How Churches Spend Money and why they Want More (How we Got Here Ep 09)

Churches always seem to be asking for money, and tithing is so deeply imbedded in American Christianity it’s hard to see any other way. But for much of Christian history, and even some parts of the world today, a 10% tithe was a completely foreign idea. So why does the Church in America keep demanding more money, and how does it spend the money it gets?
I used a lot of references in this video, and there are numerous books arguing about whether tithing is biblical or not, but for a simple introduction to the topic, I recommend “Pagan Christianity: Exploring the Roots of our Christian Practices” by Frank Viola and George Barna.
Other sources used:
For Church of England Numbers: inews.co.uk/news/uk/church-en...
For American religious giving statistics: www.cheatsheet.com/money-care...
For United Methodist Debt: horizons.net/giving-growth-to...
For general American Giving Numbers: www.philanthropyroundtable.or...
For general church spending: www.pnwumc.org/news/how-churc...
For a large survey, if flawed methodology, of church expenses: www.christianitytoday.com/spe...

[@JediEddie]

This is why i stopped going to church and started reading the bible on my own

[@stevevos2764]

Me too. The dead building hustlers call the house of God He doesn’t live in brick buildings

[@user-mp2me6eu8g]

Me too.

[@AntonVitullo]

That’s why you see them pastors driving nice . The only time I pray on their downfall especially Joel osteen fake ass

[@sfraser6387]

Likewise

[@MiguelMendez-iw7fq]

Same here. I still gave family and friends who try to get me to go to church.

[@trueblue72-ul6lo]

My pastor works 2 jobs full time and doesn't take a salary from the church. We rent a hall on a Sunday and don't own anything. We never pass a plate and all our needs are met. Over 100 people attend on any given Sunday

[@stevesanders5348]

Must be an old Church Of Christ.

[@Kevin-tt5ey]

With two jobs that pastor is a hero, do you think the church should help him to have more time to study and pray?

[@petersmith2040]

Only a tiny percentage of the money collected annually goes to help the poor and needy in their communities and to support missionaries. It’s a token amount just to maintain their nonprofit organization status. The reality is that most of the money goes to pay the pastors’ salaries, other staff salaries, and church building mortgage and maintenance. If you want to follow Jesus’ teachings, give directly to the poor and needy instead of your local church.

[@richieaprile6233]

well said

[@Gailsjournal]

A lot of it in some places is also used to go out for lunches in restaurants and that type thing regularly.

[@Gailsjournal]

One church I know has ten pastors. All were paid salaries

[@renskedj]

If they're rich yes, but they do this in Holland with evangelical pastors. There are some with a big church who get an income, but others quit. Why work for free when you have kids and your wife has to get the money in and can't spend time with the kids so some rich spoiled people can be served for free. Bye. So if you want help, like a week prayer for psychological problems or marriage trouble, you need to go to America or Canada and pay thpusands plus the plane ticket. Noone is gonna work for nothing. I went to one church. It's all for free, but there is no pastor, no Bible school, nothing. Just some elders preaching once a weak.

[@endtimesareuponus8930]

​@@renskedjWish they ALL quit, you nutso ! Jesus Never asked for money for Himself and neither did Apostle Paul. Jesus also said "woe to you who are rich now....". Bible never said to give a pastor money to pay his bills etc. It says that EVERYONE should work to support themselves -- he who doesn't work, doesn't eat ! We Don't need a so called pastors counsel. They're a bunch of goofballs anyway. They don't pastor according to what God's Word teaches. Jesus teaches us in His Word. You're odd !

[@miasavedbygrace]

Exactly, it’s sad that instead of following Jesus teaching. The church has become a family business. The lead pastor and their family and friends are employed and on salary. Wake up church and be the Good Samaritan, there are so many people around us that need help. In Cameroon 🇨🇲 they don’t even teach or practice tithing. They just give to each other in need! Imagine that. God help America 🇺🇸

[@stultusvenator3233]

Church has always been a business.

[@themanoyglenn9178]

I decided my tenth I will give them directly to the poor. Because many pastor are buying jets ,cars not exactly giving it to the needy

[@Rose_pedals_enterprise]

Yup me too, I stopped going to church all at once, there is no point it's a waste of time and energy, I don't want to hear people preach to me but not practice what they preach every life style has a problem of its own that's why I don't make it my lifes mission to take down pastors even though I have mentioned about there way of living and how it wasn't right. instead I just see what I can do to help the best way I can help in communities that need it

[@robertherrera5975]

Don't forget nice vacations while people go hungry.

[@kevinerose]

Don't give to the poor either. Your first priority should be to use that money to figure out ways to get your family and friends interested in salvation. Take care of yourself first, your family second, and then you can be concerned about the world. If you saved the whole world and lost your children to Satan, what has that profited you?

