Why Churches Might Start Looking More Like Businesses

Churches are struggling, and it’s not just because the pandemic forced many to close their doors. People just aren’t going - and donating - like they used to. Pastor Mark DeYmaz argues that churches should stop relying on donations and tithing, and should instead find new ways to bring in income.
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[@thedebatehitman]

Didn’t a famous New Testament figure oppose the idea of turning houses of worship and prayer into commercial enterprises?

[@endisnear306]

People just don't listen..

[@johnvictorroderos8842]

Yea I heard he even messed up the place in a fit of rage...

[@UlexiteTVStoneLexite]

Lol Christians being hypocrites???? Noooooo /sarcasm

[@coleengoodell7523]

Actually Jesus referred to it as a den of thieves I believe. They were selling at a huge profit animals that people could purchase for sacrifice and the money changers were also making unfair exchanges. But yes, it was within the temple and Jesus wasn't pleased. I believe this is a much different situation as these places are places of worship and fellowship, but not actually considered Holy ground like the Temple was. In addition, many churches that were established after Christs sacrifice, Christian churches, were often in peoples homes. Not established buildings. We, as Christians are now the Temple where the Holy Spirit of God dwells.

[@thedebatehitman]

@@coleengoodell7523 Actually, prior to his comment about the Temple having been turned into a “den of thieves,” a quote which he borrowed from Jeremiah 7:11, Jesus quoted Isaiah 56:7 when remarking that it was intended to be a “house of prayer.” As for the rest of your comment, you seem to be forsaking passages which suggest that Christians need not take to commercial enterprises in order to sustain the lives or ministerial efforts (Matthew 7:7, Luke 12:22-28, Matthew 17:20, and so on).

[@MikeS42069]

sounds like somebody needs to start paying taxes

[@IRun4Ultra]

Yes, they are creating the satanic one world order. They are liying always telling you what the government is creating. Maybe no religion, that will eliminated evil.

[@33bb33bb]

Can't tax Spirit bb.

[@SAFbikes]

You don't think the profit businesses are paying taxes?? What are you 12?

[@TheNitroPython]

This comment 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@blakemoresimon]

@@SAFbikes the churches don't pay tax as its a so called charity but really everyone knows its just a big business and puts lots of money in the pockets of the high up pastors and so on and should realy pay tax. At the end of the day it is all a load of bulshit crazy stuff told to idiots so they give money to the church and that money gets the high up nice cars houses and planes its a huge scam

[@aaronkim8112]

“It is written,” he said to them, “’My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’” -Matthew 21:13

[@fortresskingdomconstructio6265]

Yes sir that's exactly what I was thinking.

[@nowiamfree418]

yo preachin' is better than my teachin'

[@tj3070]

"jesus is a LIAR America will be 0% Christian soon! "Both Protestantism and Catholicism are experiencing losses of population share. Currently, 43% of U.S. adults identify with Protestantism, down from 51% in 2009. And one-in-five adults (20%) are Catholic, down from 23% in 2009. ""

[@nowiamfree418]

@@tj3070 You are the liar and the truth is not in you....

[@nowiamfree418]

@@tj3070 YOU WILL EAT YOUR WORDS IN HELL.. BE CARE WHAT YOU SAY CONCERNING THE KING of kings and the LORD of lords....

[@trovelemmanuel5627]

I noticed how he didn't quote a single verse to back up his position.

[@impriscilla7476]

Lol

[@xxxFEMTOxxx]

You sir are very keen.

[@MoorenaEl]

Uhhhh... It wouldn't matter anyway because the Bible is a plagerized book anyway.

[@trovelemmanuel5627]

@@MoorenaEl interesting thought, can you prove it?

[@loveanyways]

Yes I noticed that too..and he talked a lot on theology nothing about the holy spirit in his rhetoric!

[@lilyflower5576]

This is literally what made Jesus angry and flip tables over 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️Selling things for profit in the house of God

[@terintiaflavius3349]

They have become an industry. They serve the almighty dollar and pop culture. They don't want to help the homeless they want to hang with celebrities

[@darrenbutler9819]

also spurred Martin Luther into creating Protestantism.

[@tinychum203]

Amen 🙏

[@Eusantdac]

They're fakes. So many of them are fakes with their private jets and misguiding of poor people to give them their last dollar. Just awful these priests and churches nowadays.

[@JeffCaplan313]

Church is for prophets, not profits.

[@youlikedyourowncomment5151]

They should start paying taxes like a business than

[@twinkies3820]

Honestly

[@pdc4930]

Once this catches on, every business to corporations are going to offer services to escape taxes.

[@Brittjones]

And a book…and a seminar… Disgusting…they’re money changers…

[@carpo719]

They sure took that covid relief money tho!

[@SAFbikes]

god you guys would be such piss babies if they get taxed and then are allowed to start openly campaigning for Republican candidates dumping tons of money into candidates you don't approve of..

[@MalcolmBlakeSeeAndHear]

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money." Matthew 6:24

[@celter.45acp98]

Then they need to start paying taxes like a business seeing these pastors with nicer houses & cars than their "flock" is sickening

[@prestonmatthews725]

Repugnant.

[@meganharris583]

The for profit businesses they have are paying taxes

[@az4776]

Amen

[@jeremiahnoar7504]

What's interesting is that you didn't have a problem with how the pastors obtained the money. but instead what upseted you was simply that the pastors had nicer stuff. That sounds more like a jealousy problem.

[@Reason1717]

If they paid taxes they would be helping "All of God's children" but since they don't they are in the same group as organized crime.

[@bettzysdaddy]

I have an uncle who's a pastor, and it's a straight up racket. It's time to end their tax-exempt status. Especially now that they're playing politics. He's got a very nice house when he tells others to not have "earthly possessions."

[@KnarfStein]

Does he accidentally trip and becomes naked around pool boys as well?

[@33bb33bb]

Is he giving the word of God?

