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Ahhh… the Best Job to Have in 2006!

Orginally published on Thursday, January 12, 2006 at 11:00 AM
by Todd Rhoades

Clergy. Want the satisfaction of doing good? You'll routinely play a significant role in major life events such as birth, marriage, crisis, and death. Plus this career offers status, normally modest work hours, and often good salaries. You needn't necessarily have unquestioned faith in God. I've spoken with a number of clergy who have deep questions about the nature and even existence of a Supreme Being.

This is from a US News & World Report article by Marty Nemko. (Thanks to Joshua for the link)

What world is Marty living in?

Wow. Status. Modest working hours. Good salaries. Heck, you don't even have to believe in God. What a great profession! Huh?!

Other great professions: Landscaper, Personal Coach, and Electrician.

This post has been viewed 328 times so far.

TRACKBACKS: (0) There are 32 Comments:

Posted by Bernie Dehler

Thursday, January 12, 2006 at 12:22 PM

That’s religion for you. Many churches are like that. That’s why we need to keep each other accountable… what we do reflects on all of us.

...Bernie
http://fgn.typepad.com/
Posted by

Thursday, January 12, 2006 at 12:29 PM

LOL.

Well look around. Who do you think he is talking about? Joel Osteen perhaps? What about the Faith teachers?

The world is beginning to point out what we should have noticed decades ago.

We look, act and do just as the world does (including sin)… only “we’re forgiven”.

Godliness friends!
Posted by

Thursday, January 12, 2006 at 3:15 PM

Yeah, I wonder what he’s been smoking! And… if you are in ministry but NOT called to it, how much would THAT stink! But I like the part about not having to even believe in God. I think he only surveyed mainline guys.

;-D
Posted by Jason Nelson

Thursday, January 12, 2006 at 4:02 PM

Shouldn’t a job as clergy be prompted by the Holy Spirit and not by U.S. News and World Report?
Posted by Bernie Dehler

Thursday, January 12, 2006 at 4:05 PM

If he was talking about Joel Osteen, Benny Hinn, TD Jakes, or John Hagee, he wouldn’t have said the pay is good… he would have said you can be a millionaire.

...Bernie
Posted by

Thursday, January 12, 2006 at 4:56 PM

Why do so many of you want to trash Joel Osteen, John Hagee, or T D Jakes? Are you jealous of them? Who are you to judge another’s servants? I’ve been pastoring for over 20 years in a small town and will never have a mega church like theirs, or even a 1/4 of their salary, but it doesn’t bother me. They’re preaching the gospel, and the truth is, they’re probably reaching more people than most of us combined. I’m happy that they’re having success. I wish others would get over their petty jealousy and be glad people are being saved.
Posted by

Thursday, January 12, 2006 at 5:03 PM

And by the way, they deserve the money. Not only do they have to put up with their own members criticizing them, they have to put up with those outside of their church criticizing them. Read the parable of the talents. Not only were those in the parable given according to their ability, but those with greater ability were rewarded more than those with less ability. So when I look at the size of their churches, and their ability, I think they’re worth what they’re paid.
Posted by

Thursday, January 12, 2006 at 5:28 PM

[Why do so many of you want to trash Joel Osteen, John Hagee, or T D Jakes? Are you jealous of them? Who are you to judge another’s servants? I’ve been pastoring for over 20 years in a small town and will never have a mega church like theirs, or even a 1/4 of their salary, but it doesn’t bother me. They’re preaching the gospel, and the truth is, they’re probably reaching more people than most of us combined. I’m happy that they’re having success. I wish others would get over their petty jealousy and be glad people are being saved.]

Allen

It’s not about the money, there are wealthy ministers that use allot of what God has given them for His Glory (usually not in the sight of men either). It’s not about the size, I’ve been to Bible Studies that was better than any service I’ve attended.