[@robertherrera5975]

I don't live a lavish lifestyle. My church is in an upper class neighborhood. When I ask for food cards because I fall short because of high expenses for medical and transportation. The deacons and pastors get very upset and frown when I ask for help with food. Yet on Sundays they spend tons of money on expensive bagels, donuts and pizza.

[@renskedj]

We always helped the poor. What came in on sunday would go to someone who needed help, but that's because we were not rich. The church doesn't exist anymore. The rich ruined it. They just take advantage, treat a Dutch pastor like their free slave. Come here and serve me. Bye. We quit.

[@robertchilders8698]

The church that I attended, would do anything they could for money, free labour, time, or material goods to enrich themselves! But when I was out of work or sick , they would do nothing! Said my misfortune was do to my "sinning" and not praying right! Left the S.D.A. due to their greed and hypocrisy! After attending their boarding schools, I have come to the conclusion that they are nothing but a religious business and CULT!

[@christianmama2441]

@robertherrera5975 you should ask them for a financial statement and see what the pastor's salary is. Church Inc with CEO style pastors usually neglect the poor, the widows and the orphans.

[@TroyGrahamPhotography]

Read your Bible and pray on your own at home. Save your money!

[@TroyGrahamPhotography]

@angel paige I stay away from the church too. Who needs all the extra silly drama anyway? People like you and me don't!

[@pikachudemsy9751]

@@TroyGrahamPhotography I agree, but do you ever feel like you miss out on fellowship sometimes?

[@TroyGrahamPhotography]

@@pikachudemsy9751 Sometimes. But the fellowship is not always worth the extra stress.

[@trueblue72-ul6lo]

"Do not forsake the association of yourselves"

[@johnsmith-rd3zx]

what bothers me is when people who are poor give away their money when they cannot afford to.

[@NotQuiteLost]

Agreed, especially when it is coerced in any way.

[@anymjohnson1729]

John Smith - Exactly.

[@maxmburu4518]

The saddest thing about this video (to be honest), is how hard I looked to find it. THERE ARE LITERALLY NO VIDEOS ON HOW THE CHURCH SPENDS ITS MONEY!!!!

[@NotQuiteLost]

Yeah, it is an insane thing to keep quiet about in my opinion. I ran into the same problem doing research for the video, it took a lot more effort than it should have.

[@anymjohnson1729]

MAX Mburu, Exactly.

[@gilcreativebrandsolutions9076]

Me too! I've been searching and praying for a while now, but thank You Jesus! Seek and we shall find! Hallelujah!

[@valuecalc]

If a guy shows up in a suit, then he will look like a wealthy person... And the clergy will be on top of him and hoping that he WILL want to become a member of the congregation. They'll want him to fill out a registration form. Oh, those clergy folks will be dying to know what type of a car he drives, and they will be dying to see his home. People, it is the truth. A very poor guy, especially if he is homeless, and it is easy to notice it, will gain no attention at all.

[@longsp7709]

Yes! Sadly Jesus said that taking care of the least of these is directly caring for HIM. God give us ability to make money, so the money is God's. HE doesn't say give to another person and trust they'll take care of the least of these. If churches sold their buildings and gave the money to care for the least of these, more ppl would get saved and wouldn't rely on the government to care for them, and the government doesn't do such a great job

[@valuecalc]

@@longsp7709, you're right. Too often the churches are all talk and no action. A minister's "sermon" about his trip to Idaho is a bore.

[@robertherrera5975]

Hello pizza pie. I have not been to my regular church in a year because of this stuff like tithing. My church or church is in an upper middle class neighborhood. When I ask for food cards, the deacons and pastors become real upset at me. Yet they live a very comfortable lifestyle and travel to nice vacation spots. Meanwhile people like me work hard even through covid period. I can't stay home. Maybe that's why many young people are dropping out.

[@valuecalc]

@@robertherrera5975, yes! Many ministers will talk the talk, but they won't walk the walk at all. I've discovered it, too. Help? What help? Too often they continue to be just all about jibber-jabber. Nothing else. Now, I don't expect ANYONE to solve ALL my problems. I am not powerless. HOWEVER, it isn't unreasonable to ask for help with certain things, either. The Lord Jesus illustrated the challenge at Mark 10:21 when a wealthy man wanted the secrets to entering heaven. He said that he had followed the commandments: Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” Could just anyone pull it off? Never. The wealthy man left, deeply disappointed. A church is often no place to find help if you are poor.

[@tff8514]

I've never seen homeless drug addict destitute person in church. Why is that?

[@anymjohnson1729]

They truly ARE Con Artists.

[@Cocoabrown677]

Going to church is nothing more than a hobby and something to do while in hopes of making it to a heaven that the pastor himself may not make it to.😭🙃

[@jimmiemorrison6782]

Lavette Roberts l couldn't have said it any better.

[@Get_Yo_Life]

Church is more than that. Now someone people make it that but it’s definitely more to it.

