Show me the money.

I've included a post from Jerry Mcquire. I am not a big fan of the movie, however, I do enjoy this "show me the money" part. It takes me to where I would like to write about today. Show me the money is what some of our supposed Pastors are saying to the flock.



The fleecing of the flock.

Some of our pastors are taking their people for rides. My pastor had a great message on the fleecing of the flock. He didn't call it this, but he gave his people alot of information on ministries that are apparently wasting the tithe of hard working christians and this message allowed us to see some of these "wolves in sheeps clothing" for who they really are. The Baptist Press has a great article on it. I know this article is old, but I was sitting on the plane on my way to Cleveland today and just felt the desire to blog on this issue.

In today's world so many people seek to make millions, and of course it has hit the pulpit where some ministers are hoping to make it also. I keep hearing of mega-preachers and "word of faith" leaders raking in millions for their ministry, and raking in millions for themselves. Overindulgence with mansions and money is typical of some our supposed religious leaders. Benny Hinn, up to five years ago claimed income in the $500,000 to $1,000,000 dollar range. He has a mansion in Hawaii that he claims is his parsonage and he is building a $3.5 million dollar home off the Pacific coast, this article will make you sick. Benny Hinn is just one of many that are currently being investigated by Congress.

So where does that leave us. Well if you are currently supporting any ministry other than your home Church, you should utilize the ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability) This organization has tasked itself with helping Christian ministries earn the publics trust by being financial transparent. Transparent in telling their viewers where each and every penny goes. What the leaders earn and where the money is spent is important to me, especially if you want my money. At my local Church I see where the finances go every month, I know how much my Pastor make, I know what it costs to run our Church; Transparency is what every Christian oranization should inspire to give to their people. If an organization you give too is not on here, then you should question them as to where the finances go, and I would question them why they are not part of the ECFA.

I will leave you with some scripture on what Paul and Peter testify too. Paul tells the Ephesians in Acts 20:33 that "I have coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel". Hmmm does that sound like some of our brothers living high on the hog. Or listen to what Peter says in Acts 3:6 "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazereth rise up and walk", as he talks to the lame man outside the temple. These two men lived lifes of poverty. Paul and Peter were both Martyred, and had very little in possesions or wealth. I don't think our Pastor's should live lifes of poverty, but they shouldn't live better than 99% of their flock. How can you ask for your poor believers tithe as you live in $1,000,000 mansions. I ask our Pastors to be responsible in the Gospel message they preach, and not to worry about the financial implications of taking on this great and mighty endeavor. Furthermore, I beseech our flocks to take care of our shepards. They should be properly compensated, not living in poverty, but also not in excess of the majority of the flock. Please remember that they have wifes and children to support. They need the faith and support of their people, and in most cases they rely specifically on the faith and giving of their flock.