Rick Warren needs money

With a large budget set up, $900,000 is certainly understandable. We'll not meet our budget this year, I'm sure but we're meeting expenses. That means we've cut a lot of things including raises (2 years now), scholarships where needed, necessary building upgrades, "extra" spending wherever possible. If this church has their money all promised to ministry, I can see why they'd want to try to meet their budget. But this is where I think it's important for a church to have an emergency fund too. Not sure if they do or not - I'm not familiar with their spending and financial practices so I can't say for sure. How about instead of deciding that they're not doing something right, find out the facts first. That might be prudent in this case.

 

Rick Warren does not need money. Saddleback Church needs money. There is a large difference. Just ask the tax man.

 

Well, since Rick Warren doesn't receive an income from Saddleback and as a matter of fact paid back any income he DID receive, I don't think he'd be looking for a new income.

Rick Warren is the pastor of the church. Do you expect Joe Blow to ask for the money instead? I would absolutely hope that if there was any issue in MY church, that my own pastor would go to the pulpit to address the congregation.

BTW - I figured out some numbers. Rick Warren's church has 22,000 members. If that church were just 200 members, like many churches are, they would be asking for just $8,000. Is a church that is $8,000 over budget horrible? It's the same proportion to the congregation as the $900,000. I know our church at one point was going to be over budget and our pastor addressed the congregation. He told them that all of the pastors had not gotten paid (although they made sure the employees did) and asked that if the congregation feels led, to please help us close the budget gap. Fortunately we did and we were able to get the back pay and get caught up. But I think this is news because of who it is. I KNOW there are other churches facing the same issue and no one is going after them.

 

No one ever listens to me. SNIFF

 

OK Tim - so that makes it even a BIGGER difference, IMO.

Forget gimmicks. I think it's right for a pastor to address the church and just state the need. "We're short on our budget and we're asking you to pray about how God wants you to help." No guilt. No bake sales. Just honesty.

We find that the times we need to cancel church for bad weather, we miss out on the offering because many figure "I give X dollars to church each week." and if they're not there, they don't pay. Of course, those are not any that plan to either tithe or give a portion of their income to the church. These are the "stick a five in the envelope and we're good." LOL

 

OK - So with 80,000 people, that's like a church of 200 being $2,250 short on their budget. Oh the horror!

 

Exactly. Yes, it's a big number but it's a big church. How about the banks this past year? I KNOW they needed much more than $900,000 .... and our government gave it to them. But that's OK....how???

 

Seems Saggy has been stunned numerous times tonight. What a way to start the new year!