[@jimmiemorrison6782]

@@Get_Yo_Life it can be a little fun, but it's certainly not a Biological Requirement. We can definitely survive without church, because church is within you. The church that Man built, is all about entertainment and money. The church that God built, is about our spiritual, and psychological well-being, even our physical. I'm not paying for something that don't and won't benefit me in the long-run. But will make the Pastor Wealthy. The whole system should be done voluntarily. Once the money took over through the prosperity gospel, everything fell apart. We the people, absolutely and positively don't need no church to survive. God has many more resources out there that would benefit us more. Like higher education through college. That's something to shout about also, and the instructors don't spend all their time panhandling for your hard earned money 💰💰💰💰

[@utahsilvey5930]

It's because so many pastors and churches ate not truly called by God their witches in suits to mislead and destroy people's life and to polite the gospel but don't let that lie from satan discourage you jesus is the truth the way life and Jesus said to try the spirits but I teach the full gospel and I sit under the true Gospel thats operates in the power of God caring for the lost and leading to salvation and true Christianity

[@utahsilvey5930]

​@Jimmie Morrison don't use that as a excuse to live a life of sin

[@anymjohnson1729]

Tithing is a BIG DEAL in America because Pastors NEED to HAVE their Mansions, Luxury Vehicles, PRIVATE EXPENSIVE FLYING PLANES, and Bank Accounts FULL of MONEY$$$$$$$$.

[@NotQuiteLost]

Some do, yes. But most pastors I have known live below the poverty line or right at it. I would actually put more of the blame on our need for big church buildings.

[@kjvwarrior777]

Yes, nowhere in the New Testament are Christians building - church buildings, it started in Rome with organized religion........... where in Greece, it became a philosophy, so they came to America to get away, but in America, it became a business...............

[@palmakelly9641]

I used to feel guilty because I couldn't afford to tithe. Then I thought that if I can't afford to save ten percent of my income, why should I just give it away? I was always told that if I trust God and have faith, he will provide for me if I tithe. But why should I just give away that much money every month, then expect to somehow get it back some other way?

[@NotQuiteLost]

I hope you have managed to shake the guilt with your new thinking.

[@God-s_Kingdom]

My Outreach is to FEED! To build an Aquaponics Garden to feed the needy costs. I take No Salary, The building is for Training others in Food Production.. We are here to serve the needy and our Community.

[@NotQuiteLost]

Well done. That's the goal, right?

[@karendiane9154]

It is so sad when my Aunt & Uncle couldn't afford to heat their house in winter. The reason why was because they tithe 10% of Social Security and pension checks to the church. The pastor of this church live in a $250,000.00 house with a pool. This pastor convince the elderly in this that they had to tithe 10% of their retirement checks to the church.

[@peggypiercefield5188]

God will get justice!

If we taxed religion in America, might we have fewer preachers of bigotry, racism, and hate? 💙

[@1ladolcevita1]

what began in Judea as a revolution spread to Greece and became a philosophy, It soon spread to Rome and became an institution, then to Europe where it became a culture, finally it spread to America where it became an enterprise. It is simply an industry that serves the superstitious in us all.

[@bicyclist2]

Great message. Thank you.

[@sandrawilson299]

Great video!!

[@Resoundinglyavergage]

This is an absolutely brilliant video that deserves way more views than this. So insightful and full of valuable information.

[@brianboozier5612]

Man, I love the way you think and your dedication to mining truth from this complex world. Just subscribed. I listened to a few of your videos on the way to work this morning and wanted to comment on the church ones in particular because you’re hitting me where I’m at. One of my favorite passages from antiquity comes from Tertullian’s Apologeticus - his defense of Christianity addressed to the persecuting Roman Authorities (197 AD). In Chapter 39, he details Christian Society. As a recently churchless Christian who spent 35 years in the institution (with most of my latter years serving in leadership roles), this is what I noticed lacking and what I presently long for... ”I shall at once go on, then, to exhibit the peculiarities of the Christian society, that, as I have refuted the evil charged against it, I may point out its positive good. We are a body knit together as such by a common religious profession, by unity of discipline, and by the bond of a common hope. We meet together as an assembly and congregation, that, offering up prayer to God as with united force, we may wrestle with Him in our supplications. This violence God delights in. We pray, too, for the emperors, for their ministers and for all in authority, for the welfare of the world, for the prevalence of peace, for the delay of the final consummation. We assemble to read our sacred writings, if any peculiarity of the times makes either forewarning or reminiscence needful. However it be in that respect, with the sacred words we nourish our faith, we animate our hope, we make our confidence more stedfast; and no less by inculcations of God’s precepts we confirm good habits. In the same place also exhortations are made, rebukes and sacred censures are administered. For with a great gravity is the work of judging carried on among us, as befits those who feel assured that they are in the sight of God; and you have the most notable example of judgment to come when any one has sinned so grievously as to require his severance from us in prayer, in the congregation and in all sacred intercourse. The tried men of our elders preside over us, obtaining that honour not by purchase, but by established character. There is no buying and selling of any sort in the things of God. Though we have our treasure-chest, it is not made up of purchase-money, as of a religion that has its price. On the monthly day, if he likes, each puts in a small donation; but only if it be his pleasure, and only if he be able: for there is no compulsion; all is voluntary. These gifts are, as it were, piety’s deposit fund. For they are not taken thence and spent on feasts, and drinking-bouts, and eating-houses, but to support and bury poor people, to supply the wants of boys and girls destitute of means and parents, and of old persons confined now to the house; such, too, as have suffered shipwreck; and if there happen to be any in the mines, or banished to the islands, or shut up in the prisons, for nothing but their fidelity to the cause of God’s Church, they become the nurslings of their confession. But it is mainly the deeds of a love so noble that lead many to put a brand upon us. See, they say, how they love one another...