[@SAFbikes]

lol if you think that churches are "playing politics" just waaaaaaait until you start taxing them and then they can openly support political parties and candidates $$$$$$ ohh you'll cry

[@bettzysdaddy]

@@KnarfStein He's not Catholic

[@bettzysdaddy]

@@SAFbikes They're already openly supporting a certain party and their politics, so we need to take away their tax-exempt status now. All religion needs to be wiped off the face of the earth.

[@organizedchaos4559]

Nah, tax them. You don’t get tax exemption while running a business even if you want to call it a church.

[@matthewbrennan3127]

The Founding Father's wouldn't agree with you

[@snekov1242]

We met here tonight to hear a good word of our lord and saviour Jeff Bezos

[@organizedchaos4559]

@@matthewbrennan3127 the founder father also said the living should rule and not the died

[@elijahgavin6706]

@@matthewbrennan3127 the founding fathers wouldn’t agree that people who look like me are included in the group of humans who have inalienable rights as described by the constitution

[@matthewbrennan3127]

@@elijahgavin6706 same for me. Don't seek to be a victim. Learn and become educated. Aim to make your surroundings better. Play ball with the kid who doesn't have a brother and his father isn't there. Take on challenges, harden your soul, and sharpen your mind. Be more deadly than anyone else there. Be the kindest person when you get to the top. Learn from the classics for yourself, and stop being a crowd follower

[@garetsax9740]

As someone who has read the Bible at least once Jesus didn’t like his house being turned into a market.

[@insolenttoddler9805]

If you don't make money you end up begging for it, and beggars don't get to chose... Jesus didn't have a house.

[@joysoyo2416]

No, he didn't want it turned into a BANK.

[@RockSmithStudio]

Jesus warned his followers there will always be hypocrites that claim to be following him but doing otherwise. Thankfully the true church is led by Christ himself and not any institution, as those will always be compelled to do what is right for themselves. The curtain's been torn(Matthew 27:51)

[@rabiuumar7845]

Services are on Sunday and specific days apart from those days this empty spaces are used to make good use off and produce income to sustain the Church...it's logical

[@jasonlee6227]

This is why I never believed in christianity or any other religion. When they show such hypocrisy like they do then there is no reason to take them seriously. They certainly don't even go by what they're supposed to believe in.

[@edwincortes8423]

They are already business entities. Many of their CEOs have mansions and make millions.

[@sarah_lee5150]

I saw a doc on a preacher of a Mega church, and he had a fleet of private jets. My mind was blown. There’s so many ppl that he could’ve donated to that attend his church.

[@DevSarman]

@@sarah_lee5150 that's the reason that I have no hesitation to shun churches in America for being so bastardized by conforming to any political climate (which in America is used for capital gain), compare that to churches in Egypt, Greece, Serbia, Levant, and Ethiopia, and you'll see a teaching and tradition of Christianity which you never been taught in America.

[@sergiomartinjrguevara]

This is old news

[@jtaylor3609]

^billionaire preachers.....

[@sergiomartinjrguevara]

That way since day 1

[@swungdash2]

Mark 11:15 "When they arrived in Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began to drive out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those selling doves." Isn't this the same God?

[@mozza145]

Legit thinking about this as I’m watching 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@HerbertLye]

Hardcore WWJD justifiers would say "Those ppl were profiting for themselves in the holy temple, but we are profiteering for the church" 🤣🤣🤣 #YeaRight

[@HerbertLye]

@@normandy2501 Basic maintenance such as sinking funds allocation are different than having a McDonald's and a Startbucks franchise right within the church's property. Google City Harvest Church, Singapore, ull know what I mean.

[@blackearl7891]

@@normandy2501 ah a christian picking and choosing the most convenient aspect of the bible in its natural habitat.

[@joelfernandes9463]

@@normandy2501 there is no issue in your making, the issue lies when you call the Pope the Antichrist and then you go out and go against other Christians like Orthodox, or anyone who is not a Protestant. I have personally had people from other conventions come and tell me the Catholic Church is wrong, the Jesus from the Catholic Church is different from the Protestant Jesus. They say they have their own American prophet (latter day saints) , the world wars which were there before, we weren't all present but something it was related to a priest or someone from the Catholic faith, they assassinated him and it triggered the war. The world wishes the best for you, just we don't accept to follow you because Christianity originated in Israel not America soo we believe Jesus or his true teachings and everything happened in and around Asia or middle East Asia. The people in America await a rapture, I don't know why you wait for the churches to rapture, probably they were waiting for the Catholic Church to rapture, with good intention, I hope America succeeds in their missions, in this world only what God permits, happens, the rest he controls. If you take all the religions, you will understand that everyone and every faith is interconnected at some point. We have already gone through around 5000 years just in biblical texts and at the end, there is the Bible prophecy but every religion has their own end time prophecy. If you connect it all, you will see where we stand today.

[@coldogno7]

Teacher: what are u gonna do when u grow up? Student: i want to open a church and become rich!

[@alphasheep7116]

Come to India if you want to see sadhus

[@loosekanonstan3648]

God : humans, worship me! Humans : how o Lord? God : that's your business, so make one! Me : 🤭🤭🤭

[@jayrock7260]

That’s a smart move.

[@nungshitombigurumayum978]

🤣

[@corngreaterthanwheat]

How did you get this excerpt from Joel Osteen's childhood?

[@effobama1992]

James warns us about treating ministries like a business. We are not here to make money or have a good time. We are here to preach the word of God in season and out of season.

[@rofidganteng1]

is he James the brother of Jesus?

[@effobama1992]

@@rofidganteng1 Jesus does have a brother named James; we do think that this same James wrote the epistle of James, but there are some doubts due to the date of the writing.

[@adamantium8641]

I'd rather see a poor pastor speak the truth then a rich man try to talk. Yes it does Matter how much you have. A man of God does need alot.

[@godmadesam]

I couldn’t disagree more with this!

[@keierrareenell877]

Better is the little a poor man has than the wealth of many wicked

[@BILLIONAIREGH]

Unfortunately that FICTITIOUS Pastor does NOT exist. He cannot even afford utilities or the microphone

[@quinnwhittaker5472]

Religion and capitalism: A match made in hell

[@fooo2241]

Murica!!