It’s about using The Word for personal gain and teaching herasy. Being a false teacher and delivering a different gospel is NOT upheld in Scripture. I hope you would come to understand this in 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus (as well as other passages) but after 20 years I’m sure you’ve read those versus before. I only hope you can read them with the lenses of Truth.

We don’t hold to teachers, we hold to Scripture and the Holy Spirit. Not either or but both!
Posted by Bernie Dehler

Thursday, January 12, 2006 at 5:34 PM

Allen says:
“And by the way, they deserve the money. “

No they don’t. The faithful give it in response to their pleas for building God’s kingdom, and too much of it instead goes into their back pocket. They are flock fleecers… and a scandal on the body of Christ.

...Bernie
Posted by Bernie Dehler

Thursday, January 12, 2006 at 5:37 PM

Allen says, RE: the prosperity teachers
“They’re preaching the gospel, and the truth is, they’re probably reaching more people than most of us combined. I’m happy that they’re having success. I wish others would get over their petty jealousy and be glad people are being saved.”

As Ray Comfort says, instead of giving the gospel, they are actually inocculating people AGAINST the gospel. They hear the false gospel, then think they have tried Christianity. All they tried was the sham version.

...Bernie
Posted by

Thursday, January 12, 2006 at 6:22 PM

I don’t believe I’ve ever heard either of the three mentioned, teach anything other than “Jesus being the only way to salvation.” Yes they teach relevant biblical messages on how to live in this present world, so not every sermon is a “salvation” message. But as far as I know, they always point to Jesus as the only means of salvation. So exactly what is this “sham” version of the gospel you’re referring to? 1 Cor. 15:3-4 says, “for I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that He rose again the 3rd day according to the scriptures.” That’s the gospel. If if we confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in our heart that God raised Him from the dead, we’re saved. What part of that is the “sham” version?
Posted by Bernie Dehler

Thursday, January 12, 2006 at 7:02 PM

The Sham is that they have turned the gospel into a money-making scheme. Christ taught us everything differently. Store your teasure in heaven, not on earth in luxury houses and cars… it will all rust or rot, and them finally burn in Christ’s coming. Use your wealth to build God’s kingdom. Die to self. Deny your self. If you want to follow Christ, you have to deny yourself. Luke 9:23. They are not denying themselves. They are feeding the flesh with the pride of life and lust of the eyes, and preaching it in the name of Christ. They are leading many astray. Mal. ch. 2 talks about the wicked Priests, and the curse of God upon them. Harsher judgment is for the teachers of falsehoods. Today’s prosperity teachers include TD Jakes, Kenneth Copeland, John Hagee, Benny Hinn, etc. Search for info on these guys on the internet… it’s abundant. Their issues are well documented. The problem is… is anyone listening?

...Bernie
Posted by

Friday, January 13, 2006 at 1:29 AM

I do not personally embrace teaching that suggests it is Father’s plan for all of us to prosper economically.

I do not embrace teaching that suggests I have the power to make Father do what I want Him to do because He is obligated to his Word.

I do not embrace teaching that suggests by my giving to the ministry of that teacher God is obligated to or even necessarily going to bless me for it.

I do not embrace teaching that suggests by virtue of being His son I have automatic rights to claim every promise He ever gave to anyone in scripture as belonging to me.

ETC. ETC. ETC. concerning a lot of what the “Word of Faith” brethren teach.

However, while I do not accept much of their teaching, and believe any truly led Spirit filled believer will be guided into truth that will reveal the error of such teachings, I will openly challenge the teaching and correct it as led by the Spirit to do so, but I cannot entertain the accuser of the brethren spirit that would suggest they are not born from above believers and guilty of preaching a false gospel.

The Gospel of the Kingdom of God in Christ Jesus is without a doubt the centrality of Christendom, and when it is distorted and another gospel taught in its place, we have a serious problem and it must be refuted as completely outside the truth of the message of saving grace.

