Like alot of our tribe on the internet trying to figure out what's going to become of those of us who can't stomach church as usual anymore, we've pretty much concluded that the next big thing God does may have to be at a grass roots level. Many of us see how ridiculous it is that certain churches allow their pastors and families to spend money so freely on anything BUT the work of the ministry. The prosperity-driven church we left is a perfect example of pastors making no bones about living like elite citizens instead of identifying with the lowly faithful who donate their money each week trusting that the money is furthering the work of the Gospel. In addition to paying for extremely comfortable homes, they are funding an on-going extensive travel itinerary, designer sunglasses (note: Karen Walker Sunglasses cost anywhere from $200 on sale to $380) and new cars et al.
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| This was tweeted last year |
Of course, the prophetic flow (or wishful thinking) of certain leaders (especially celebrity wannabe types) say God is fixin' to move in deluge style - the next big tidal wave from heaven. One such leader even mentioned the Third Wave is about to descend on us. So, there was a Wave One and Two?? If those 2 moves were significant, why have we yet to see any lasting fruit, other than church leaders increasing their salaries so they can live like high rollers more than ever? The Third Wave? Sorta echos The Third Reich. Maybe not, but it does remind me of Mitt Romney's speech at the NRC the other night. All these promises are well and good, and wouldn't it be great if all those things he said could really happen? Seriously, we are supposed to believe you dudes now, after all we've gone through with promises up the wazoo that have yet to come to pass. All I can picture is 2016 with some faceless new charismatic tauting promises from a big stage in the midst of hyped-up people in full worshipfest swing. Am I talking about the NRC or a mega church convention? Both! Ha! Can you believe how interchangeable these two worlds are?!
So, while we are waiting for church world as we've known it to collapse, here's a nifty twitter page I came across the other day for our amusement. Someone else is thinking this pastor thing has gotten way out of control too. Click here to read some pretty funny 'Celebrity Pastor' tweets! One of my favorites is ""Ask not what your pastor can do for you, but what you can do for your pastor." Thank God for humor to keep us busy, or to help usher in the new NPPC realm!
3 comments:
Hello Detox Church Group- So glad to see a new post since you always hit it right on the head. There's a verse that says know the times you're living in - well this picture of Kool Kat Youth Pastor's says it all! As in come and join us in the Shallow End of the Pool. Just don't hit your head if you decide to dive in with the rest of them.
The deep end of the pool speaks of how men will become lovers of themselves in the last days. If this isn't a prime example I'll return my Manola Blahnik shoes! Whats the thing with Celebrity Pastor wannabes blogging on their new designer sunglasses that were probably paid for with tithe money from the poor congregants? Is it enough that you buy them after spending more money to fly to New York City but than to wave them in their faces via the internet? What were they thinking!@$#@!!!! The trouble is they aren't thinking about anything but how they look.
Who could have thought some 40 years ago that Pastors would be the new Elvis's. Its astounding. So who are they impressing but other Celebrity Pastors or more of their entourage who live to worship them? Everyone else sees them for who they are.
It has come so far from - Peter will you feed my sheep to a new and not improved sheep - shredding machine. You asked a fantastic question so how does it make their people in their flock feel? Bad about themselves, yet guilty if they dain to even ask a question of their annointed pastors like where'd you get the money???
They are good at it - dressing like trust fund babies and yet twisting scripture to make the followers believe they have the right to do it and that it is a 'priveledge' to help fund it even if you can't pay your power bill this month or catch up on your own debts.
It should be wonderful to get to be a part of living vicariously through all their pastoral trips, cars, boat ministries on waterskis and vacations to destination spas. Why should you have a problem with it when you get the honor of reading about our lifestyles on facebook with instagram pictures thrown in for free.
Loving our pastoral life - kiss, kiss! Wish you were here - not really but hey it sounds good.
Wrong, wrong, wrong. When will people wake up and start asking questions at their own church? It is a 5013c non profit if for no other reason. Ask them to give you a right to ask and hold them accountable. They should know enough morally to hold themselves back but they heard at the last big Pastoral Conference in Las Vegas how to live higher, bigger better and that more is more!
They are going for lifestyles of the Rich, Elite and Famous to make themselves feel good. The only problem is even the mafia seem to live well and take money through unscrupulous means. Does that mean they are blessed and doing it right. Rumor has it they don't like to be questioned either.
Its about time we all starting asking some questions about where our money is being spent before its too late. The Rug may be pulled out from under them if they ever lose their non-profit status and have to pay taxes along with the rest of us. Than maybe those sunglasses at Walgreen's will look really good to them.
I just came here to read and then this post really struck a cord.
My husband felt called to ministry a few years ago. He was working on it. Bla bla bla money needed money money money and then we're here detoxing from church.
We're confused and kinda lost and we don't know where we're going. Kinda like breaking up from a relationship with highschool sweetheart after 30 years and you don't know what life is supposed to feel like.
He says that he feels strongly about pastoring. We've talked about the unpaid pastor idea. We feel really strong about it. Mostly because this is about guiding people. It shouldn't need 40 hrs a week to prepare. And if God has downloaded a word or vision why sell it?
Anyway, I got my heart on my sleeve as I write this.
Hi Karelys, (what a lovely name)
Will be praying for you and your husband that you will follow the leading of the Lord. Something my daughter has said comes to mind 'let's just see if happens organically' which would mean something real happening, authentically at a grass roots level.
When you think about it, we are all in the ministry of sharing the Lord with whoever He brings into our sphere. But if you feel good about stepping out beyond the everyday type divine appointments, perhaps start a Bible study, or whatnot, in your home or in a neutral territory like a comfortable coffee house, and see what the Lord does! That way you don't have to quit the day job so you still have income and it truly is all about being there for people, giving encouragement, prayer and guidance without taking their money.
Keep us posted!
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