[@tranquility6789]

Christianity and capitalism are incompatible with each other.

[@fooo2241]

@@tranquility6789 the bible seems to agree with that notion

[@thanksmaybe4103]

@@tranquility6789 lol on paper If so than socialist would be religious

[@carfreeneoliberalgeorgisty5102]

There's a for profit ministry in Northern Kentucky called Answers in Genesis that makes money off of tricking gullible scientifically illiterate fundamentalists who don't any better to believe that the earth is 6000 years old. The founder Ken Ham has become quite wealthy and famous because of it too.

[@zollen123]

Some churches are trying to adapt in the changing world, while others are adapting a little too well.

[@rohall5060]

Point ✅ noted 🤔

[@robthequietoriginal]

"Why Churches Might Start Looking More Like Businesses" Good... tax them.

[@doug2496]

Yet they wont, gov doesnt want to start that massive legal battle.

[@ormaybenot]

Kinda like a reverse UNO CARD...smart comment though..👍

[@prestonmatthews725]

Amen. Lol

[@stassimarlowe9108]

Mega churches should be taxed not little congregations that barely have anything to offer. God didn't intended for his church to be turned into a business and Jesus was not about religion, he simply wanted a relationship with each and everyone of us & for us to love one another. All that money those mega churches are bringing in from donations and tithes should be going towards helping the homeless, the disabled, our veterans, the sick and women who've been abused or it can go towards rescuing victims of sex trafficking.

[@BILLIONAIREGH]

Who is THEM? You the donor has already paid taxes. Will you like to pay ANOTHER ONE to the govt

[@justinreich3486]

I'm 28 and have been going to church and volunteering in children's ministry, homeless projects, construction, and general work since I was 16. Only now in the past two years have I finally started to critically think about the financial corruption not just with the mega churches but most small churches too. Somethings not right. I think greed is at play with damn near all of them an I want to know why a small town would have 16 different churches when they only need 3 MAYBE 4. When they caught on that I didn't want to give money or help anymore they act like the needy crack addicts we feed in the city when you don't give them a ride or money. I feel like it's a money making scheme for people who don't want to pick up a hammer or shovel and actually work for a living. Jesus built rock walls and wood ox yokes for work and I'll do the same. He also didn't have a building he visited houses.

[@hueyfreeman7810]

"from practicing economic wisdom; and church economics" let that sink in. The dude is in it to make money. Not spread the word of God.

[@sirseal4903]

God ain't making me get bank

[@weeslayer]

God Wills It!

[@mattnewhouse1781]

Name a poor person in the bible. Bet you cant :)

[@leokaboom7747]

@@mattnewhouse1781 yashua ?

[@magistergreene4708]

He needs a visit from the Inquisition.

[@newthrash1221]

They need to open their books to the public and government to see how much money they’re making directly from the congregation and how much of it goes back into the actual church and congregation. Like, who decides the pastor’s salary? Complete transparency.

[@FactStorm]

Expecting transparency from religion is like expecting a pigeon to master chess.

[@ColaKristen]

Many churches are very open, and they have a board that helps make financial decisions. Their are always some people that take advantage of the congregations but that is not the majority and they will have to deal with that in the end.

[@TheMostHighDaughter180]

@@ColaKristen how sure are you that it’s not the majority?

[@Kp-dy4ck]

@@TheMostHighDaughter180 how sure are u that this is reality and not just some simulation?

[@TheMostHighDaughter180]

@@Kp-dy4ck just as sure as you are 👍🏿

[@ToiYeuYAHWEH]

Sadly, the so-called "churches" have become businesses at least 50 years ago while they stopped preaching the whole message of the Holy Bible about REPENTING and CHANGING our lives around to be NEW CREATURES IN CHRIST. Instead, they just talk about God's love without making any sacrifices to obtain it. So sad...

[@MoorenaEl]

Sweetie... Churches were always businesses.

[@Orianasama]

Jesus paid it all. The whole point of the gospel is that we don’t have to sacrifice to receive God’s love because Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice.

[@ToiYeuYAHWEH]

@@Orianasama Yes of course, JESUS paid the ultimate price for our sins but don't we need to pay tithing to Churches?

[@grandmasterlucien]

@@ToiYeuYAHWEH No you dont NEED to pay, we are called to give what we can. The 10% is old testament practise for Isreal.

[@ToiYeuYAHWEH]

@@grandmasterlucien But isn't commanded that we give tithings to Churches?

[@Streghamay]

How can they POSSIBLY look anymore like businesses than they already do?

[@dbmuir8683]

Jesus Christ had something to say about money-changers in places of worship, lol

[@hunbunn4308]

(ノಠ益ಠ)ノ彡┻━┻

[@r.r2584]

That’s interesting that you claim Jesus was Muslin. Jesus was around over 7 centuries before Islam was a thing…..

[@antimeanstream4145]

@Justin Y. are you sick

[@huey3656]

@Justin Y I wonder how it feels to make an obvious historically inaccurate statement and get corrected in a public forum. This guy really thought he was saying something profound haha 😂 Like he was about to blow our minds with this earth shaking knowledge he had hahaha 🤣 Hold this L my man.

[@DevSarman]

@Justin Y. Lmao, you are not the same original professional commenter Justin Y.

[@Pronounced_Love]

If JESUS was here he would be flipping tables and BUGGING OUT ON ALL THESE CHURCHES

[@sherrymickey8101]

All!! Some swear they right..Not!

[@cd3881]

These churches, I will venture to guess, Jesus is no where near any of these so call house of worship. Satan the Devil has been allowed to infiltrate and take up residence in these places I call “death trap” for souls. His demons have also infiltrated the spirit and souls of their leadership as well. None of what they are doing is approved by our Almighty God or his Son Jesus Christ. Couple that with the false teachings and we have a recipe for destruction of souls…spiritually shipwrecked congregants. Satan is accomplishing his purpose🤷🏾‍♀️

[@alexismercado2728]

When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple courts, he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. - John 2:13-15

[@blasphimus]

These people are Satan Worshipers

[@MoorenaEl]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@NobleLuke]

That last line at the end "...in the practice of Church economics" is the most logical conclusion to whatever experiment America was. Their love for Money and God finally united, and accepted.

