SHOULD PASTORS BE FILTHY RICH?
Being a nigerian, i have noticed amongst our people the sudden awakening that being a true christian, one is not permitted to be financially challenged (broke) or have a serious illness, and therefore alot of pastors have now focused their attention on their new found ‘Revelation’, which by the way, i belive they have adopted from the americans, only, nigerians have taken it to another level, going from building empires to even schools that are not affordable by their own congregation. Is this the work of God?
Pls share your views on this subject…
For those who might see this as an attack on preachers, please visit http://www.channel4.com/programmes/unreported-world/episode-guide/series-2011/episode-14.
OUR RESPONSE
Point blank: Prosperity teachers are thieves, and whoever believes them deserves whatever they get, as you are just as guilty as the preachers for seeking wealth rather than His kingdom.
God is not a lottery ticket, where in the scriptures does it say that you can multiply your money by putting it in the church. I know the scriptures that are used to support this ideas but guess what?… there is hardly anything in life, whether good or bad that man cannot find a scripture in the bible to support it, if he chooses to.
That book serves as an armour for the people of God and a stumbling block for those who are not.
Whoever is preaching and does not focus on the cross, is preaching a different gospel. Promising people wealth or telling people they cannot be broke because they are born-again is not gospel.
Now ask yourself, why would you prefer to believe otherwise?
notsamson 
A miutne saved is a minute earned, and this saved hours!
Phenomenal breadkwon of the topic, you should write for me too!
You keep it up now, undesratnd? Really good to know.
Now I know who the bairny one is, I’ll keep looking for your posts.
There are no words to derscibe how bodacious this is.
thanx for stopping by.. much appreciated.
For those who might see this as an attack on preachers, please visit http://www.channel4.com/programmes/unreported-world/episode-guide/series-2011/episode-14.
Wish the video was still available online but I cannot find it. However, you can read-up on all the available links.
Great stuff, you hlpeed me out so much!
thanx for stopping by. you are too kind. pls stay tuned for more.
I don’t think I have a lot to add, but remember Job? He had lots of money, he was filthy rich. So was Abraham. For me to say whether a minister should or should not have lots of money is not my place. What needs to happen is they need to listen to God. Everything they do should be for and because of God. If God tells them to give every cent they have, sell their house, and give their clothes away, then they should do it without hesitation.
The problem with money, is that it’s incredibly hard to not be dependent on it. With money, we can feel comforted and safe. And when we are comfortable, we think we don’t need God anymore. That’s a problem.
And regarding that of believing physical wealth is a sign of God’s blessings, if that’s what you’re implying is happening in Nigeria, it was highly believed that in Jesus’ time. But look at Jesus. He was a hobo being picked on his entire ministry. Everyone ended up turning on him, torturing him, and murdering him. The early church was heavily persecuted. All the disciples were murdered except for John (and don’t think he got off without being boiled in oil). Reading through the New Testament, I don’t see how one can come to the conclusion that following Jesus will show any sort of physical prosperity.
thank you so much for sharing.. pls come back again and stay tuned for more questions. Also could you pls share your story on John and his demise? where can we look this up? only aware of him being abandoned. pls share…
You have shed a ray of snuhisne into the forum. Thanks!
I’m out of lauege here. Too much brain power on display!
THX that’s a great ansewr!
Thank you!! Your more than welcome! It was my pleasure!! God Bless You!! 🙂
I could watch Schindler’s List and still be happy after reaindg this.
Loool. ok. thanx for stopping by. pls stay tuned for more.
Right on-this hepled me sort things right out.
If not for your wtriing this topic could be very convoluted and oblique.
Now I know who the braniy one is, I’ll keep looking for your posts.
I also wanted to add, Great site! Keep up the Good Work! Can’t wait to read your next post! Thanks Notsamson! 🙂
Mrsjacoby19
thank you so much for your contribution and moreso, the encouragement, its worth more than money. pls stay stuned for plenty more, by the grace of God. Thank you very much, you are too kind.
You’re the geratset! JMHO
Loool. Thank you so much champ. Pls forgive us. We still very new to this. I do not know how long your responses have being waiting approval but thank God we found them. Thank you sooooo much for the encouragements.
By the way, what is JMHO?
A piece of erudition ulinke any other!
thanx for stopping by. pls stay tuned for more.
I thank you humbly for sharing your wsiodm JJWY
At last, smoeone comes up with the “right” answer!
I love raendig these articles because they’re short but informative.
In examining this issue. I believe that, as Christians, we are supposed to be in this world, but not of this world. Our focus should be God! We are still faced with the challenges of being human. Dealing with financial issues, sickness, the economy, etc. Pastors are not different. They have to deal with the same issues. I believe that it’s the congregation’s job to take care of their shepherd and God’s house. The believer has a responsiblity to bring their 10 percent of all their earnings (tithes) along with their offerings to God’s house. The believer must also ask God for widsom and discernment. God will give them widsom and discernment in knowing how to govern their finances outside of giving their tithes and offerings. God loves a cheerful giver! Financial gain and to take advantage of the believer is not of God. I believe that if the Pastor is truly following God, he has been chosen and groomed by God himself. He will have all the qualities and characteristics of God including, compassion and a heart for the people. Thereby, not over taxing the people beyond their means. God’s blessings adds no sorrow. God will give the Increase (blessings) to the Pastor to get buildings, schools, as he sees fit. These are for the furthering of spreading God’s word and winning souls. I think the congregation and the Overseer (Pastor) should have a trusting relationship, united in following God!
