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Since it is of little importance, I won't take up too much time answering. But I will say that your perception of the church is rooted in a. personal experience or b. something that you've been taught and I respect you too much to think that you're that type of person. I can't say that every church uses it's money toward good causes, but I also can't say that every chruch is Godly. But I can speak of my experiences, my church, and many churches I know. For over five years I've worked with churches, knowing their income, outflow, budget, everything, even the pastor's personal business. Have I seen some shady stuff, you betcha. But have I seen ministries walking in integrity, helping people, and giving back to the community to make it a better place, you betcha. As far as my church, I know the budget of our ministry (not at liberty to post), and while we work with a lot of money, we also have a ton of outreach (over 70 outreach ministries, including Drug rehabilitation, youth and family programs, financial counseling, Center for Personal Success, Deeper Life Studies Programs, and the list goes on and on), not counting the thousands of dollars we send to third world countries every month, including Africa and the Phillipines, and all the money we use to feed the homeless and give benevolence to the less fortunate. Now, are we the "moral center of outreach?" NO. We help people that want it, we force nothing on anyone. Is our pastor paid, yes; but there are two things you must consider: One, there are members in the church that are just as paid, making six figures a year in their businesses, and there are virtually no people in our church in poverty or unemployed. Those that are, the ministry is working with them now to improve thier quality of life, that is if they want it. Second, our pastor doesn't take a salary. He's a businessman that invests in stocks, bonds, and real estate and has made his money just like you make yours, by working. Sure, the church blesses him, but why not, considering all he and his family sacrifice for the church. Our pastor is the biggest giver in the church, with gifts and offerings in the tens (plural) of thousands of dollars annually. And no, it doesn't come right back to him. Again, not every church handles money with integrity, but don't think that the church or Christians shouldn't have money. That's ridiculous. Money shouldn't be the overall focus of a ministry either, but the bottom line is it takes money to reach people. The church is the only organization that people think should totally disassociate itself from money. When you really think about it, how fair or even rational is that train of thought?
Peace
Apocalypse
"When purpose is not known, abuse is inevitable . . ."
"And that's all I have to say about that . . ." ~ Forrest Gump
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