[@patrickpullman8348]

End their tax exemption status. Make them dodge taxes like every other business.

[@wearelegion1163]

They ARE businesses. Political businesses. Tax the churches & their leader.

[@tranquility6789]

Tax the church

[@kova1577]

Religion isn’t a political thing and it’s unconstitutional to do so

[@angelmujahid2233]

“Given generously.” Why don’t you just rely on god to take care of you like you tell your congregation to do.

[@NoName-ot8kl]

God*

[@angelmujahid2233]

@@NoName-ot8kl because he is going to be angry if we don’t capitalize a word that ISNT it’s name.

[@jessenialol9543]

I mean there is a difference between god and God , but to add on top of what you said , I completely agree cause like at the end of the day God will always provide and I feel like if your looking for another source of income your not trusting God financially

[@angelmujahid2233]

@@jessenialol9543 no there isn’t it’s a word, there is no difference. It doesn’t hold any more power just because you capitalize it and turn it into a pronoun, it’s fiction. So it was an irrelevant correction.

[@jessenialol9543]

When you look into scripture you will see the difference between god and God as well as when LORD is obviously capitalized . I’m in no way trying to attack you. But I’m saying just as you would capitalize someone’s name you should capitalize God for he is God and out of respect ...

[@DannyJaraMusic]

I used to be a Christian now I’m an theist-agnostic and I think that even though there can be really toxic practices in Christianity, I’ve also seen lots of people turn their life around for the better, so looking at churches re-invent themselves to get money from a business instead of getting it from the attendees feels somehow more honest, at least to me.

[@johnathanvelasquez1310]

Be Christian because the illuminati and freemasons aren't even hiding anymore

[@sharondavid-melly1498]

Yea except it's not a Christian format to put emphasis on money.

[@thomism1016]

“You have turned my house into a den of thieves”. A great man once said that.

[@kuroazrem5376]

Religions have always been businesses. Evangelicals simply understand it better.

[@jonasklapper2875]

Not better. There just wasn't a Napoleon who took away their farms or a monk who split them in half.

[@user-kd1uh1kr4b]

Hmmm.. as muslims we pray for free

[@mattk8810]

@@user-kd1uh1kr4b agreed. Muslims do follow their rules pretty well.

[@younghoneybadger2339]

All the pastors are greedy while you're imams are crazy

[@user-kd1uh1kr4b]

@@younghoneybadger2339 am trying not to think ur ignorant, but calling a 100.000.000 imams crazy sounds ignorant

[@juddotto3660]

You heard it here folks, no poor people in churches anymore. Big G said so.

[@ArtOfficialKreations]

Of course tho. Can you really expect for all those “hard working”, middle-class Christians to be okay with the idea that Heaven might actually be crawling with the poors!? No way!! They’re paying a lot of good money to get the premium-platinum salvation!

[@cd3881]

@@ArtOfficialKreations 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@radiation8174]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@magistergreene4708]

Not in "churches" in schism, but the Mother Church will remain faithful to the poor.

[@martinahove9843]

@@ArtOfficialKreations 🤣🤣

[@michaelfarmhand]

Using church premises for business is simply good stewardship. I’m a pastor and in our church we run a cafe and a day care centre The money made goes towards feeding the homeless, providing winter shelters, homework clubs, provide mental health care and more. This is what the overwhelming majority of churches do. And it works for the good of the poor.

[@jameshack485]

Unless you pay taxes on income from the cafe and day care, you are operating illegally and your church can lose its non-profit status. I can say I'm running a casino and using the profit to feed the homeless. Doesn't mean it's legal

[@Jr871961]

You said it all they should be paying taxes. Lots of these churches are just open for a gain of money not to gain souls.

[@julianhayda471]

This is nothing new. Catholic monks in Belgium sold beer to support their lifestyles 800 years ago.

[@fefemyluv]

“Might start?” LOL. And this is coming from a Christian.

[@solo6069]

lol 😂

[@h3liius]

This is what protestantism lead to

[@freeeggs3811]

Join the Roman Catholic Church.

[@andersa222]

@@freeeggs3811 no thx

[@rjyahin05]

Join the Roman Catholic Church. ❤️

[@slowbro1337]

Cool sounds like it's time to tax churches. I'm out in Texas and these mega churches need to be taxed

[@oceanocean2996]

You have no idea the future consequences of what rubbish you have just said

[@slowbro1337]

@@oceanocean2996 I'm very well aware of what I just said. I'm surrounded by megachurches the size of 5 walmarts flex sealed together. If you begin runing churches like a business they need to be taxed like one. I don't care what religion

[@jolifigueroa7018]

@@slowbro1337 They are everywhere in Texas!!

[@Van420Dal]

@@oceanocean2996 your clown. You're the type of person that thinks that mega church is a swindle people out of millions of dollars it should never pay a single dollar in tax revenue. Just because it's something you support don't be pedantic to other people as if they haven't considered the ramifications of taxing these organizations. The church has had a central place in the US and in US politics for hundreds of years I'm pretty sure they'd be just fine.

[@slowbro1337]

@@francisstclare5799 I'm religious fam, I just see alot of these facilitys that we have here in Texas and in my travels hoarding wealth and praying on the gullible to boost their top line and doing everything under the sun to skirt taxes they should be paying with how much they are bringing in while instead they are buying frivolities like jets, yachts, supercars, and mansions when they should be men and women of the cloth and not the creatures of greed they are. Really appreciate being told to stay out of the megachurch durring a flood. Thank Christ Texas and Houston have Matress Mack to rely on in tough times. Joel Olstein said nah while Matress Mack offered meals, shelter, and refurbish my brothers home for free after the massive flood along with giving them and many others 10kand furniture or whatever they felt they needed to return life to normal all while making profit, paying taxes, and better representing the beliefs and actions of christ in the community's than any of the megachurches have. Megachurches can and should pay taxes.