I’m humbled, and thank you for visiting my site! Be Blessed!
Just do me a favor and keep writing such trenahnct analyses, OK?
Kick the tires and light the fires, problem officially sovled!
NOTSAMSON
I agree that judgment is necessary, and is too frequently used to end the discussion.
However, my point was not to end the discussion, but to alter it slightly. As I said, the better question is directed to what they do with the money, not whether they should have it in the first place.
The question of whether they should have it carries with it the idea that “if a minister is rich he can’t be from God and so he should be rejected.” Granted this is only true if the answer to the question is no, but that is the judgment the question is seeking to make. It is basing a spiritual judgment on a temporal condition.
One might also ask “If a minister really has faith should they be getting sick?” After all, Paul was bitten by a serpent and it didn’t effect him, and the Lord promises that the faithful will not be harmed by poison. This is just another attempt to base spiritual judgment on temporal conditions.
As I said, I have no intention to shut down the conversation, but to alter its course away from such idea and into what I would consider a spiritual judgment based on spiritual condition; or what his character leads him to do with his money.
The only real answer to should they be filthy rich is yes, if that is what God has blessed them with. Any other answer forces one to reject a wealthy minister simply because he is wealthy, and thus run the risk of rejecting a true servant of God.
ok (shematwater).. agreed. The body of our question should shed more light on where the question is directed and the reason for it.
First, Thank you for reading! In response to your question I have to say that I haven’t given a whole lot of thought to the issue, but I would have to say that I feel Church Leaders and Pastors should live like those they serve. I don’t think they should live above them at all! That any superfluous monies should go into the community and the ministries of the church. For instance if I were to, lets say, win the lottery. I would have a lot more money than I needed. I would most definitely donate a good portion of that to charities, organizations, and the ministries of my church.
I hear you. However, I think you have made things a little too simple. Suppose a minster serves in an area where the people simply don’t do anything, but wait for the church to give them what they need, which is usually the bare minimum. Should the minister be forced to live on the bare minimum because his congregation chooses to do so?
I think it would be better to say that he should live as those they serve should live. In this way the minister sets the example. I know this is splitting hairs.
Now, the one thing I do believe is that the minister should not become rich off the people he serves. I am very much against the ministers who are paid high wages for being a minister. I do not think that God intended this, and we read all through the New Testament how the prophets and apostles worked for their own living, and when they had to accept money or food from the saints they repaid it with their labors.
A minister should receive no more than a minimal allowance of money to tend to the necessities of life. If he wants more than that he needs to find it in some other business than the ministry.
mmm.. i see. Agreed (shematwater).
However, judging is being used too many times as an excuse to shut people up. How does one correct things without speaking up.
what was apostle paul’s comment on the issue of correction/judgement.
This for me is bible study, if churches gave room for this, there wouldnt be any need for this forum.
Thank you very much for sharing sir (benmelek). I concur.. please stay tuned for the views of others and more questions.
It’s wonrdeful to have you on our side, haha!
Matthew 6: 33
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
This is said after Christ has explained that God takes care of what is his. God knows what we need, and if we are faithful he will provide it.
Just so you know, I do not think these pastors are really following the gospel of Christ, I am simply pointed out that their theology can be seen in the Bible. I think for any minister to do work that his congregation cannot participate in is not following the counsel of Christ, and many of them are becoming corrupt.
However, we should not be doling out the judgment or declaring their motives. Should they be filthy rich? That is for God to decide. I think the more important question is “If God blesses them with such riches, how should they use it?”
Now we know who the sensblie one is here. Great post!
Pls forgive us. We still very new to this. I do not know how long your responses have being waiting approval but thank God we found them. Thank you sooooo much for the encouragements.
My prboelm was a wall until I read this, then I smashed it.
Pastors are trying to follow the mega-church phenomenon of the 90’s and venture into big business.
They really need to pray about self control and stewardship of Christ church property; as well as be mindful of America’s top 1%’s business practices! They could be setting themselves up for a big financial fall!
Scripture says “pride comes before a fall,”right? Greed can also cause much havoc, and the kicker is, that men tend to think in terms of, if they can do it, I can do it. And God wishes for me to prosper! And the next thing you know… right?!
I’m out of leguae here. Too much brain power on display!
Loool. Pls forgive us. We still very new to this. I do not know how long your responses have being waiting approval but thank God we found them. Thank you sooooo much for the encouragements.
mmmm… Preach, preach (spain90). thanx 4 taking the time out to share. pls stay tuned for many more
You’re the greatset! JMHO