Church Business

Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples.  And  when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, "Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?"  When Jesus heard that, He said to them, "Those who are well have no need for a physician, but those who are sick.  "But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy and not sacrafice.'  For I did not come to call the righteous , but sinners, to repentance."
Matthew 9: 10-13 NKJV

I had a conversation with a few coworkers recently, one that I've more often heard lately.  It seems they were bemoaning the fact that many a church seemed to be more than aggressive when it comes to the church tithe.  More than a few churches have made tithing a requirement for church membership.  I believe one of the comments made was that the local church was more than comfortable asking people to give to them while outside of their walls there are plenty of people in need.  My response to this comment was, how much money is enough where the church is concerned?  There was a time when I would interpret a negative comment about church as an all out attack on christianity.  Those days are gone.  A google search of the top churches in America will reveal some interesting results.

Lakewood Church~ Located in Houston, Texas and led by flamboyant pupit pounder Joel Osteen with a average attendance of 23, 659

North Point Community Church~ In Alphretta, Georgia is led by Andy Stanley and draws in 22, 557 worshipers.

Saddleback Church~ In Lake Forest, California is the home church of pastor Rick Warren of "Purpose Driven Life" fame, drawing in 19, 414 people.

It is these churches, and those like it, that have given rise to the new Mega Chruch in America and worldwide.  Their influence is far reaching, from Sunday super services featuring popular christian musicians to Television and radio broadcasts.  I look at churches such as these and I can understand why more than a few people would come away with a negative view of church as a whole.  Not only are these congregations large, but they often seem impersonal as well.  It would be easy for someone to become lost in the crowd of one of these holy behemoths.  Meanwhile I think to myself, is it really necessary to have all this glitz and glamour in the name of God?  How many of those in need are being left behind for the sake of a good Sunday morning dog and pony show?


"However, the Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophet says: 'Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool.  What house will you build for Me?  Says the LORD, or what is the place of my rest?  Has My hand not made all these things?"
Acts 7: 48-49 NKJV

Of course, along with these Sunday morning sideshows comes one more issue for the church, a huge financial need!  In this instance, in order to fulfill this need, the pastor will ask, plead and/or demand that his congregation step up to the plate and produce a healthy tithe!  And for what?  For the chance to participate in yet another Sunday morning circus sideshow?  Is God honored that much more by this showing of extravagance?  Will His blessings and favor abound the bigger show we put on?  One look at Mattew chapter 9 will lead you to the answer.  Here, as Jesus dined He was joined by more than a few tax collectors and sinners.  Now, of course this raised more than a few eyebrows.  For the Jewish Pharisees were outraged!   How could this so called holy man keep company with scoundrels such as this?  I love Jesus' response to this challange.  As Jesus said, "For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."  By dining with those who were looked down upon by Jewish society, Jesus was just where He needed to be.  For it was not those who were wealthy and well off who needed his touch, but those who were lost.  Can anyone see a resemblence to our modern mega church here?

But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap boutifully.  So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9: 6-7 NKJV

Are we to believe that the entire congregations of the mega church are cheerful givers?  They must be, for the show must go on!   It is my opinion that such churches bleed money like a sieve.  With all the financial obligations of the large church and its staff, what funds are therefore available for Gods true work?  While people in the communities surounding these cash cows are in need, each Sunday the show goes on!  Is this ministry?  But do we need such large facilities?  One look at Acts 7 will give you the answer you need.  For what need does the creator of all that we see have for a large, elaborate building?  Has God not created all things?  Trust me, our Lord would be just as pleased, if not more, with our simple act of worship.  To add to this, I present to you the net worth of the pastors of the mega churches listed above.

Joel Osteen ~ 40 Million
Rick Warren ~ 25 Million
Andy Stanley~ 40 Million

In a world surrounded by poverty and those in desperate need of the gospel of Jesus, what need does a church pastor need with a net worth of 40 million dollars?  These churches have ceased to be houses of worship and instead have become big business!

~Scott~