[@accordingtoangela]

my moms church has a coffee shop called Holy Grounds lol

[@siholsihaloho6568]

we had the same thing here, Indonesia 😂

[@angelicjacobs9983]

That’s a really clever name lol.

[@silvermane5695]

I once went to a so called "church" where it was run like a corporation, it had CEO, CFO and HR. I knew people giving to the church 10% to support the church; meanwhile the pastor was living in a million dollar home and driving a Bentley.

[@aluminumfoil770]

ThAts insane. Meanwhile… you have pastors that don’t preach a message of prosperity, and tell you, “if it doesn’t meet your need then it’s your seed.” Meaning, give till your bills default

[@silvermane5695]

@@aluminumfoil770 The irony of this is that the pastor lives on the other side of my subdivision LOL.

[@Moscato_Moscato]

As a former spanish Pentecostal member, this happens *everywhere* in fact I knew a preacher that preached against this practice and he was later then ostracized heavily for it

[@JoshuaAdrianjones]

Jesus is against this! He said he doesn't want the church to be a market place.

[@JoshuaAdrianjones]

@@IIII...... The Bible says go to church. We should go to the right church.

[@JesusistheFather_]

@@JoshuaAdrianjones yea bro show me that verse. i thought we were the church

[@UlexiteTVStoneLexite]

@@IIII...... yeah read the bible like where it says you can sell your daughter as a slave

[@SandcastleDreams]

Now, they sell men's souls!

[@thedavidjscott_]

@@JoshuaAdrianjones it says be the church, not go to church lol. Start a small group then if you want community

[@g1u2y345]

"Take these things away; do not make my Father's house a house of trade" The people who run these churches twist the religion into a form which suits them best, ignoring important tenants and scripture, further harming the legitimacy of Christianity. I only see this getting worse

[@Prettyordying]

“What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not make full use of my rights as a preacher of the gospel.” 1 Corinthians 9:18….

[@grassguy1154]

“Churches are being more honest with themselves” Fixed your title

[@Frank71]

So, can the church financial books be open for public inspection? 5:55 need external checks n' balances are needed, not internal, non- disclosed to the public.

[@taterkaze9428]

Non-profit filings are public information. I think it's form 990. Look it up.

[@Frank71]

@@taterkaze9428 Religious ones arn't required to file 990.....look it up.

[@jessicacole8404]

What do they follow?

[@iamthatiam8894]

ALL THOSE PASTORS/PREACHERS WHO USED THE NAME OF GOD AS A BUSINESS WILL BE THROWN IN THE LAKE OF FIRE. 👊🥂🍾

[@ninjason57]

He says "If we're gonna have effective ministry we're gonna have to develop multiple stream of income". Compare this to one of Jesus' first ministries when he appointed 72 others to go ahead of him and spread the kingdom message without "bag or sandals" and to "eat and drink whatever they give you". Luke 10. Seems like a very opposite style of ministry.

[@JV-dw5nu]

BASICALLY, USE A CHURCH AS A COVERUP TO NOT BE TAXED ON A FRIKIN MONOPOLY 🙃

[@osl5686]

The next con- identified!

[@iseytheteethsnake6290]

Also malls

[@FactStorm]

'Religion was invented when the first con man met the first fool.' - Mark Twain

[@Passco666]

You mean politics and power on them

[@yoneseltayeb8053]

i don't like this fken quotes its cringey stupid overrated and too oversymplyfing to complicated topics

[@fatematabassumelma9997]

@@yoneseltayeb8053 ikr!

[@phoenix5054]

Poetic, but religions are created back when science wasn’t a thing and tribespeople needed something to believe in and explain things.

[@FactStorm]

@@yoneseltayeb8053 No it's not, it's true. Being a 21st century person who believes in prophets, messiahs, virgin births, miracles, noah's ark, angels and other nonsense is the epitome of stupidity. You really said nothing of substance, you just complained. What's a complicated topic? There are thousands of religions, let alone denominations: either one of them is true or they're all false, there's no buts or ifs about it.

[@Aniwazoa]

I thought that many of them were already operating as businesses. This is already the case in many parts of Africa.

[@joetucker5483]

4:35 - Host says "Money seems alright" and the pastor flips it effortlessly, with a heartfelt voice: "Giving is strong". I'm convinced evangelical pastors are more brand experts than anything else.

[@michaelmerkerson5068]

We do actually have a state religion. It's called capitalism and the related worship of people who have become rich under capitalism. Just look at how we value, or more correctly, place no value on people who can't or won't participate in the worship of our true god, which is earning money.

[@UlexiteTVStoneLexite]

Stop making everything a religion.

[@khutjodiphofe2245]

@@UlexiteTVStoneLexite I suggest that you read Yuval Noah Harari's "Sapiens"

[@cd3881]

@@UlexiteTVStoneLexite you may have a point here! Actually it is all about the diabolical control Satan and his Demons have on world rulers and government and the people he put in place to carry out his diabolical deeds. Let’s call a spade a spade. He has been allowed to infiltrate the churches and sit quite comfortably in what is supposed to be a house of worship but far from it. Jesus’s no where near any of these so call house of worship. Holy Spirit and holiness does not cohabitate with darkness and evil and wickedness.

[@Green4CloveR]

“For the love of money is the root of all evil” - Timothy 6:10 📖 These churches are tax avoiding hypocrites 💸

[@cd3881]

Modern Day Pharisees! Wolves in sheep’s clothing! Charlatans! Hypocrites! The ruler of this world, Satan the Devil and his demons who control government and the people who run government, make this all possible. They work hand in hand to help destroy souls. Satan is accomplishing his goal and his purpose. These churches are a part of Satan’s world if people have not noticed. Nothing they are doing is from God and his Son Jesus or of them both. This is greed, Fleshly desires, you name it, they are involved in it. The Devil is using the church to destroy souls and add false teachings to this and we have a recipe for disaster just the way Satan planned it.

