The "New" Church?????!!???????

[tickledpink]

Well.... I kinda like the ATM idea. I'd actually wondered if it was possible one Sunday. I'm the "last minute" person (a nice way to say *procrastinator*), and many times I'm already rushing to get a seat in the sanctuary (our church has 4 services, many of which are very packed). An ATM would actually help me out a little, IMHO. As far as the Starbucks... why don't they just serve their own breakfast or coffee? Our church serves breakfast between 7 & 8:30 services for 2.50 (and you get grits, eggs, bacon, muffins, juice or coffee). I'll stop now, I sound like an advertisement.

As far as checking the tax statements for tithes, I wouldn't be too happy about that at all. That's just MAN MADE. There are times when people want to give, but simply cannot. God knows the heart. I also don't like "eliminator/guilt" techniques, where ministers ask for an extra offering from everyone who can give (of course NOONE wants to be the one sitting), or the (sorry for those who may know exactly what I'm talking about) "everyone place the largest bill in your pocket on the altar" sermons. God knows my heart, and if He calls me to do this, it'll be a personal directive. It's almost like a do or "lie" situation. Who wants to lie in church?

[Franny Granny]

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??


This is not just a mere RUMOR...it is the GOSPEL (pun intended, of course) truth. The church is called Faithful Central Bible Church. They had their New Years Celebration service there and I believe that it is just about set in stone that the Great Western Forum is going to be the new church home.

I must say, all this talk about money hungry churches and corrupt preachers...I really need to get the King James in my hand!!! Pray people....PRAY!

[AKA2D '91]

Originally posted by tickledpink:


As far as checking the tax statements for tithes, I wouldn't be too happy about that at all. That's just MAN MADE. There are times when people want to give, but simply cannot.

Okay, now Soror, wouldn't that SAME sentiment apply to that "last minute person" who FORGOT to go to the bank or left his or her checkbook at home? Why does an ATM machine, which is MAN MADE have to exist INSIDE the church?

Just curious...

[tickledpink]

Originally posted by AKA2D '91:
Okay, now Soror, wouldn't that SAME sentiment apply to that "last minute person" who FORGOT to go to the bank or left his or her checkbook at home? Why does an ATM machine, which is MAN MADE have to exist INSIDE the church?

Just curious...

No, those are 2 separate things. One deals with choice, the other with an entity's attempt to micro manage.

I would view an ATM as a convenience, even though it could be percieved otherwise. But in the long run, it is my choice to go to that ATM and withdraw whatever amount of money that the Lord leads me to contribute. It doesn't have to exist inside of the church, but personally it would make it easier me. And it'll always be a matter of perception, but I'll give you an example. This Sunday, a girl scout asked me to buy cookies after service. I don't carry alot of cash (and I'm a sucker for GS cookies...anyway...) so I left, went to an ATM up the street, and came back - which, by that time, they had packed up & left. I thought about this post.

Now as far as checking the tax statements... that's a form of micro management: MAN trying to get written proof that the members paid their tithes.

[prayerfull]

It's my understanding that Creflo and Taffy Dollar require their new parishioners to show pay stubs and/or tax returns to determine their appropriate monthly tithes.

It's my further understanding that they have a "collections" office which sends out monthly invoices to members for their tithes and will send your overdue account (with added finance charges) to a collection agency if delinquent.

Anyone heard the same thing?

My apologies to any members of the Creflo and Taffy Dollar ministry.

[AKAME92]

AN ATM MACHINE IN CHURCH?

DON'T YALL REMEMBER A STORY LIKE THIS IN THE BIBLE? I DON'T REMEBER THE BOOK/CHAPTER/VERSE, BUT I REMEMBER READING ABOUT JESUS BEING REALLY P.O.'d ABOUT THE MONEYCHANGERS BEING IN THE TEMPLE, AND HIM TURNING OVER THEIR TABLES!

(LAWD, LAWD, LAWD!! WE KNOW NOT WHAT WE DO!!)

[MeezDiscreet]

i've been complaining about this type of madness for quite some time. now, i am a CHRISTian, and have been all my life. having been raised in church, i know that everything in the church has its place and commerce has no place in the church.

i've heard my share of "paying for blessings" stories. my sister was telling me that her former church arranged to have a bank in the vestibule. members were asked to take out a $1,500 loan--donate $1,000 to the church and keep $500 for yourself (how gracious ).

this type of thing sickens me. i want to be able to walk in church and get my PRAISE on, not my PAY on!!!

[AKA2D '91]

CYBERSPACE CHURCH?

I had to share this "junk/bulk" email I was "sent". It's Long.


