Why are most Ministers prosperous but their congregation living pay check to pay

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   BreatheN2Growposted 13 years ago

   Why are most Ministers prosperous but their congregation living pay check to pay check?

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2. 60

   makusrposted 13 years ago

   Ministers are very able people. They know how to prosper in every situation because they make the situation. They prosper from insiders knowledge.
   
   People think they are the masters but in effect they are the ones who work to make money so that the above ones may enjoy.

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3. 60

   Pintomanposted 13 years ago

   I don't know that they are, but if you think so, maybe because they use their money wisely.

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4. 64

   Freewind Gingerposted 13 years ago

   Because the church is all about money and deludes the congregation into thinking that by thithing that they are finding favor in the eyes of God or Jesus Christ. The Bible says something like "gather ye three or more to worship me" but it does not claim that you can buy your way into Heaven, except by living as Jesus did, humble and full of love. The church or organized religion is a man made thing and also one of the most judgemental and hypocritical places. Go out and witness. Yeah, fill the coffers of the church and gain your hope through community euphora at service which leaves you as soon as you leave church.
   It is only my opinion because as a Wiccan I do not seek people out to convert them or condemn if they don't and fyi, I was raised a Southern Babtist all my life and it always left me empty and sad except for the joy in the music.

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5. 79

   BooksGaloreposted 13 years ago

   Most ministers get meagar salaries.  You just hear about the small percentage that do well.  If they have a large congregation or some wealthy people in their church, they may do better than the average, but most ministers are not overly concerned about material wealth.  They consider the eternal rewards in Heaven for serving Jesus well more important.  I have been a Christian for 36 years and have attended many churches and known many pastors and most of them do not live high on the hog. I am sorry Freewind Ginger had a bad experience.  Churches that affiliated through a large organization get off track more easily.  It is better to attend an unaffiliated church, they are less likely to become corrupted. Jesus commanded his disciples to make disciples because He is truly the pathway to peace and eternal life but it should be done lovingly and non-judgmentally.

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6. 60

   delmer47posted 13 years ago

   Deacons, or a board of directors within a church decide on the Pastors salaries in most cases, not the Pastor themselves.

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   Dave Mathewsposted 13 years ago

   If that is If I say, the ministers are doing what is right and righteous within their congregation, then the monies tithed by their congregation should be going into the upkeep of the church, or, restoration projects or being used to financially help the less fortunate within the parish. Unfortunately this is not practiced.

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   whoisbidposted 13 years ago

   Several ministers I have known are now millionaires. They get tons of cash from the religion and also from writing books. I know ministers who have lied in their books about things they believe have happened in their lives but even though the stories are lies they will sell like hotcakes. The showbiz religious world is plagued with money making schemes and one of the easiest ways to get rich is to spend some time on the circuit and make up a few stories and after a few years you can write a book and it will appear on bookstore shelves, ebay or amazon and make you filthy rich. It does not matter if you are wicked in these circles because the important thing is that you put on a show for everyone. Welcome to the multi billion dollar God industry.

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   gmwilliamsposted 13 years ago

   Because people love to give their essence and power away.  Religion is a personal matter between that person and their creator.   People have been giving status to priests and ministers for a long time.   People have the mistaken notion that priests and ministers are better and more spiritual people than they are so they confer this status upon them.   
   
   For example, many people view priests and ministers as godlike and deserving so they give their money to ministers because they deserve to live well when they are struggling.  This is totally stupid.   People do not realize that they are spiritual and have this essence within them.   People have to further believe that they are someone and have the power themselves and not to transfer their power to those supposedly above them. People must take religion away from the church and confer it to themselves.

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    Dexter Yarbroughposted 13 years ago

    I would hesitate to use the word "most." However, "many" ministers are prosperous because the flock has been fleeced. Many congregants fail to read and study on their own and, as such, listen to that which may not be entirely true.
    
    In fact, with a simple twist of a few pages in the bible, people would find that the early church was about helping each other to survive and prosper. Many today have succumbed to idol worship in seeking God in a man (or woman).
    
    In fact, I know of some ministers that implore those that are living pay check to pay check to give more than they are able. Shameful.

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    ibbarkingmadposted 13 years ago

    Not sure of the answer, but I think that any person who seeks the share the word of God should do that without getting paid as a general rule. My church has a lay ministry for the most part. There are exceptions like if the person is dedicated his or her entire life to the lord, but in those cases they give up all their property to the church and the church provides support for their needs and a few of their wants.
    While I do think this is the better way, I am glad to see there are people who share the light of Christ no matter what. Still, I think the service of God and Christ should be an honor, not a means to worldly gain.
    Still, the purpose of the church is to serve and help others. As for the congregations living from day to day, perhaps the lessons of the Bible about money management.

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    regina sposted 13 years ago

    what a great question!  i do not attend church, so i don't have personal experience at a church like this...but i did help a friend who was on SSI and he was $5 away from becoming homeless...and he had many disabilities...everyone knows that SSI is not enough to live on even if you live in the most socio-economically deprived area of your town...and his church would require he give them 10% of his money every month...i asked him if his church leader knew he had such a small income and he said yes...they still wanted him to pay!  i saw at his church that the church leader had many nice, expensive suits, but most of the congregation was extremely poor...i don't understand!  isn't it the job of the minister, priest, etc. to take care of those in his or her congregation who need the most help?  i don't think jesus would approve!

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