I’ve attended churches in the past where it was common to have empty envelopes in the offering.  I guess the status that goes with dropping something in the bucket was pretty important, huh?

I have no problem with it as long as their Pastor is willing to disclose how much he gives to his church and other ministries.  I’m sure that giving to his own church is easy for pastors, but perhaps many pastors would be just as embarrassed when disclosing how much they give to other ministries.

Back in biblical times, tithes and offerings were often overt.  I mean, if you were bringing an ox or two turtledoves to sacrifice, people knew pretty well what you had.  You couldn’t exactly smuggle those under a robe.  Even in Acts 4 & 5 we have people coming and laying up their offerings at the feet of the apostles. 

But in today’s world, to even hint of what someone may bring is seen as rude, at the very least.  Part of this is due to the call to give privately where the right hand doesn’t know what the left hand is doing, but part of this is also because in America this can be seen as being brash.

I recall one Sunday when, after our pastor gave the week’s budget for missions and ministry, someone offered a nice five-figure tithe to help offset the budget.  While the person was not mentioned by name, the tithe was mentioned directly.  It challenged me to look again at my motives and substance in tithing, and also to not look poorly upon a brother or sister who was able to show such charity.

I say, “good for this church,” for what they did.  Sometimes we need a jolt to the system.

--
CS

I think there are better ways to teach good stewardship, but this isn’t totally out of line.

Then again, you have to think if people aren’t giving, maybe you aren’t making a compelling argument for giving by the way you “do church”. You need to do a real 360 degree review of what you’re doing.

But I’m starting to think this kind of thing is a good idea.

I’ve agreed with CS twice in two days. What’s wrong with me!

“Church Publishes How Greedy Their Leaders Are”

Teach those greedy church leaders a lesson.  Stop giving money to that church for at least a year.  Give your tithes directly to the poor as Jesus commanded.  Once the cash flow is interrupted you will find out exactly who is a true Christian leader in that church and who is just a money grubbing sleazebag.

Peter Hamm wrote:

>"Many of us (most if not all I know) who
>are pastors in churches are not money-
>grubbing sleazebags.”

Until you interrupt the cash flow for a year you will never know.  The deception going on in Church is massive and you might find the true motives of the people standing next to be quite surprising.

>"I am a second career minister and took
>an ENORMOUS pay cut a few years ago...”

Good for you. I’ll bet your mother is proud!

I have never taken a dime from any Church.  So, I guess, in theory Its impossible for me to take a pay cut.