[@NotQuiteLost]

Thank you. I am glad you are finding them helpful, and love the quote. If Jerome was correct, Tertullian himself eventually left the Church, but found a community anyway. I hope you do as well.

[@stevenburton7922]

Wow....thank you for your facts and honesty.

[@reskridge]

How many of the folks responded to this video have home churches...hold services in their homes. It is still important to gather together to worship God.

[@milkaadhiambo3335]

In the last days people will be lovers of themselves and money .A good church is the one which help orphans ,widows the needy and the vulnerable.The love for material things has overtaken the teaching of Christ.

[@themagicalfox6]

Save your money! Unless the money is going to donations to help the homeless

[@valuecalc]

It generally never does. What a joke. A person could do more by approaching a homeless guy and offering something like chilled water on a hot day.

[@kizito8888]

Many homeless people want and chose to be homeless. It is free money, they say. Both from people like you and the government. Now if you can feed the hungry, that's a good start.

[@kizito8888]

@@lbpo101 3 primary reasons Circumstances - job loss, health loss, unsupportive / abusive family, human trafficking Addiction - alcohol, drugs, gambling etc. Mental illness - many of these are veterans with war trauma, suicide issues and PTSD Let’s look at addiction. Do people have a choice to get help for addiction? The help is there but many don’t try to get it. Many people choose not to save up for the hard times ahead. Is that a choice? Is it a choice when veterans serve their country despite the trauma that may lie ahead? People are there by the circumstances or lifestyles they choose. You could look at my comment has heartless, or really look at it deeply. Does my heart weep for the majority of them? Absolutely. But for some, it’s a lifestyle better than the average man that works the 9-5 pm shifts (at least in their head). God bless them.

[@Piccolo_Re]

The problem is the pastors full time job is being a pastor and running the church. Thats why big denominations like Catholicism don’t let priests marry. So they can solely focus on the church. If members have FT jobs outside of the church and families, where are they going to get the time to book keep or put together children’s programs?

[@mikeaskme3530]

as a agnostic thank you for your honesty.

[@NotQuiteLost]

Thank you. the way I figure, nothing can change for the better if we don't begin from that place of honesty. I hope you find Who you're looking for eventually, but enjoy the search. :)

[@mikeaskme3530]

@@NotQuiteLost in all honesty the only thing i am looking for is humanity, humanity for all, regardless of your religion, sexuality, gender, or ethnic group.

[@NotQuiteLost]

@@mikeaskme3530 Sounds like a worthy path to me.

[@mikeaskme3530]

@@NotQuiteLost i grew up in a Baptist house hold, went to Church three times a week, went to Sunday school, and the older i got the more i saw, the more i decided that , something so powerful as a creator or something as powerful as creation cannot be confined to books, doctrine or dogma. That is when i decided, that if there is a god, that god needs to be satisfied as to how it relates to me. That i will always try to treat my fellow man/woman with respect, dignity and kindness, not to be a gluten in material things, and to treat the nature world with respect. If that is not enough, than so be it. But when it comes to those that adhere to their religious dogma and doctrine, i am all good with them as long as they are not trying to push their beliefs on others.

[@wittyeva_]

1)..From 9:06 ...I agree with you Sir. 2) ...it's also a big problem in Nigeria so we could conclude that this is a world wide problem. 3)... God bless you for owning up to your wrongs as you've agreed to have done same. 4)..May God have mercy on us and help us to find it right and that early. 5)...Simply because everyone does it, doesn't make it right at all. The gatherings of Gods people are literally money sustained like evey normal business I life... that's disgusting. 6) I believe in tithing as instructed in the scriptures but not in misappropriation of tithe monies. 7) Let's avoid the money trap. Let us stop creating opportunities to demand money and load it on people in the name of God. 8) God please help your Church.

[@anymjohnson1729]

well, You are tithing to the demons; because majority of "Pastors" in churches these days are DEMONS. Anyone Who takes from those Who have a LOT LESS than them and Use that Money for their LAVISH LIFESTYLES is a DEMON, Demons. Period! STOP believing in bull CRAP and use your money for yourself. tithing and offerings NEVER Brought Me ANY BLESSINGS - But it GAVE THOSE DEMON PASTORS MANY BLESSINGS. They LIVE LAVISHLY while I STRUGGLE for NOT having the MONEY that I foolishly Gave to those demons.

