Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Buidling His kingdom
There are lots of pompous churches these days with huge buildings and extravagant fittings. Their members often have been asked to give and often they are struggling even years after giving.
The pastors of these churches also live extravagantly which is their prerogative. Some even live in multi-million dollar houses with Mercedes, designer suits and expensive jewelry. I have nothing wrong with that as we want our spiritual leaders to be comfortable. But what I find disturbing is how they coerce the members to give beyond their means (i.e give to get blessed). A particular church I was told suddenly declared the first offering/tithes for the senior pastor and was told a second offering will be taken for the Lord. There is a sense that the pastor is in the business of religion rather than building the kingdom of God. The church is inward looking and does nothing in terms of social works or missions.
Another church there is alleged transfer of substantial funds from the church into the accounts of a personal ministry headed by the senior pastor without members’ knowledge, poor financial management, claims of nepotism, and the sacking of a well-respected deacon for speaking out. It came out even in the local newspaper. It is sad to see it happen.
Well, I guess a church must build God's kingdom and not anyone person's agenda. A church has to impact the society and transform its members to Christ-likeness.
The pastors of these churches also live extravagantly which is their prerogative. Some even live in multi-million dollar houses with Mercedes, designer suits and expensive jewelry. I have nothing wrong with that as we want our spiritual leaders to be comfortable. But what I find disturbing is how they coerce the members to give beyond their means (i.e give to get blessed). A particular church I was told suddenly declared the first offering/tithes for the senior pastor and was told a second offering will be taken for the Lord. There is a sense that the pastor is in the business of religion rather than building the kingdom of God. The church is inward looking and does nothing in terms of social works or missions.
Another church there is alleged transfer of substantial funds from the church into the accounts of a personal ministry headed by the senior pastor without members’ knowledge, poor financial management, claims of nepotism, and the sacking of a well-respected deacon for speaking out. It came out even in the local newspaper. It is sad to see it happen.
Well, I guess a church must build God's kingdom and not anyone person's agenda. A church has to impact the society and transform its members to Christ-likeness.
