Church Business

[philipma1957]

Church is a religious place for the followers of the biblical Jesus Christ to worship and praise him
Of recent church is one of one the fastest growing business in this part of the world. Church business is so lucrative that every body wants to go into it and are opening churches
Infact the rate at which GOD is calling people into the ministry is what gave me concerned as I have been waiting for the same call but is not forth coming, before the advent of this present evegelical move people who where associated with the church where termed church rats but today that statement has changed as it is now the church rats that are giving food to the outside rats
Infact pastor's have become so rich that they now own private jets and millionaire, the way our economy is going opening a ministry is now a sure away of moving away from economic hardship
Guys let discuss what do you think about this, are these pastor's really being called or they are just looking for a way out of economic hardship

Some are sincere
Some are fraudsters
Some are a mix of sincere and fraud.

Any one going to a one leader church must be careful of all of the above.

[MarjorieZimmermanGinger]

Infact pastor's have become so rich that they now own private jets and millionaire, the way our economy is going opening a ministry is now a sure away of moving away from economic hardship
Guys let discuss what do you think about this, are these pastor's really being called or they are just looking for a way out of economic hardship

There is not much I can comment on this matter because I am not in that religious condition. We may not be able to hit this narrative evenly because sometimes not all pastors are called to religious matters just because of economic problems. Even though everyone needs money, sometimes people are much more willing to act for their own religion. In fact, almost many religious figures become richer after they get a position in a place of worship in the religion, but we never know clearly whether they got their wealth from that source or not.

If they want to think positively, maybe they have several side businesses so they can reach a much better level of income. The religious leaders that I saw especially here, run businesses and the wealth they get is nothing more than the result of their previous hard work. But I don't dare say it's the same because maybe it can vary from person to person.

[Iroh]

Religion is used as a tool by man to gain power and all that comes with it. It really shouldn’t be surprising that certain people of questionable characters, having overtime seen the lifestyle and wealth in possession of these “religious leaders”, has recognized the gains from being a religious leader, would want to also become one.

I don’t know what discussion you seek to get with your topic. The Bible predicted fake prophets and asides the predictions, It’s obvious there are fakes amongst the lot. As religion is personal, just do what you know to be the right thing in your life and ignore what others do with theirs. You’ll feel much better minding your business and focusing on your own life.

[bluebit25]

Although philanthropy can be considered a business, its main goal is to distribute all the money raised for the benefit of those who need help instead of generating profits. The use of these funds, including the use of private jets or luxury goods, should be well-determined and comply with governmental policies to ensure that everything is transparent and efficient.

If a charity organization can't prove how efficiently they use the money collected and don't fulfill the target of helping poor people, they have to be responsible and can lose their tax exemption. This approach ensures fairness for all charitable organizations and also allows citizens to easily track and evaluate their activities through public tax reports.

[SatoPrincess]

Pastors are not the most rich people in the world. Many of them are poor, the rich ones you see on Tv have either been in ministry for decades and built membership over the years or have other jobs they depend on for their livelihood. Most of the top preachers are authors, their books are easily best seller because they have the hearts and ears of the people. Pastoring should not be regarded as a job, preachers who rely on tithes and offerings often have a hard time making ends meet.

Infact the rate at which GOD is calling people into the ministry is what gave me concerned as I have been waiting for the same call but is not forth coming,

I think you are being sarcastic here. Anyone who is passionate about preaching the gospel can venture into ministry even without going through theology school.