[@rosemarietolentino3218]

The fact that people don’t know weather they should tithe or not. Says a lot about how few Christians really know the Bible.

[@TheRealMonnie]

Well said!

[@joserodolforamirez8773]

There is no tithe, tithing is Old testament. The money was to help the poor, less fortunate the poor the needy or to help people evangelize. we lost focus on what is important to God.

[@karendiane9154]

Well Said

[@ashleyfa5126]

Wow thank u for the info ❤❤❤❤

[@sergiowaters]

I spent a lot of time in spanish speaking countries and it would be amazing if churches simply had a warehouse to meet and actually set up plans to help communities and people with real needs. There is no doubt there are good hearted people who attend a church service every week. But the day you actually step out of america and into a different country where you could not imagine the hunger,,,, that is when you see things forever different. Just git back from cuba and had total strangers ask me for food for their children.😢 Think about that. And it was every single restaurant i went to i would be approached. We are so blessed to live in America. I just wish the average pastor would look in the mirror and make real changes. 😢

[@NotQuiteLost]

Amen.

[@almazmengesha6431]

God bless you I like it.

[@user-jb1tr9uw3y]

If what people say is true then why are they giving to the institution and feeding the system. Many years i started giving to mission work locally and worldwide and this gives real joy and purpose and enthusiasm. The church in the west is getting richer and the poor church outside the west is getting poorer.,which is pretty much the same as the world today. There is opportunity to give to real purpose for Gods kingdom, just do a bit of research on the churches and charities you give too, for their are great opportunities out there to serve the purposes of God in our generation

[@honestb1216]

Don't forget decorations and guest speakers

[@TheShospitali]

Exactly I remember when Church Work was done by volunteers & still is in in smaller churches. But a lot of bigger church's they need professionals to do the work & they all must be paid.

[@renskedj]

My ex was a volunteer pastor. That meant I had to get the money in, which was fun when we had no kids and rotten annoying when we got kids, because the church members were filthy rich. I know a woman from the Bible schoolmy ex went to. She preaches for free. Of course she does. Her husband works and pays the house and food. Do they only want housewife pastors witha rich man or something? I went to one free church. They never even collect money. They have no pastor. There's no Bible school. No pastoral help. Just some elders preaching once a week. If it has to be free don't have too high demands. In another church a woman whined that they started 5 mins too late. Guy said: Hold your horses. We all work for free here. Unbeluevable that these stingy people dare to have demands.

[@sandyforan3301]

Noted this starting in my church about 30 hrs ago. Moms took turns volunteering in the nursery but when the pastor's sister in law needed a job, she was hired 15. an hour. Bear in mind this was 30 yrs ago. Another relative was "hired" to play piano. The player volunteered until replaced by another family member....pastor's daughter

[@Solideogloria00]

Thanks for the video. What you said about pagan priests can also be said of priests in the Okd Testament (robes, dedicated people for the service of God, incense, etc.)

[@jackwilley9847]

You are so honest and straightforward. Bless you. And thank God. I also find many things about modern Christian culture disturbing

[@RobertWill-uq3iv]

At one time I was a Methodist. At some point they decided this huge organ we had needed to be restored and began hitting us up for the money to do it. That always bugged me a little.

[@NotQuiteLost]

Absolutely. We want to be good stewards of what we have that is valuable, but not throw money at something useless. It's a hard balance and the 100k for most organ repairs is tough to swallow when we could build a tiny house for someone in need with that money, or finance a food bank.

[@ladyaiesha]

Love ❣️❣️❣️❣️ it this is great. How about knowing if prophets are real today and their roles?

[@NotQuiteLost]

Thank you. And that is a fantastic topic to go over, I will add it to the list.

[@JPRothchild]

I look at it this way if I pay any money into the church that I preside up on Sundays For about 3 hours Obtain of year I wanna see where my money goes and who is it going to and what its purpose

[@NotQuiteLost]

Transparency in finances, at least yearly if not more regularly is indeed critical.

[@dgh5223]

Our last 3 pastors did some sort of remodel spending big bucks

[@NotQuiteLost]

It's often seen as an easy win for a pastor, unfortunately.

[@lloydtucker5647]

Great video and insightful information. Thank for posting. Not meaning to be disrespectful, but just observant. It seems hypocritical for a pastor to brow-beat me for having a mortgage and credit cards, while his church building (his name is literally on the title and deed) has a mortgage? And he believes the Bible entitles him to ten percent of my income. Your honesty is amazing.

[@NotQuiteLost]

Llyod, thank you and your comment was not disrespectful at all. At its' best, Church should embody the ideals and life that we all strive for as believers. But too often it is a hypocritical reflection of the world with some God talk thrown in. Money can be a prime example of this, as you point out. We must do better.