[@mnelisi]

Don't think there is anything wrong with having a church owned business that makes profit. I think there's everything wrong about that business being in the same building as the church. House of prayer should remain a house of prayer

[@mnelisi]

@FallenAngel the church is making a profit not the pastor and that money goes in ministry programs. Also, these businesses shouldn't be run by pastors to avoid conflict.

[@mikeyarmani1279]

God doesn’t care about religion or going to a building on Sunday morning, he cares about the heart.

[@billybob6469]

Yes He does. Hebrews 10:25

[@mikeyarmani1279]

@@billybob6469 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together. WE ARE the Church.Not that building people go to on Sundays only, to hear a man written Sermon but throughout the week, are vulgar and live a secular life. There was no building to attend in the book of acts, the Church gathered in people’s homes, it was a community of Believers encouraging one another in Godly fellowship.

[@mikeyarmani1279]

@Billy Bob I came into this video/comment section strictly on Kingdom business, what are you doing here? That is if you claim to be a believer.

[@atropos33]

Its not "may start," it's "always have been." Hopium is pretty fking profitable.

[@heyhey8626]

Why is your username what it is?

[@seenyouyt6885]

Richest Church/Corporation per capita: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

[@druidictroy1157]

They STRONGLY believe in tithing your 10% no matter what. S-T-R-O-N-G-L-Y!!

[@endisnear306]

Also hillsong and creflo dollars many more tele evangelists..

[@IHateMyAccountName]

The catholic church has entered the chat

[@stoneageidaho]

Recently uncovered that the LDS church is sitting on well over 100 billion dollars

[@seenyouyt6885]

@@IHateMyAccountName we're talking about "per capita" catholic churches are divided and they have billion members while Latter Day Saints only have around 16 million members and at least half of them are not even active so the ratio is very big and it's also registered as a corporation instead of a church.

[@LalaDsouza]

6:30 "Keeps us sustainable" - have we forgotten that God is the ultimate provider specially in HIS MINISTRY! Church should be built in the foundation of FAITH and PRAYER! They call themselves "sound in doctrine" but never really understand how GOD works. Sad.

[@letit023]

I like how Jesus said “If you broke get out of heaven” wait a min….

[@carichaos1651]

call them what they are: A business! and FYI, this is NOTHING new! lol

[@tytraulich4987]

Like scientists and bishops

[@FactStorm]

Exactly, and to those who think its something novel - you are as naive as they come

[@theagnosticdeist3373]

@@tytraulich4987 atleast Scientists are doing something for the society. the life of a average person today is better than it was in the past because of scientific advancement and not because of some religion promising premium-salvation and prosperity in life.

[@crimsonJerom]

People are saying this "church" should be taxed and I agree. Most people have have no idea that large "churches" and charities have large investment portfolios and act like big business already. Even the government, with its unlimited credit facility, is acting like a zombie corporation these days. What you have seen here is a pop and mom shop. Yet still, there are honest churches around that are principled. Vice failed on this one.

[@cd3881]

Satan who rules this world has an agenda. These churches are not here to save people’s souls or help them attain salvation. It supposed to be, but this isn’t the case. People are discouraged and leaving in droves. Quite the opposite of what Jesus expected. Satan runs the show on earth 💎1 John 5:19. He has his world rulers/governments in place who are carrying out his ghastly deeds. He would never allow them to tax the church institution he has in place and need to continue shipwrecking people’s faith and spirit. He has his earthly government make it easy and convenient or these “Synagogues of Satan” and it’s leaders to stay in place…in operation, spoon feed the congregants lies and false teachings so they don’t come to know the truth about Our Almighty God 💎Genesis 17:1; 35:11 and his Son Jesus Christ (💎Hebrews 4:14) because Satan know eternal life hinges on this truth 💎John 17:3. The dysfunction and the false teachings, pagan traditional practices and celebrations that displeases God and prevent them from properly worshiping him and truly come to know him and his Son is what Satan sets out to do. Temporarily he is accomplishing his plan. The churches and their leadership, world rulers and governments are in place to carry out his diabolical plan. If people don’t believe the churches are Babylon the Great and that they need to get out of her, then they better be prepared to go down with her🤷🏾‍♀️Just saying. There is no way anyone can look at the status and conditions of these churches and think Our Almighty God and his Son Jesus Christ who is supposed to be the head of the church, is anywhere in, around or near these places of sin, debauchery, evil and wickedness. First century churches and first century Christians are the standard and the model that today’s churches and Christians should be emulating along with imitating Christ and his qualities 💎Galatians 5:22, 23. But this is not the case. It is an utter mess because Satan has infiltrated and allowed to take up residence. Evil, wickedness and darkness cannot share space with holiness, Holy Spirit and light.

[@tiffanykellogg6578]

I feel like this ideology comes across pretty tone deaf considering where we're at in history and the fact that so many of us won't go to church at all if they operate as a business. This is why the house church movement is growing.

[@thetavibes9021]

Aren't people *supposed* to practice bronze aged ideologies in their domain of privacy? How will people compare clothing?

[@keierrareenell877]

I'd like to attend one. Maybe I should start one. @tiffany

[@ironmantis25]

So Christianity is a joke and is not much different than Tony Robbins-style self-help seminars where you give them money in exchange for some encouraging words.

[@inmeditatewetrust]

😂😂😂

[@JAUREZ1000]

😂😂😂 Encouraging Words

[@talyahr3302]

Yup. Exactly

[@louisreichert8467]

thats what some people habe corrupted it into but the biblical jesus is the giver of true life and is lord.

[@Seeker7257]

@@louisreichert8467 AMEN!

[@solidus_snake_]

My local church since I was a kid made and sold popusas, tacos and other delicassies after the service was done. This supplemented church operations. The key factor here was food was sold and eaten AFTER the service was concluded. Just don't run a market mid church or it affect the scope of the church; helping the downtrodden and saving souls.