[oktana]

~~~
I am not against people who still give to churches but I have decided to channel my offerings to meet the needs of widows, orphans, and prisoners in my location.

Most Christian’s I have met have always made it seem that their Christianity is about how much they visit the church and how much time they spend there. But what you said here is an example of what true Christians should be doing. Christian means to be like Christ. And if Christ had widows, orphans, etc in his location, and had the financial means, he would definitely do what you’re doing.

[dothebeats]

Sometimes it's better for people to not be overly religious because it can bring about a lot of negative things to those who are not diligent enough to not get easily led. There are tons of false pastors and preachers out there that only want to extort money off of their followers and are not really 'messengers' of whoever god they are worshipping.

My perception towards religion somewhat changed gradually since there are tons of funding efforts they raise but they are not taxed, and lots of preachers have good cars but their donation drives and efforts to help the society.

[rodskee]

Sometimes it's better for people to not be overly religious because it can bring about a lot of negative things to those who are not diligent enough to not get easily led. There are tons of false pastors and preachers out there that only want to extort money off of their followers and are not really 'messengers' of whoever god they are worshipping.

My perception towards religion somewhat changed gradually since there are tons of funding efforts they raise but they are not taxed, and lots of preachers have good cars but their donation drives and efforts to help the society.

being religious is different from practicing religion

you can still be religious without having to succumb
to practices you think aren't necessary because they aren't
really a reflection of faith

churches have now almost become a business and i don't think
it makes you less devoted if you criticized the church every now and then

[Volimack]

Now the belief thing has gone away from people and they don't think of religion as religion everyone has taken it as a business. People are making money by lying about religion. When religion becomes a business religion ceases to be religion becomes non-religion. In the name of religion rule-exploitation and rule are going on in the country. Always going still going people consider church business as a good way to earn money.

[moneystery]

this is because the charismatic evangelical movement from the west prioritizes tithing and prosperity, which says that their church members should tithe to the church and not be difficult to give their money to the church so that they can receive blessings. these charismatic churches are not transparent in the management of their funds and the pastor/shepherd of the congregation has the right to be able to manage these large funds as if it were their own personal property. in fact, the funny thing is, they make this church like a company, where later their child will become the next pastor and will manage the church, etc.

luckily i was born into lutheran christianity, where congregations are not forced to tithe and pastors are not allowed to manage congregational funds. all church funds are managed by the treasurer and transparency of these funds can be seen on the service sheet. this is a real church, not a church as introduced by charismatic evangelicals in shophouses, malls, megachurches, etc.

[bettercrypto]

Infact pastor's have become so rich that they now own private jets and millionaire, the way our economy is going opening a ministry is now a sure away of moving away from economic hardship
Guys let discuss what do you think about this, are these pastor's really being called or they are just looking for a way out of economic hardship

If by chance you are talking about a controversial pastor in the Philippines that has an allegation of raping and trafficking and exploiting his member then I would say that they are not being called but rather doing it for their own benefits. These kinds of pastors make use of salvation and punishment to condition their followers to follow their commands unquestionably.

Creating a church is really profitable once the person is able to establish his doctrines.  Since many people have strong belief in the spiritual aspect of life, if the pastor is able to brainwash his followers into committing themselves like what the pastor I mentioned did, making his followers to donate their properties and wealth to the church in exchange for "salvation" then this pastor will be wealthy in no time.

Another example of a pastor creating a church to meet his personal and family needs is stated in this article: https://tribuneonlineng.com/pastor-shuts-down-church-after-winning-n100m-sports-bet/ and is also discussed in this thread: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5446209.0

This means not all pastors create churches because of God's calling but because of their personal needs.

He is a very controversial pastor; you say he is a self-proclaimed appointed Son of God, yet he does not know how to obey the laws that our country has. It is true what is in the Bible: you will be exposed to shame if you do not change. That's not what the Lord Jesus showed; when he was persecuted, he was brought to the judge, and there was no guilt found; instead, the people shouted to be crucified, but this pastor, the RAPE case in another country in the U.S., is very far from attributed to Jesus Christ.

But this pastor suddenly appointed the former president of the country, who is not a member of the church, to be the administrator of his church organization. It appears that he wants to keep the assets obtained from the church. It is obvious that he turned the church into a business ever since from the very start.

[dezoel]

There’s always a bad wolf in every organization, either foundation, churches and other non profit organizations always have a people that want to abuse it. Churches in general is not a business but rather some people are abusing it to scam their members. There’s a lot of religious group here that turn into cut because the founder/leader abused their member financially and physically.

Churches has no taxes that’s why it’s frequently being use to gain wealth through scamming. I’m a regular attendees of our church but financial growth of leaders is something that I don’t pay attention because they deserve it for their sacrifices with their members. But of course I will not disregard that there’s always a fake church.

Yes, a church is not a business but it is a house of god and use to worship him on mostly Sundays. A legit church won't ask for money but people are only free to donate money there, as those money's will be used in the development of the church.

As you said, whenever there is legit, there is also a scam and fraud. Apart from financial, indeed there is also physical abuse. I already heard a couple of news where a pastor molested his members and some those visitors of their church. Those people don't fear anything that they even use the religion for their wrong doings. I bet they will got burned in hell once they died for doing these unholy acts.