[@samanthatruong8390]

We would be more helpful to give to the food bank.

[@karendiane9154]

When I was living in California. I had a friend who had a food bank ministry . Instead of giving money to a church. I would donate marked down meat I purchased from a local market. I would donate non-food items. Things like toilet paper, diapers, laundry soap, dish soap toothpaste, and toothbrushes.

[@robinchevrier497]

The church that I attend Never preach on twice never preach on giving never preach on money they preach the gospel and people get we have an annual meeting delete every year and everyone in the congregation members members no where all the money goes faster's missionary buildings et cetera no exception our church preaches the gospel That's all not money the gospel people will come people will get for God's work Amen

[@alanroberts7916]

hymnals. they can be extradinarily expensive!!!

[@jesusisdead]

I want to give those in need but I don't know who is truly in need. You can't use the church to give to specific people in the church because of tax law which makes me think the Church is just blowing up their bank accounts. Churches are also segregation into specific groups while leaving single men in the cold. Theres classes for married people youth and women but usually you have to search high and low for a class that is for us single guys

[@samanthatruong8390]

Give to the food bank.

[@FBCTrona]

Our church: Pastors salary and staff 35% / building 15% / missions 30% / benevolence varies each year / the remaining goes in many various directions.

[@saketeas2060]

First off, thank you for being a good steward of funds. Genuine respect. Are you able to elaborate on what all is included in the category ‘missions and benevolence’?

[@FBCTrona]

@@saketeas2060 Yes sir thank you for the question. Missions goes to those starting new churches both here in the United States as well as abroad. It also goes to support American pastors who are missionaries in other countries. They may The the senior pastor or having started a seminary and teaching the natives of that particular country. Benevolence deals with many things; probably the most important being the widows of our church and single mothers raising children. At times it will go to help families who are struggling. The benevolence is determined by our deacons in our church. I hope that answers your question.

[@Rose_pedals_enterprise]

How much does the church actually do to help the poor people with nothing at all? Just kindly asking not trying to be a dusce

[@FBCTrona]

@@Rose_pedals_enterprise Thank you for the question. Our benevolence account is what we use to help "The Poor". now the poor as we define it and as the scriptures define it are different. The poor according to the bible are the fatherless, widows, and those working hard but not quite making enough. Maybe a person between jobs. The poor are not the homeless. The Bible is clear about a man who is unwilling to work, that he should not eat (II Thess. 3:10) so we try to show a little discernment when someone has a need and comes to us with that need.

[@timnewman8690]

I am a pastor and I agree that it is insane many churches only give about 1% locally when I got here that is where we were, slowly that has been increased I want to see it at at least 10%

[@NotQuiteLost]

I have been there myself. It is a long slow process, but way to go, Tim!

[@stanleymcvay9283]

Did you think outside the box? There is a way to do this simply but it requires a mass effort that requires leadership, management and cooperation. Think of a large coalition between the churches where they lift each other up and then seep this into the communities. It has to be a chain reaction. Unless the masses work together, nothing will flourish.

[@Truthseeker424]

John 10:7-14 KJV [7] Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. [8] All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. [9] I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. [10] The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. [11] I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. [12] But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. [13] The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. [14] I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

[@endtimesareuponus8930]

😂😂😂

[@catsanddogs8983]

Now a lot of them have ATM machines in the foyer to make it easier for you or "online" giving of course. When the pastors stop living in expensive houses, driving expensive cars, having everything they ever wanted, then ill consider giving money, what happened to a simple personage where the pastor would at least be making some sacrifices and not living better than the people he preaches to.

[@walterheublein5848]

Church of Grace and Peace located in Toms River NJ is a money hungry

[@denominationsdontsaveonlyj8896]

Search out the truth, the word church was added over the word the called out, God doesn’t dwell in buildings made by man.

[@matthewmarshall5234]

He dwells inside each and every one of us.

[@denominationsdontsaveonlyj8896]

@@matthewmarshall5234 That’s right…….. Acts 17:24-25 KJV [24] God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; [25] Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; … 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@goodhand6203]

Long live the Christian Church I love you all

[@jiml8594]

The Gospel of money.

[@smallmarket6221]

Agree pure and we have them in thousand in Nigeria. Is a shame that the church see beggars outside their

[@petersonmuriungi2088]

the church needs to be supportive in all ways

[@nellatutorials5624]

What the hell are you saying, so you saw a beggar outside the church, what did you personally do about it ? Even Jesus said the poor you will always have amongst you, so calm down!