But, when true believers find themselves in a camp sitting at the feet of teachers who end up leading them into heretical teachings that are not the truth, and ultimately a hindrance to their process of being conformed to the image of Jesus, as well as their ongoing functional relationship with Him and His Church, but stop short of actually undermining the Gospel and our means of salvation, they still need to be confronted and corrected, but we must do so as loving brothers and sisters in the Lord maintaining the unity of our faith.

If this is not true for these Word of Faith preachers, then it is not true for any of us! For which one of us would be bold enough to suggest he or she has got all of the truth of Father and His Kingdom already processed and without error?
Posted by

Friday, January 13, 2006 at 9:12 AM

Well said Jim. I’ve personally found that when I’m more concerned about the mote in my brother’s eye, than the beam in my own, I’m less effective. Not only do I become hypocritically self-righteous, but I turn people off to the gospel. It doesn’t bother me that they have personally profited from their ministry, I’m sure they’ve paid the price to get there. I do have a little bit of a problem with those who preach “money cometh,” but they are not my servants, they’re God’s, and I’ll let Him deal with them. For now, I’ll try to take Paul’s advice in Philippians 1:15-18. “Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: the one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.”
So keep on preaching John Hagee, T D Jakes, and Joel Osteen! Paul would’ve wanted it that way.
Posted by

Friday, January 13, 2006 at 3:32 PM

Good salary? I made much more when I worked in a secular field. They should look at the average salary of a pastor. Not just the big dogs. Must of us don’t make that much. I am not complaining however, just stating a fact
Posted by Bernie Dehler

Friday, January 13, 2006 at 4:58 PM

Jim Eaton said:
“But, when true believers find themselves in a camp sitting at the feet of teachers who end up leading them into heretical teachings that are not the truth, and ultimately a hindrance to their process of being conformed to the image of Jesus, as well as their ongoing functional relationship with Him and His Church, but stop short of actually undermining the Gospel and our means of salvation, they still need to be confronted and corrected, but we must do so as loving brothers and sisters in the Lord maintaining the unity of our faith.”

This is why Christianity is all messed up, and revival is impossible. As long as any false teacher (like Benny Hinn) says you need to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior, they become “hands-off” as far as accountability to the gospel. Teach lies mixed with truth and you’re ok.

These people (TD Jakes) say to get rich in the name of Christ (drive a cadillac, expensive jewelry, etc.). Christ says the OPPOSITE, store your treasure in heaven. Apostle Peter said it’s all gonna burn. If you can’t see the difference, Lord help us. These people are undermining the true gospel and the Lord’s teaching. No wonder the church, at large, is just like the world. We need to be transformed by the renewing of our mind.

...Bernie
Posted by

Friday, January 13, 2006 at 10:10 PM

PRIDE...PRIDE....PRIDE… That is not a burning bush but a burning desire for self… God didn’t call us inot a lap of luxury but an abundant life that is not always a bowl of cherry’s but a struggle.
I wouldn’t park there… I’d park where everyone else parks…
Posted by

Friday, January 13, 2006 at 11:44 PM

So, Bernie,

Apparently you disagree with what Pual said in the Plilipians passage that Allan shared above. Or am I misunderstanding you here. From what you are saying it seems to me that you truly believe that any preacher or anyone who has anything to say to the Body of Christ in teaching etc. must be 100% perfect and flawless, without any error. Are you really saying this?

I did not say they were hands off as far as accountability to the Gospel, and I sure didn’t say it makes them ok when they teach lies mixed with truth. Bernie, the GOSPEL is not the entire Word of God. I said if they are true to the Gospel and are truly born from above believers just like you and me, but teach other things that are false, and I know them to be false, I will not embrace that teaching and when appropriate will correct it. But do I need to drop kick them into hell and consider them of the devil and heathens? I can’t do that with people who are saved but in deception in areas of their beliefs.

