Where Pastors can eat for free!

So they want to contribute to the size of my waist. Thanks CiCi's. Just kidding. Too bad there's not one in my area.

 

Now that there's some good news! I wonder if it's at all locations?

 

Reminded me of a barber I knew.


http://www.baptistboard.com/showthread.php?p=1364093#post1364093

 

I looked for it, but couldn't find it... where at on thier website?

 

I am going to try that tomorrow, there's a Cici's just down the street.

 

I look forward to your report!

 

I think I just found my new favorite place for lunch when my better half drags me to Chillicothe Ohio to go shopping.

 

In the old testament where it says, "Come without purse and buy"

Cheers,

Jim

 

Assuming this is true, I don't think it's right. Paul made a point to the Corinthians that he (and those with him) did not accept food from anyone unless he bought it. I've written before that I don't much of 'perks' for being on a ministerial staff, such as free or discounted travel from agents, free dry-cleaning, free haircuts, et al. People notice things like this going on, and rumors start about inflated salaries that they don't even need because they get 'everything' free. It may be false, but there is a basis, and this Cici's thing is another part of it.

 

OTOH, it may just be a matter of 'giving honor where honor is due' or not muzzling the mouths of the oxen that tread the corn.

As a missionary I was the beneficiary of many free meals. I never felt guilty partaking of them, either... well, maybe once when they fed me like a pig!

 

In my first student pastorate I was paid £5.00 per month and an invite to supper each night at a different parishioner's home. That is a free meal!

Cheers,

Jim

 

Alright, should that be taken into consideration or not when a finance committee, or the church at large, is determining ministerial compensation? Like a free haircut each month-- reduce by $128 for a year; assume 2 free meals at Cici's per week-- reduce by $530....?

I don't know how you were supported as a missionary, but it seems that touches on the point here. It does appear there was a time when a pastor/minister had to face the fact that it is a low-paid position that he was following because he believed he had a divine call. So when he took a new position, usually in a new town, people would offer such services under that realization. Basically it was the same thing for a small-town school teacher... being regularly invited for meals or having a clothier or dressmaker give reductions to keep them dressed appropriately for their positions were expected and probably justified. And that may still be true in many places, especially foreign lands. But today in churches of much size at all, the compensation packages seem well in line such that perks should not be expected in the same way. But, of course, maybe my view is based on my present involvement in a church which now averages more than 3000 in attendance per week and has approx. a dozen ministers on staff, with 2 or 3 part time. We have a senior pastor and an executive pastor, at least, with packages in 6 figures, so it's hard to see that they need free pizza or free haircuts (especially for no more hair than either of them have). And to think they still get housing allowance for their $250,000 houses and they preach against trusting in social security to get by in those 'golden years' and still have the church pay into that program for them, in addition to an annuity.... I don't seriously consider a word they say about trusting in God to provide for my needs by being faithful in tithes and offerings.

But privileges just don't go away easily when those who have them continue to take them as if they're entitled and additionally have their own forum to remind 'their people' of that; usually not very overtly, but keeping the point in their minds.

 

Pastors may have inflated salaries, but most do not. And certain groups give pastors perks, discounts, or freebies out of their own free will. For some, it may be a ministry. So why deny them a ministry?

If a pastor goes around asking for it on a regular basis, or expecting it, it would be a problem. IMO, it would be bad stewardship to pay more than you have to simply because you are a pastor.

 

Dr. Bob, That may be take out pizza, so you better make sure your discounted room allows food..........:laugh:

Cheers, and enjoy the discount,

Jim

 

I'm looking forward of taking advantage of this opportunity soon! Just need to find a CiCis near us.

 

I found this online.. http://www.trevigroup.net/cicis/39_39_14.cfm

 

Tim,

I wonder if that isn't an individual franchisees link? I suspect that this might be up to yje individual franchisees and not necessarily the policy of every Cici's. I would just caution those going to their local Cici's to expect that you might have to pay, and if you get it for free count it a blessing.