[@Magyarorsz]

What you see mainly where I live at least their more focused on iwn needs within the congress rather than the needs of the lost broken poor let alone any missionary taken place. Church here feels like a social gathering unless your already attending with friends and family then your kind of screwed been to churches where as a singular it wasn't a fun experience no one greeted or welcomed or even said hi your new here? Not once or twice but more. Vast majority of money given to churches isn't done by what you said cash wash sales or selling orange juice for penny no it's usually asked directly from the members themselves those funds are almost always going towards campout convention or some sorts like that. Same with the youth pastor group organizer support roles like cleaner had a friend doing he was expected to start at 5am -8:30am do the entire church and conference room everything for nothing not even breakfast or coffee offered not even a thank you one time he turned up late got growling at, I told him don't you think your being used if they can't even offer you anything in return but expectation?, He quit very soon after 😂

[@ruthosornio8299]

How about money donated to buy plastic eggs and help bring people to God? Is that a good plan?

[@dgh5223]

Pastors act like giving 10% MONEY tithe is in the bible when its not. The money tithe was created by man to raise money. We lost a new car we wanted because tithe came first or we might go to hell or be cursed the pastor will tell us. We lived in a 10’x55’ trailer and lived paycheck to paycheck so we didn’t have much extra money.

[@user-du5tg4si2j]

ONE OF THOSE GUYS IN UTAH HAS DECIDED HE NEEDS A 42 MILLION DOLLAR MANSION ...HE NEEDS SOME TITHES HIM AND THE POLITICANS AND THE ATTORNEYS TOO!

[@Truthseeker424]

John 10:7-14 KJV [7] Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. [8] All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. [9] I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. [10] The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. [11] I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. [12] But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. [13] The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. [14] I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

[@JohnnyJackson1991]

Dont give them a dime.

[@wellyseptanto3489]

they had lost the meaning of giving to the poor and being light of the world, biasing sermon alter it with human wisdoms and yet call it word of god.

[@CJCITYNJ0]

I know that this is a old video but in the Bible tithing is talking about food in the Bible not money unless you want to talk about arms cuz arms is in the Bible to talk about money and clothing and stuff like that with Apostle Paul was talking about in the Bible..

[@NotQuiteLost]

Absolutely. OT is almost exclusively food (but also some other goods you might make). By NT times it was much more about money as people were scattered across the western world and bringing grain across hundreds of miles just didn't make sense. The temple, however, only accepted money of one type and charged a fee to change the people's coins into temple money, thereby making double profit. Jesus most decidedly had a problem with that.

[@CJCITYNJ0]

@@NotQuiteLost exactly and that's why in the temple Jesus flipped up the tables cuz he was upset about that..

[@jenevieklein9385]

@@NotQuiteLost Yup, they even had money in the OT. God said to buy and feast where He said to go for the tithe. 22 Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year. 23 And thou shalt eat before the Lord thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the Lord thy God always. 24 And if the way be too long for thee, so that thou art not able to carry it; or if the place be too far from thee, which the Lord thy God shall choose to set his name there, when the Lord thy God hath blessed thee: 25 Then shalt thou turn it into money, and bind up the money in thine hand, and shalt go unto the place which the Lord thy God shall choose: 26 And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the Lord thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thine household, 27 And the Levite that is within thy gates; thou shalt not forsake him; for he hath no part nor inheritance with thee.

[@matthewmarshall5234]

@@jenevieklein9385 I think I understand these verses but I am not certain. Is the scripture in Verse 25 God's way of saying it is by our own free will that we can choose for ourselves what we do with our tithes/offerings without judgment? If so then this would imply either that God does not wish us burden when offerings themselves can burden or that He does not want us to tithe money/coin because it was something he did not create himself?

[@CHRISTISKING34]

I wonder did the Pharisees and scribes not get money Jesus condemned their greed and lack of faith not that they were getting paid did the old widow not put her last little bit of money in the trumpet did the Jews not make sacrifices of those rams and bulls did Abraham not almost sacrifice his favorite son

[@joserodolforamirez8773]

Home churches get rid of paying people and making it a business. Money was to help the poor and evangelist's. Not to pay a hirelings. That are not Sheppard's.

[@NotQuiteLost]

No argument there.

[@kevinerose]

There are more sermons about tithing than anything else. I can recall more sermons on that than on salvation or the gospel. 90% of it is just the pastor rambling on about his boring life or lies he made up to illustrate the particular "idea" of his sermon. They tend to call these "illustrations" rather than lies so they can justify what they do.

[@outlawgt3045]

Pastors living like movie stars was my first step away from Christianity...

[@travisharrielson7825]

This position is the minority of churches. Most pastors would not be middle class on pastors salary alone. With what judgement you give you will eventually receive.