You don’t believe tithing is truth for Christians. I’ve read your comments about that here. Does that mean that you consider every pastor or leader who posts here that does believe it is truth and correct should be condemned as you do these other people? If it doesn’t, then do you pick and choose what false teaching is acceptable for Christians and what is not? I’m really not sure where you are with this stuff, and just wanting to know.
Posted by

Saturday, January 14, 2006 at 7:51 AM

Bernie writes “tha’s why...revival is impossible”

I want to gently remind us that Revival is NEVER impossible. In fact it is always happening. It is happening in my heart right now. (Even as I struggle to get this silly speck out of my eye so that I can begin to help my brother with his tree trunk...)

But I think I agree a little with you Bernie that the teachers you mention and the ones I infer you also mean are indeed undermining at least the presentation of the Gospel to unbelievers in our culture. It presents a challenge for us that I wish we didn’t have to have.
Posted by

Saturday, January 14, 2006 at 8:37 PM

If you do something that you Love to do you will never work a day in your life.

I Love being a Pastor and I do not have a Job, I have a responsiblity to My Lord and King and i will never work a day in my life

In christ
“Are you Real?” Read Luke 14:25-35 PLEASE!
Posted by

Sunday, January 15, 2006 at 7:15 AM

Allen,

If your job as a pastor NEVER feels like work (and I LOVE my job, too, so I know where you’re coming from), then… it eventually will from time to time. Not a bad thing, by the way, just reality.
Posted by Bernie Dehler

Monday, January 16, 2006 at 2:19 AM

Jim Eaton says:
“You don’t believe tithing is truth for Christians. I’ve read your comments about that here. Does that mean that you consider every pastor or leader who posts here that does believe it is truth and correct should be condemned as you do these other people? If it doesn’t, then do you pick and choose what false teaching is acceptable for Christians and what is not? I’m really not sure where you are with this stuff, and just wanting to know.”

As for tithing, I think it is an issue of understanding grace and the new covenant. See what John MacArthur (correctly states) about it:
http://www.biblebb.com/files/macqa/IA-tithe.htm

Snippet:
“New Testament believers are never commanded to tithe.”

I think those that teach Christians should tithe, are for the most part, naive. Some are devious, knowing better.

When it comes to greed, I think these people are obvious. Pastor John Hagee has a shy-high salary, because he has no serious oversight… any Evangelical with a shread of nobility would be associated with ECFA for a minimum standard of oversight. Is he saved? I can’t judge. Probably is. Is he in serious sin? Definitely. I have it documented thoroughly.

...Bernie
Posted by Bernie Dehler

Monday, January 16, 2006 at 2:27 AM

Jim said:
“Apparently you disagree with what Pual said in the Plilipians passage that Allan shared above. Or am I misunderstanding you here.”

referring to:
“Philippians 1:15-18. “Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: the one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice."”

I agree with Paul. He never said to not confront any false teachers. He confronted Peter, publically, remember? He also wrote:

“2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,”

Rebuking and correcting are necessary. Too many Pastors (almost all) are shirking their responsibility. Are you suggesting that Pastors should be silent about false teachers and prophets… and that scripture teaches that???

...Bernie
Posted by Bernie Dehler

Monday, January 16, 2006 at 2:30 AM

Some more passages to consider, regarding rebuking false teachers and prophets:

Ephesians 5:11-12
11Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.

2 Corinthians 10:5
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

We can judge thoughts and deeds, but not hearts:

1 Corinthians 4:5
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.

...Bernie
Posted by Bernie Dehler

Monday, January 16, 2006 at 11:45 AM

Allen said:
“I Love being a Pastor and I do not have a Job, I have a responsiblity to My Lord and King and i will never work a day in my life”

Thanks for the positive insight…

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Hi... I'm Todd Rhoades. I'm a Christ-follower, husband, father and I love to connect leaders with other leaders. Hopefully you'll find something here at MMI you like and will return often. If you want, you can find out more about me or follow my every step on Twitter.