[@rumrunner8019]

Exactly. Most church business are little things like that. My aunt's church rents their father nice basement out for wedding receptions and events, as long as it's nothing against the church's teachings. Nobody is getting rich but it does help pay the electric bill and whatnot

[@jbtechcon7434]

It's funny to see Protestants slowly, finally discovering what Catholics have understood for nearly two thousand years. Religious communities need income. Monasteries and nunneries rarely just lived off donations and rich partners, they were organized around their income source. Metals, glass, artwork, beers, spirits were all big earners for monasteries especially.

[@syntax2004]

Maybe income revolving sins should be avoid, only legit income to support community.

[@aussiviking604]

Thats why Henry viii dissolved the catholic monasteries, he wanted their business, not their congregations.

[@soglam224444]

sure the vatican is the biggest mafia I've known. and the roman empire had the biggest wealth on the earth at one point. the catholic church just inherited all the wealth,lands, buildings and gold from the roman empire.

[@aussiviking604]

@@soglam224444 Sorry to disappointment you. The Roman empire was well and truly over, (4th century) by the time the Vatican got into its stride ( 6th century) Remember those pesky barbarians, kind of burnt, raped, stole and looted everything. Cheers.

[@jomaw0875]

We sometimes loose sight of the fact that the church consists of the people which is the body and the head is Christ. Not the building or the pastor. If we have nothing, the church can still survive. The temple is now in us as believers. At it's beginning services were held in people's homes.

[@beckyjohnson321]

"If we have nothing, the church can survive." Yes! Nothing of earth, everything of heaven! "...I will build My church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Jesus

[@aznmochibunny]

As a Catholic, I agree. I never understood the big issue during the COVID-19 pandemic, where a quarantine was enforced and all fellow religious people had an uproar over it. You don't need a pastor to pray, nor a church. Praying involves you, God, and the bible.

[@jeffevely]

"Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” -Matthew 19:21-24

[@MikeS42069]

"BUT I WANT TO GET SOMETHING OUT OF IT" what about the satisfaction of doing your god's work? You don't need finances or worldly possessions to enter your perceived kingdom of heaven, so why are you acting like a greedy businessman that needs more and more money?

[@slax8335]

As a catholic I'm surprised that the US christians are like this meanwhile the bishop in our city has a 1998 old ass car that he has been using for years

[@ajojohn310]

Baptist, protestants are fucked up now more than catholics were back then washing away sins 😂

[@ninjablack4347]

Its because a lot of religious people dont' think about their beliefs. "The earth is 6000 years old." ok. then the preacher 30 minute later "isn't it crazy 65 million years ago there was dinosaurs?" no one thinks "Wait you said before1"

[@ajojohn310]

@@ninjablack4347 Every cult, does it, religion is no different 😂 they don't think in a cult, they believe in cult whatsoever

[@francisstclare5799]

@@ajojohn310 you have offended many just so you know but i disagree but i still respect it

[@slax8335]

@N P As a catholic I know that but you do realize we got all that richest because Catholicism has existed for hundred of years and it is all over the world and we catholics dont give money to a priest when they say they want a private jet because we are not cultists like this evangelicals

[@TheRiderInBlack85]

There is a difference between churches buying a property and renting it out for revenue and having a Starbucks and bookstore inside of the church. When is framed more like this, I can kind of understand why churches are doing this. But when it’s framed in using your church service to sell your particular book, then I believe that’s crossing the line

[@thedon7845]

May God have mercy on us for what we are doing in the name of his Son, who shed his most precious blood.

[@lamarreerickson3502]

The title is very misleading smh… most churches are business, period.

[@dnyalslg]

Churches should find counsel and example in Paul when engaging in these business practices, which are not at all sinful in any way: "Was it a sin for me to lower myself in order to elevate you by preaching the gospel of God to you free of charge?"

[@stfudance5850]

Gotta love cherry-picking scripture for a benefit...NOT

[@dnyalslg]

@@stfudance5850 As a gay man who has had cherry picked scriptures thrown at me my whole life, no, I have not cherry-picked anything. It is my best understanding of Scripture and all the passages that I mentioned in the NT, along with their parallels in the OT. And yes, gay Christians are a thing.

[@stfudance5850]

@@dnyalslg oh I'm speaking about the one's that do the cherry-@picking. It wasn't directed or in-directed to you

[@dnyalslg]

@@stfudance5850 My bad, then. Again, having had cherry-picked verses thrown at me, it does lead me to take things personally sometimes.

[@stfudance5850]

@@dnyalslg It's all good 😜

[@pandadragon8266]

I grew up in Arkansas. Our pastor, we called him 'Brother Bob,' led our church for decades. The church built his home and funded his lavish cruise vacations. Eight years ago he ran out on his wife to be in a romantic relationship with a young woman (same age as me) when she turned 18. She had gone to his church since she was five. Now they are addicted to meth in Florida. Needless to say, for reasons outside of this crazy, I am happily athiest lol

[@EveLyn-rn4kn]

Oh wow

[@SS-ok8re]

don't let that turn you into an Athiest. It's difficult to find a church that's not for "Profit" but you can find one. Try a small neighborhood church. Don't go to the big ones, the ones with stages, professional musicians, shops built-in, ect

[@pandadragon8266]

@@SS-ok8re it was a small church, couldnt get more than just over 100 in attendance... And that didn't *make* me atheist... Thanks for the concern, but I am not interested in a debate or storytelling about my atheism. Have a good day, sir.

[@ConsiderTheCrows]

You are atheist because your pastor got caught up in his desires and ran off to be a meth head?

[@jhammer1979]

As people flee churches they need a new way to leach money from the people to promote their beliefs. Transparency in how they operate, tax them like a business and enforce anti-discrimination laws

[@waleed8530]

Ibn Khaldun mentioned about this in his book centuries ago, "Sedition that hides behind the mask of religion is a very popular trade in the eras of intellectual decline".

[@arolemaprarath3248]

Are u a Muslim?

