The "New" Church?????!!???????
 

Okay, I was watching a news report that said that in a church somewhere, a Starbucks had opened in the church's lobby. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/eek.gif So, members of the congregation prior or after church services would be able to purchase coffee, etc.

THEN, locally, this pastor, minister, elder, or whatever title he has given himself has put...ATM machines in his church. YEAH, I SAID IT...ATM machines in his church! I was cut up, to say the least.

Now, I realize that this is the 21st century and all, and there are new "views" on certain issues, but I am still kind of old-fashioned about SOME things and what goes on in church is one of them. NOW, HAVING A STARBUCKS INSIDE THE CHURCH AND PLACING AN ATM MACHINE INSIDE THE CHURCH, I just CANNOT GET WITH IT...

DoN't get me started about a minister asking for tax papers to see if you are paying your tithes or not... http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/eek.gif Or there are so many "associate" pastors that when you have something, say like, get married or a funeral, the minister does not perform the ceremony, he sends an "associate" minister...NOT!

I did not post this for it to go on a tangent about what the bible says or doesn't say, I was just totally SHOCKED when I heard and saw this.

I mean, dang, what's next? I guess I will be able to get my car detailed while I am hearing the word, huh? http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/confused.gif Maybe valet parking?, get my oil changed? http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/confused.gif

So is this then, the "NEW" CHURCH?

Yeah, I guess that's what it is supposed to be for... http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif

STILL, why can't I just go to the bank before church or whenever and GET MY MONEY! You don't have to actually put the ATM machine IN church! A SHOPPING MALL, OKAY, BUT A CHURCH? THAT'S A WHOLE DIFFERENT STORY! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/eek.gif

THERE ARE JUST SOME PLACES YOU JUST DON'T MESS WITH!

in my opinion, of course! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif

[This message has been edited by AKA2D '91 (edited March 04, 2001).]

I feel like if you want to give, nobody should have to force you, remind you, prod you, insinuate to you, subliminally hint to you, etc. If you want to give to the church and it's in your own heart then you will.

I, for one, have a problem like when I go to other churches, and they take up an offering and then they count it and say, "Oh we just need $300 more dollars", and they go throughout the congregation trying to hit up more people. If they DIDN'T give the first time, they didn't have it in their heart to give. SO that goes to show you that the church is more concerned about their monetary state, than their parishioners spiritual state. God loves a CHEERFUL giver, not one who gives GRUDGINGLY!!! I know that some may not agree with me, but that's just MY opinion. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif

[QUOTE]Originally posted by AKA2D '91:

THERE ARE JUST SOME PLACES YOU JUST DON'T MESS WITH!


AMEN AKA2D'91! AMEN--(As I ROTF and SMH at the pastor and the building...because we are the church...who has the ump-ump-ump-nerves to go there!) http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/frown.gif

Shalom~

I think the Starbucks thing is taking it too far. Pretty soon the church will be located in the mall and you can "stop in" while you do your shopping. If you want coffee why can't you stop and get it before you come to church. Church is becoming a place of business instead of a place of worship. Man, the "New" Church or not, I agree, are just some things that don't need to happen in church.

OH, but there are churches here, coming up in those little shopping centers (mini malls)with the nail place and the washeteria... http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/eek.gif

Alright for a Starbucks in church http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif I wonder if they donate a portion of the profits to the church...

And as for the ATM in church...well, maybe, just maybe, it's to boost the amount of funds in the collection plate, kind of like how ATM are strategically placed near the food court & "impulse shopping" kiosks in the mall to encourage you to leave more money there. Just a thought...

It's funny that you brought up the mall reference because in my area there was a Catholic Church located in shopping mall for many years.

Also, there are some churches where you can pay your offering/tithes to a centralized area if your church participates. So, when you put the envelope in you just put your account # and dollar amount the church withdraws that amount out so you don't have to write out a check. I think it's run by the Lutheran Brotherhood.

While visiting New Orleans once I saw that! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/eek.gif
My friends reply was "Well..That's one thing the world needs more of, Churches. These folks need Jesus" All I had to say was, just because it had the "Church" label it didn't mean that they were recieving Jesus.

I think both the Starbucks and the ATM are a bit much. Everything , even something as sacred as church, is getting so commercialized(sp)as well as full of sensationalism. What's next? http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/confused.gif

A few weeks back, I was listening to a talk radio show. They had a minister on who said he was working to get a McDonald's included in the church. He claimed that it would provide jobs for people and that they would use all of their profits for their "causes" and not for church maintenance.

All I can say is that I'm not surprised given the direction this world is going anyway.

<<soror6 with tears in her eyes>> OK that is the funniest $hit I have heard in ages!ROTFLMAO....Ooh! can I get Playstation installed in my Escalade while I PTL? (Praise The Lord)...

That's an old school thing...They used to call them 'storefronts' back in the day. I think the decision to do it was based on finances--these locations were typically cheaper than a 'real' church (read: the building) and could be rented or leased. Speaking of Mr. Mega Church himself (no offense intended) TD Jakes started the Potters House in a storefront!

I think the issue becomes "Why are you doing this and how does it give God glory?"

I'm sorry, but I just don't see how an ATM is going to help give Him his Glory!! The world already sees Christians (especially pastors) as money hunger and they would put an ATM in the Church?!?!? Well, I guess it would cut out that general lie "I forgot my check book so I can't give this week!" statement!! LOL http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif

Another rumor I recently heard: For any LA or Southern Cali folks out there...Is there a church that has bought/is trying to buy the LA Forum where the Lakers used to play??

Hopefully, you are complaining about the right thing ladies. My church has recently opened a Christianomics Mall on church property. It has a restaurant, beauty shop, barbershop, clothing store etc. It is NOT part of the church or inside the sanctuary. It is a way for Christians to recycle their dollars with members of the church (who own the shops) This money flows through members and the church. I know of churches that own strip malls, McDonalds, etc. I perceive this as a good thing because the Church is self-sufficient and makes money rather than relies solely or the pockets of sometimes poor parishiners. Now to have an ATM inside a sanctuary is sacriligeous and should not be tolerated . But churches, just like Black folk in general, need to learn to recycle their money and become money generators instead of spenders.

All I can say to that is...
http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/eek.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/eek.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/eek.gif

The ATM is too much...the Starbucks...well...for a few Sundays my church had one of the members to cater after the service so that we would not have to fight the Sunday after church rush at the local resturants...

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