Megachurch Leaders are in it for the money?

[Damascus]

My friendly neighbor is a “non-practicing christian” (?) and she told me she used to be a member of a megachurch. She said it was the lifestyles ($$$$) of some of the leaders of the megachurches that made her stop going.

I dont know a lot about Megachurches only that some dont have Christmas services for some reason. I am really not aware of too many leaders and their lives to know if she is being unfair here. Obviously I am aware of the Haggard thing, but that’s another kettle of fish.

I somewhat recall a megachurch leader couple that divorced and it was found out through those proceedings what they took in for personal income from their followers. Cant remember their names.

Is there any truth to this claim she is making? I would rather she go to a megachurch than no church at all (I think) right? Are they that corrupt?
I’m not talking about the televangelist guys just the megachurch guys and gals.

 

[JoeyWarren]

Well they don’t exactly live pious lives do they? Million dollar homes, limousines, chaffuers, air-conditioned doghouses…etc…etc…etc…

But I also have a problem with a priest that lives in a plush house when people in his parish are living in trailers.

 

[jim1130]

Well they don’t exactly live pious lives do they? Million dollar homes, limousines, chaffuers, air-conditioned doghouses…etc…etc…etc…

I worry more about the poor people who look up to them and then donate money that could go to rent, food, gas, etc.

I just see the Megachurches as similar with today’s athletes: Stats and salaries.

Who has the largest church? The largest denomination?

 

[JoeyWarren]

I worry more about the poor people who look up to them and then donate money that could go to rent, food, gas, etc.

I just see the Megachurches as similar with today’s athletes: Stats and salaries.

Who has the largest church? The largest denomination?

Exactly…

 

[Damascus]

Joey,

I wonder though. They are saving so many people possibly.(?)
can we just be so quick to write them off simply because some may be in it for the money? I mean, we dont have to like the Mega Church thing, but most of those guys aren’t exactly hiding the fact they dont have many qualifications. Lets give them a bit of a break. I mean its not like they are being dishonest about who they are. Very few have theology degrees. Some have business and finance backrounds after all.

Maybe people can get something out of this trend. Beats hell I think. (?)

 

[jim1130]

Joey,

I wonder though. They are saving so many people possibly.(?)
can we just be so quick to write them off simply because some may be in it for the money? I mean, we dont have to like the Mega Church thing, but most of those guys aren’t exactly hiding the fact they dont have many qualifications. Lets give them a bit of a break. I mean its not like they are being dishonest about who they are. Very few have theology degrees. Some have business and finance backrounds after all.

Maybe people can get something out of this trend. Beats hell I think. (?)

It would be nice if they could be considered a warm-up act to move the congregation into Catholcism.

 

[JoeyWarren]

And if at the same time they are teaching them that Baptism is only symbolic and the when the Eucharist is only symbolic? Give them a break? I am not so sure.

 

[Damascus]

It would be nice if they could be considered a warm-up act to move the congregation into Catholcism.

Keep dreaming. Sure, we would all like that, but come on. Its too fun to not fast, skip Jesus’ birth, not spend time with Mary, ect.,

I think you have a good heart, but get a cup of starbucks and wake up then smell that coffee.

 

[Damascus]

You guys made me see the error in letting charitable thought cloud common sense and reason. I was wrong to think she would be better off in a MegaChurch. She might very well be better off staying at home. At least that way she is not aiding and abetting a criminal activity. (spiritually speaking)

 

[Syele]

You guys made me see the error in letting charitable thought cloud common sense and reason. I was wrong to think she would be better off in a MegaChurch. She might very well be better off staying at home. At least that way she is not aiding and abetting a criminal activity. (spiritually speaking)

It’s not like there aren’t tons of little churches around for her to choose from. Megachurch and home are not the only options.

 

[Syele]

I dont know a lot about Megachurches only that some dont have Christmas services for some reason.

Many churches have a Christmas Eve service instead of a Christmas morning service to encourage families told hold their “Service” at home. Most families do Bible readings at home (Passages about the birth of Christ usually) Singing, and family sharing what God has done for them over the year. Some Families even have a Birthday cake for Jesus for the kids.

 

[Damascus]

It’s not like there aren’t tons of little churches around for her to choose from. Megachurch and home are not the only options.

Of course not Syele. Its just hard for someone who is used to, well cushiony comfort to have to sit in a wooden pew or some lesser quality thing to fully enjoy the surround sound and then meet the pals at one of the restaraunts afterward. Its not easy to give all that up.