[@webdev5091]

90% of Christians today are following men who get paid to preach. They have abandoned the great commission. See, Jesus will heal you and within 30 minutes of you encountering him and him healing you, he will ask you to go back to where you came from and use just that testimony of healing to turn others unto Him, not become a church member who gives to him. He never requested you to give unto him and his disciples to buy more horses and camels for easy transportation. He traveled on foot hundreds of miles, HUNDREDS! He never requested anyone to give unto him or pay church membership dues to get to know the ways of God. The healing and testimony you experienced by just meeting him for a few minutes or hours or camping with him for a few days were enough for you to live a righteous life through him. All he needed from you was to go back and preach to others. When it came to giving, he equated giving to the poor and those in need as giving to God, NOT to a temple of priests, who depend on it for a salary. That's why Christ never asked the 5,000 people who followed him to give so they could buy land, and build a church, he becomes the senior pastor on a salary, and all come to him at that same location every Sunday and throughout the week for services which always ends in GIVING MONEY. That is also why none of his apostles ever did that. Yes, they did take free-will gifts in the form of food and silver, but they never took a salary off people's giving nor required anyone to in every single meeting they had. And may I remind you that taxation and representation existed in Jesus' time - he took zero salary, and his apostles, the same. Today's preachers want you to sign up for church membership, and track every single money you give to the church. It's all about the numbers and they scare when people leave their church to other places - because -- MONEY. They guilt you into tithing (a Judaism tradition which has been forced into Christianity and don't you dare question it, else God is so petty he will never bless you) and make you feel without that you will never get financial blessings because God only blesses you the MOST when you give to the organized church. Over 90% of the top 100 billionaires do not tithe, yet they are rich and not all came from rich families ---- but they all mostly do something interesting that Christ always preached. They work and make money and give to the poor. Yes, Caesar gives them tax breaks, but the poor are fed and provided for. They don't sit in a church, open the free Bible, study it like any Christian, and expect to get free offerings to live life because they had a mic and a pulpit. They tell you they have been to Bible school so only they can teach you righteousness. You could never know God's direction except through them. HOLY SPIRIT - anyone? Even if you received a prophecy or a rhema from God, it is beneath them because they are more spiritual than you are. Bible schools didn't exist until 1874 or 1882. Before that, 80% of Europe, Africa, and the Americas were all basically Christian. The early church was without a Christian Bible for almost a century after Christ ascended and yet Christianity was spreading like wildfire. Jesus never once built a church location and asked for a salary, required church membership registration, neither did he buy the Bugatti and Range Rover of his time -- Horses on Chariots and Camels. He borrowed a donkey once or his people did for that Jerualsme red carpet - the equivalent of a Tomos motorcycle in Italy/ India. He walked everywhere he went. The dude could fly or teleport, but he didn't do it. He did the work. Church membership protectionism has become "who has the best-looking auditorium, seats, tech, and big parking space". Church pastors and bishops panic when there is a lockdown not because of salvation but because their budget to feed their families and luxury lifestyles will take a hit. It's easier to get money from people when they are physically present with you. When Jesus and the apostles needed fish, they went to sea to fish, because Peter still used his skillset as a fisherman. It's not every time Christ multiplied fish and bread or had enough silver to buy fish. Today, people leave high school and decide they will do God's work. And by God's work, they mean, going to a Bible school, becoming ordained, getting a salary by keeping church membership that will always be admonished to give so they can pay for their mortgage and lifestyle. It used to be that you still got a career in a real skillset and did God's work - AT THE SAME TIME! Here is an interesting thought. In all churches, church members who have regular jobs still do the cleaning, lead Bible Studies, Praise and Worship, practicing 3 - 5 hours a week to sing in the choir, with elders and deacons who equally study to preach on Sundays and weekdays and in cell groups, yet they're not on salaries -- but Pastors are. How do these people manage to have a job and still study the word of God to show themselves approved but a pastor needs the whole week just to preach one sermon? A lot of pastors aren't even good at preaching, just for the record. It is estimated that 90 - 95% of the church is maintained and run by church members with jobs. The pastor only does 10% - 5% of the work, and some ZERO. Yet, we continue to pour money into churches whilst our neighbors are suffering and lost, homelessness and addiction are huge. The most the average church commits to evangelism and outreach is about 10% of what church members give. If you are a pastor who makes $50K and above and you have a church member who is homeless, yeah, you are going straight to hell! Because Christ would make sure that person had a roof over their head before even touching a cent of that money, assuming Christ even had $1 on him via the giving of his followers. The churchy is lost. Christians are LOST! Drive-through and Fast food Christianity We are only living by grace.

[@tff8514]

This is facts. Especially based on Jesus and he walked for God.

[@jbrown9163]

Is the pastor on min wage?

[@NotQuiteLost]

Depends on the church. Most are paid well under minimum wage, but some denominations look after their pastors better and it is similar to other skilled workers. Then there are the cults and megachurches that treat them like superstars.

[@catpocalypsenow8090]

Jesus is our only priest.

[@robertronning7016]

So they can buy governments

[@spoopyradicalsnake]

if we offer ten percent, we should also offer our firstborns :)

[@wendykrikke8586]

Poor allone people cannot use such a burden

[@valerier4308]

Disturbing!!!

[@carlbelgon4267]

I wonder, do the preacher pay tithe. They are always telling the brain washed member to.

[@NotQuiteLost]

Excellent question. It depends on the preacher. I do, but any church's financials should be public record. Seeking more transparency is not a bad thing.