Money is always a touchy issue, especially for churches. There can easily be issues, whether actual or perceived. And while actual abuses cause enormous problems, I’d guess it’s the perceived issues that are more rampant:
- Accusing a church of mismanaging funds when they actually just disagree with the vision of the church (the ‘church buildings/amenities are evil’ or the ‘too plush’ mindset).
- Accusing a church of watering down the message in order to keep the cash rolling in–offering ‘Christianity lite’ and not touching difficult topics like materialism (the ‘megachurches are evil’ mindset).
- Accusing a church of talking about money or asking for money too often–which has to be the biggest complaint, no matter how much churches try to downplay the offering.
An article about how churches use money (registration required) touches on some of these issues, but doesn’t bother to dig into some of the real issues. What is interesting is that they report that among non-profits, churches have the most honest financial records.
When it comes to money and church I often hear big time churches and leaders saying it’s better to talk more about money, not less (Ed Young, for example). They argue that Jesus talked more about money than he did a lot of things, and that people simply need help dealing with money.
Juan Peron
June 1, 2006
How are we ever going to do ministry if we’re constantly avoiding topics that make people uncomfortable?
The only people who get upset when we talk about certain topics are the people who have an issue in that area. Fornicators don’t like hearing about abstinence. Addicts don’t like hearing about temperance and self control.
But that’s exactly what we are supposed to be sharing.
Kirk Longhofer
June 1, 2006
I’m sorry… but this writer is a moron, and his editor was asleep at the switch. He hung the whole story on a disgruntled congregant who is looking for the reincarnated first century church to somehow materialize in New Mexico. He hasn’t yet, however, sold his belongings to give us all an example.
Then the writer spends the rest of the article debunking what this guy says. What authority does the disgruntled guy have??? Who says he’s representative???
This story needed an editor to roll his eyes and spike it.
You gotta wonder if Mark is related to George!
kdl
Kirk Longhofer
June 1, 2006
Just clarifying… my comment is directed at the article referenced in the link… not this post!
kdl
Berry Enloe
October 11, 2006
Did you know that almost EVERY one of our members is a born again, tithe paying Christian… and their money situation is in shambles.
As solid Christian people we all decided up front to not bill ourself as a ministry. We would minister in a tent making kind of way… but the more people we help the more we realize how much the Church needs us…
Aidah
November 20, 2006
I need to have a look at the story
Pastor ranjith
May 21, 2008
PLEASE HELP ME.