 

[Damascus]

Many churches have a Christmas Eve service instead of a Christmas morning service to encourage families told hold their “Service” at home. Most families do Bible readings at home (Passages about the birth of Christ usually) Singing, and family sharing what God has done for them over the year. Some Families even have a Birthday cake for Jesus for the kids.

How touching. I’ll bet you did not know that a lot of Catholics do that on top of going to Mass. Where we actually recieve Christ as well let alone give him an hour of our time. ALso the Priests sorta like the company of their spiritual family being with them on that day. Its too cold to golf in most climates on that day anyway.

 

[Syele]

Of course not Syele. Its just hard for someone who is used to, well cushiony comfort to have to sit in a wooden pew or some lesser quality thing to fully enjoy the surround sound and then meet the pals at one of the restaraunts afterward. Its not easy to give all that up.

I guess I just don’t sympathize with that. Church isn’t about how comfy the pews are.

Also since we are talking about protestant churches, most of the poor ones can’t afford hard wooden pews, nor do they desire them… all the little churches I’ve been to have cushioned chairs and no pews at all. Also, as far as meeting pals after for lunch, that is actually MORE likely to happen at a small church. In a Megachurch, you can attend there years and never make friends if you are shy… noone can tell who’s a guest and who’s a regular they just don’t know yet. You walk in a small church and you’ll be introduced to so many new people that you won’t be able to remember their names! (I just moved and visited a tiny church on wednesday… I was told 30 people’s names, I was invited to a few activities, and I know who needs prayer for everything from Cancer to diarrhea! Small churchs become like family and share everything… large ones tend to be more individualized.

 

[carol_marie]

How would anyone know if they were “in it for the money?”

We can’t read their hearts. I think it is wrong to judge someone’s motives - we have no way of knowing.

 

[Syele]

How touching. I’ll bet you did not know that a lot of Catholics do that on top of going to Mass. Where we actually recieve Christ as well let alone give him an hour of our time. ALso the Priests sorta like the company of their spiritual family being with them on that day. Its too cold to golf in most climates on that day anyway.

Whoo, are you a bit touchy. You asked why and I answered. I did know Catholics do that too. I don’t know of any protestant churches that would encourage Golfing in place of celebrating Christ’s Birth.

 

[Damascus]

How would anyone know if they were “in it for the money?”

We can’t read their hearts. I think it is wrong to judge someone’s motives - we have no way of knowing.

To be clear, I did not say that. My neighbor contends that it has happened. I am not an expert on the financial aspect of the leaders and if there is truth to it or not. I do seem to recall a few that had been living some pretty luxurious lives. Now, is it wrong for them to make money doing something they love? Hmm, I just dont know. Good question. Where and how do they make that call?

 

[Eden]

Many churches have a Christmas Eve service instead of a Christmas morning service to encourage families told hold their “Service” at home.

Several years ago I was invited by family members who have left the Catholic Church to a Christmas party at a Nazarene church. Christmas was on a Sunday that year and this party was on a Friday. While I was there, I found out this was a church service/party in place of their church service on Christmas Day. We sat at folding tables on folding chairs in a cafeteria and after reading a few Bible verses and discussing the meaning behind the candy cane, Santa Claus came in and gave everyone candy canes. They had the service two days before Christmas so their holiday plans wouldn’t be interrupted by “having” to go to church.

 

[Damascus]

I guess I just don’t sympathize with that. Church isn’t about how comfy the pews are.

Also since we are talking about protestant churches, most of the poor ones can’t afford hard wooden pews, nor do they desire them… all the little churches I’ve been to have cushioned chairs and no pews at all. Also, as far as meeting pals after for lunch, that is actually MORE likely to happen at a small church. In a Megachurch, you can attend there years and never make friends if you are shy… noone can tell who’s a guest and who’s a regular they just don’t know yet. You walk in a small church and you’ll be introduced to so many new people that you won’t be able to remember their names! (I just moved and visited a tiny church on wednesday… I was told 30 people’s names, I was invited to a few activities, and I know who needs prayer for everything from Cancer to diarrhea! Small churchs become like family and share everything… large ones tend to be more individualized.

Thanks a lot. Its 5:22 here and I just took the first bite of my dinner. After hearing about your prayer intentions I think I will forgo the dinner.

 

[Syele]

Thanks a lot. Its 5:22 here and I just took the first bite of my dinner. After hearing about your prayer intentions I think I will forgo the dinner.

Awww, sorry for ruining your dinner… it’s only 4:30 here.