[@Vladimir.Albutin]

@UNIQ DEVELOPMENT If there is no mosque Muslim can pray on a field.😀 or at home

[@Vladimir.Albutin]

@UNIQ DEVELOPMENT Muslim can pray without imam at home. And if you are a Muslim you can be imam and your father as well for lead prayer at home.

[@arolemaprarath3248]

@CAKCAK Actually no .He was a Hindu

[@owenb8636]

Oh yeah I remember when Jesus set up moneychangers in the temple to provide a sustainable revenue base for his ministry

[@danielled108]

Lol

[@elijah-kimmariewashington756]

That's not in the scriptures. He ran out what man had set up. Job 41:11 Everything under the heavens is mine.

[@cd3881]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂😂Hilarious

[@thetavibes9021]

@@elijah-kimmariewashington756 You're so smart. So the bible tells you so.

[@homebusinessdad]

Wouldn't need multiple streams of income if you DIDN"T BUY such a huge building (morgage) which therefore has high overheads.

[@itsalanjava2107]

It’s time for the flock to be separated and the real followers of Christ to stand up and be the Church we are intended to be. Enough of this prosperity stuff.

[@beckyjohnson321]

It's happening. The Bride is being prepared. Many are hidden. The Kingdom is advancing, though not by obvious signs and wonders. His own are like the ten wise virgins.

[@keitha4768]

Great. Now they can pay taxes like every other business.

[@neilhowes4215]

If u serve at any church or attend enough then you already know for atleast the last 30 years its been nothing but a business

[@adamwalker2377]

START looking like businesses? "Start"? Remove the sermon, and see how well the Church stays together.

[@noemi2823L]

When I was smaller I for real thought all churches were like ours where everyone had separate jobs apart from the church including the head minister (my dad) but them as I grew up and talked with more people I came to realize pastors and ministers, and any church leaders, they actually get paid (like what?!? 🤯) no one in our church gets paid, the rent gets paid by everyone who is willing to give money for the church

[@FactStorm]

"“One of the saddest lessons of history is this: If we’ve been bamboozled long enough, we tend to reject any evidence of the bamboozle. We’re no longer interested in finding out the truth. The bamboozle has captured us. It’s simply too painful to acknowledge, even to ourselves, that we’ve been taken. Once you give a charlatan power over you, you almost never get it back.” - Carl Sagan.

[@Thoughtflux]

I don't see a problem with economic sustainability of churches as long as they have a team for internal audit. A gym sharing the space and generating a small income shouldn't be a problem.

[@matanyesuallforjesus7373]

Hi,that is just the problem auditing and being transparent with finance. Here in my local church you ask to see the account balance for a children's department and you just get stories no proof and when you raise dust you get attacked.

[@Thoughtflux]

@@matanyesuallforjesus7373 shouldn't the treasurer get elected and be held accountable? Don't you guys have financial meetings? These are good practices. If they don't follow it then something is fishy. If you contribute a fair amount you have the rights to call for a meeting after service.

[@annahamblett6695]

Have home church, read your bible, repent and live holy.

[@bloxyedits]

"Internal checks and balances." That's convenient. I wonder why they wouldn't welcome unbiased scrutiny from a 3rd party. If churches want to own property and lease it for a profit, then they need to be taxed.

[@karllarsen8797]

Haven't churches always been a big business selling dreams of eternal life in heaven to humans who are fearful of death?

[@cold_bison]

Coming to you in 2022: Jesus Incorporated, Salvation INC, Buddha Hut, temples R us, and Muhammad Mart.

[@Try07186]

That's a cute joke next time be factual. Ain't no muhammad mart popping up budz true islam one that follows the path of the prophet and the words of allah from the quran has no mix up in business to stay sustainable. Christianity is losing followers for a reason because the leaders are failing the people. So joke about anything else dont say nothing about our prophet.

[@amandamiller7411]

There are dead bodies under churches

[@003mohamud]

@@Try07186 yup!

[@jessicacole8404]

It's a joke man. Take it easy

[@Try07186]

@@jessicacole8404 I am though I haven't used any offensive language. I am passionate about preserving the name of my prophet mixed in jokes that is all. Same as if someone was to joke about someone dear to you. I hope you can understand.

[@bathombre9739]

I have seen a church have their parking lot with ticket meters on non service days for anyone to park

[@mikea5745]

I think this is great. Gives churches another way to fund themselves, and now they don't need the tax exempt status anymore. Churches are, fundamentally, businesses. Run them like a business, tax them like a business

[@billyt6537]

START??? That's what they have always been, a BIG Business. That's not anything NEW.

[@mummadkhomeni5177]

I'm against using the word of God and taking advantage of people's faith and beliefs for any kind of monetary profit. Religion should be free of worldly things like money.

[@monzerratsalazar1115]

church was never about being a business, rather coming together and growing in faith. where has our faith of “God will provide” gone?

[@labelmeposh]

So when a church gets a let's say "Planet Fitness" they don't pay taxes?

[@jimparsons9454]

Jesus himself declared that humanity should reject the flesh as well as earthly possessions for we are not of this world. He stated we are here for only a short time. Then you have these "preachers" lying to their flocks leading them astray only to fill their pockets. Then these people declare themselves "Christians". Jesus also said beware of false prophets and teachers. You don't need any structure not pastor to commune with Jesus and he said you should pray in private. There is nothing good that comes from them.

[@suspiciousmind192]

Actually, I'm not complaining but my community Mosque don't even have enough space to attend and pray. We have to make 2 session to attend. Some have to pray in backyard even during winter. If God wills this way, we accept it. May everything get easier for every religion.

[@politereminder6284]

What do you mean "becoming"? This has been true my whole life and long before.

[@riciaswebb406]

When "churches" avail themselves of ways other than donations to make income, it's called commerce. Proceeds from commerce is TAXABLE. Tax the churches and make them pay their fair share of being a part of the society they benefit from, and then they can do all the commerce they want. Their taxes should be records the public can scrutinize.