[electronicash]

there has to be a real church established by christ that why in the bible christ has followers who put up churches in different places. it's the only church christ put up so if anyone creates another then definitely it's a scam church. but yep people don't mind as long as they worship christ still.

but their rules differ though so that's something else and they are asking 10% of your money while christ asks any amount as long as you give cheerfully.

[Cryptomultiplier]

Let's just be pragmatic for once. Where you work, is actually your workshop. It is where you would eat from.
In like vain, any religion has their leaders and we don't expect the leaders to go outside and look for food when there are people within that are being blessed by the leaders leadership prowess.
Even in the Holy Books it is stated that God feeds those he has called to serve him. His making of the leader rich or wealthy is a reward of the impact such a spiritual leader has made in the lives of his followers.

Churches are registered too just like mosques and other religious body and that's one critical for starting one up. In some cases they are asked to pay taxes but we know that's not a thing to get dabbled in because it's supposed not to be so in many regions.

[CageMabok]

Now the belief thing has gone away from people and they don't think of religion as religion everyone has taken it as a business. People are making money by lying about religion. When religion becomes a business religion ceases to be religion becomes non-religion. In the name of religion rule-exploitation and rule are going on in the country. Always going still going people consider church business as a good way to earn money.

When religion starts to be misused by some individuals who are still hungry and thirsty for money, I think there will be many people who will become fed up when they see discussions about religion in their places. Although such an assessment may still be inaccurate to say because not everyone will use their own religion to make money, especially if currently there are many other businesses that can be used to make money without having to sacrifice their own religion in some way.

[Dunamisx]

Church is not a place of making business, but if there are some that engage in doing so, then we shouldn't mind about them because they have their own different believes and what they trust in may not be as the same with what we have trust or believe in, not everyone going to church is a Christian or a true worshipper, there is no doubt that some have already made it a business in which we also have to be careful in the type of church we went to in other not to make business along with us in the name of church.

[Queentoshi]

...

The church may not be the only religious place where some people who claim to be more spiritual are taking advantage of some people who seek spiritual guidance. even in other religious gathering, you can never trust the intentions of the people who are your spiritual heads. Extortion happens in the church, in the mosque, in the temple, and in other religions. Some of the members who are strong Faithfuls of this religion do not mind so far as they are getting their spiritual solutions to their problems, this is a reason you see that the church business or the business in any other spiritual institution is still flourishing.

[Lucius]

It is no secret that many have become rich from "selling" religion, which is of course completely immoral and wrong, but in some countries the free practice of religion is definitely abused. Even if it were possible for someone to declare himself a pastor or leader of a religious sect and found a church, I would forbid by law that those behind it could be financed in any way by their followers.

However, even the Catholic Church has some "mandatory" contributions that believers must respect in order to be a part of the church, and then it is difficult to expect that everyone else adheres to some moral principles and does not see religion as a business that will make them rich.

I don't know how it is in the rest of the world, but in Europe there are more and more people leaving the Catholic Church, especially in the large countries of Western Europe. In Germany, the number of believers has fallen below 50% for the first time, and hundreds of churches across Europe are being sold and converted into something else.

[angrybirdy]

It is no secret that many have become rich from "selling" religion, which is of course completely immoral and wrong, but in some countries the free practice of religion is definitely abused. Even if it were possible for someone to declare himself a pastor or leader of a religious sect and found a church, I would forbid by law that those behind it could be financed in any way by their followers.

However, even the Catholic Church has some "mandatory" contributions that believers must respect in order to be a part of the church, and then it is difficult to expect that everyone else adheres to some moral principles and does not see religion as a business that will make them rich.

I don't know how it is in the rest of the world, but in Europe there are more and more people leaving the Catholic Church, especially in the large countries of Western Europe. In Germany, the number of believers has fallen below 50% for the first time, and hundreds of churches across Europe are being sold and converted into something else.

Same here in our country, most people don't go to church anymore, they just think that having faith is more important and that they will not lose their relationship with the Lord. Because here in our country, the church is becoming like the government that is becoming corrupt, all the contributions of the people, especially the offerings, just go into the pockets of those in charge and do not go to what they should, such as growing the church and maintaining of its beauty, so if you notice that people rarely go to church, usually only when there is an occasion or a festival.

[Casdinyard]

Church has always been a business, in the ancient times it dabbles in influence and power, making sure that their followers remain subservient and accepting of their teachings and commands, with the caveat being that they need to follow to achieve a higher sense of purpose, or to evade eternal damnation. and this goes for any other religion out there.

The christian religion, being one of the biggest ones out there, are the most abused in my opinion. I don’t see Muslims piling up money to serve their sheikh or whatever, but we’re out here giving money to Joel Osteen, to that fucking pastor who said God granted him his private jet because he’s good, and a lot of Nigerian and African pastors who take advantage of their follower’s desperation and gullibility to profit. Will they do the same thing for you if the roles were switched? I don’t think so.

Plus Churches and religious congregations aren’t taxed a single dime, so they get to keep all the profits that they incur, all the more reasons why a lot of these clowns right here end up becoming so rich