We’re starting a new kind of church and would like you to be a charter member.
CyberChurchOnline will open its virtual doors in 30 days. A church with no
doors..no walls and no limits!! We are not bound by a denomination, religious
rules or tradition. What binds us is our need for a better relationship with
Jesus Christ and the faith to make a difference in our lives and the lives of
others.

Are you tired of the same old boring church services Sunday after Sunday? Do
you even go to church at all? We’ll were here to offer you something very
different! As Jesus did 2000 years ago, we’re here to break religious tradition!
We’re tired of what we see in traditional churches across the country. We’re
tired of the judgmental attitude that is so prevalent in the church today.
We’re not here to judge each other but serve each other!

You’ll have access to 24/7 instant chat time with live counselors. They’ll pray
with you, talk with you, and help you through needs and problems in your life.
We’ll make it our mission to pray for you, your family and your needs each and
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Our chat counselors operate out of a physical church in San Antonio, TX. You’ll
be able to see live video cam images of our counselors and facilities anytime of
the day. You’ll be able to attend our services in the same way! You’ll have a
pastor that is real and that is sick and tired of the fake money hungry
televangelist we see every day. Our church is FREE and this isn’t about
money…it’s about helping people!

People are searching for a more fulfilled and happy life! We know we can help
you overcome the daily battles and struggles you face. We’ll go through them
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We’ll send you daily devotions and you’ll have full access to our website to
receive up to the minute changing information and spiritual guidance.

Join chat groups that fit your interests:

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anytime you want.


What are YOUR thoughts?

[The Original Ape]

I respect peoples beliefs, whether I agree or not. As for me, I believe God is with me everywhere I go; but the place I worship at is not in a church building-and for the same reason as this topic. The place we select to worship God is the place where HE should receive ALL of our attention. It is supposed to be a "sanctuary". These churchs out here (to me)no longer are sanctuaries; and that's why I made my own.

[Lovely]

This is a very good topic. I left a mega church because too many times the pastor would say " i"m not going to preach today, I'm going to talk about this project". Also, I believe in prosperity however I do not believe in pastor's riding around in limousines ,a private jet, with bodyguards. There was a group of business owners in the church who were begging to have a "personal audience" with the pastor to even consider helping them. It's sad but too many times the pastor is the one who talks prosperity but does not implement practical ways like investment clubs, financing homes, etc for the members.
I think the last straw was when the pastor's daughter got married and they had a VIP reception (at a museum for the upper echelon church members) and a regular one(back of the church-for all the regular members)I joined a smaller church not long ago and I received a letter stating there is going to be a birthday party for the pastor ($20 per ticket and each family has been asked to give a love offering to the pastor of at least $80). I'm like "Oh God, here we go again". Before I joined this church- I was searching for another one.(Visiting different ones) The mega one sent me a letter saying I had only tithed this little amount and to call them if something was wrong.

[DreamfulOne]

Personally i attend one of the greatest churches w/ the greatest pastor on the east coast, located in Richmond! It is a church where the WORD goes forth, strictly run by the tithes, offerings, and other gifts of love. It has been in existance for 17 years now (pastor in ministry for 20) without a need for fundraisers...aka...chicken dinners, car washes, fish dinners..etc...ALL of our BILLS are paid on time! WE owe no man anything BUT to love HIM.

It amazes me that people will spend so much money on nails, hair, cars, and other luxury items for themself but not pay tithes or even give an offering! It also amazes me that these people expect men and women of God to live in poverty!

Tithe means 10th! It is a 10th of your increase or income! It belongs to GOD ~ which is given through (to) to the local church ~ this is where you should be growing spiritual (being fed spiritually). I have a problem when I hear people complaining about "money-hungry" pastors because all of them are not like that and shouldn't be stereotyped ~ just like greek organizations, black people, white people, hispanics, etc. Do not rob GOd in giving your tithes and offerings. Finally, check your heart and motive for paying or not paying your tithes, giving offerings, or gifts of love.

[Lovely]

I tithe and give an offering. I have a problem with the other funds that are are "required". It's almost like Spiritual Robbery. Especially when a Pastor says "God told me to tell you to give $1,000.. I know you're worried about your light bill, feeding children. But you must be obedient to God". I have actually been in a church and was told that. People were running to the altar giving money and crying. It's sad- I think people want to please God and know Him so badly that they will do just about anything.I think that is taking advantage of people and it is criminal. Does a Pastor and His wife who have Lexuses, a Bentley, a drop top Mercedes, and a jet actually not see his members who don't have a decent pair of shoes not have their priorities together?
Why is it when the member does something for the church it's volunteer, but when the Pastor does it, there's a price tag attached to it? I'm not talking about all churches and Pastors but a majority of them.