord would be most pleased with. Thank you for posting this question, and God bless you!!!
2007-12-18 02:44:18 · answer #10 · answered by Virginia B (John 16:33) 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