Lifestyles of the Rich and Saved

Such things both anger me and grieve me. On one hand I want to call down fire and on the other I want to lift them to the Lord as I sense that they are blinded. Since I cannot call down fire I think prayer is best.

 

Anger doesn't begin to describe the feeling.

Sadness is all that is left.

Edited to add: The extravagant lifestyles of the prosperity preachers are most convicting. Though we can challenge the salaries of the evangelical leaders listed about two-thirds of the away down they pale in comparison to their charismatic brethren. There are costs to running a ministry. That said not everyone is going to live an impoverished life to proclaim the Gospel. I've always thought Rev Graham to have run a well regulated machine.

If you want to know who is and isn't accountable (this is the bigger issue imho) check out who is and isn't affiliated with groups like ECFA (the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.)

There's a lot of money in Christianity. May we be good stewards of what we have been given.

For instance I have a friend who owns a private plane to help him with his speaking ministry. I honestly asked him about it and the details and he literally opened his books up and showed how he is a better steward by using this plane than flying commercial at the end of the year. The savings in time and money were significant. This doesn't apply for all the ministries listed but it is a good thing to remember.

 

This is nothing new. Even the best intentions succumb to human greed. It is our sin nature. Our sin nature leads others to live like the Desert Fathers and think that extreme poverty will save them. I would rather err on the "living in fat city" side.

 

I also have heartache with the Lifestyles...

Look at Benni Hinn!

As for a 400K salary on the West Coast. That's not nearly as much as it would equate to here in Georgia.

And, considering that the Crouch's are heads of a multi-million dollar ministry. Maybe not so bad.

At least, as far as I know they haven't gone to the excesses that Jim and Tammy Bakker did...

(Note: MY wife and I honey-mooned at Heritage USA. I was not impressed.)

Anyone know what Benny Hinn rakes in?

Used to watch TBN. But, they've had no much breakfast cereal lately that I can't handle the diet.

Breakfast cereal: Nuts and Flakes

 

We know all you New York yankees are rich Ann. What I want to know is does my 16' bass boat qualify as a yacht?

 

I might add that Billy Graham is living on the family estate that he inherited. Originally he paid in advance for his meetings in California (1948) from his own pastoral ministry. Later his wage was paid by three Texas businessmen and did not come from the association....I can't speak for to-day.

The first seminary I attended, by contrast was taught all by pastors (no wage). Tution was free,room and board was $15.00 a week. All students preached on Sundays and some of us had student pastorates. That same seminary to-day charges $1200. a year tuition and all teachers are paid a wage. How things change over the years.

I am not surprised, but it is an eye-opening read for sure. Thanks.

Cheers,

Jim

 

What a good boy you are. Should I rewrite my Will?
Sorry, can't remember Seaway Bible Institute...I don't know a lot about American schools. I went to Chicago University, but that is my American experience.

Cheers,

Jim

 

This is exactly the reason why other HONEST preachers, who barely squeak by, get a hard time from the IRS and non-believers who think they're in the ministry "for the money."

Of course, ball players and movie stars probably don't get nearly as much scrutiny.