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Corruption in the Church (1482 hits)

Is it just me, or does there seem to be a huge proportion of Blacks that have very little confidence in our religious leaders and institutions?

The church has always been an influential part of our community. Recently, the emergence of the tele-evangelist, "mega-churches" with 10,000+ members, and celebrity ministers that are equal parts salesman, entertainer, and spiritual counselor has shaken our confidence.

There has always been "questionable" activity in the church... but do we still have faith in faith?

I was fortunate enough to have been raised in a church where I felt like a part of an extended family. My pastor was one of the most intelligent, considerate, humble, and honorable men you could ever meet. He was dedicated to his congregation and his faith. He'd make time to meet with any member of the church, and it made a difference.

I grew to realize that this experience wasn't universal. I heard stories from friends and relatives about pastors and trustees stealing from their members. I attended other churches where the Gospel took a back seat, and where 45+ minutes of the service would be dedicated towards selling lecture tapes, conferences, books, church members' business ventures, and such.

I understand that running a church in many ways is like being CEO of a company - the bottom line does matter, and it affects how far the Word can spread. But when are we selling our soul? (no pun intended)

What are your thoughts?

Posted By: Jon C.
Wednesday, August 6th 2008 at 11:31AM
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I feel that we are losing our faith. Faith in God foremost and faith in "leaders". Because church is a business many leaders are now getting caught up in the root of all evil "money". And the care of the people is just for show, there's not much genuine concern anymore. And for the leaders who are standing for God, the one's who are not afraid to rebuke, not living in the pockets of his congregation; gets hit with the stereotype of trying to be "holier than thou". Christ paid a price, the ultimate sacrifice. Why shouldn't we?
Wednesday, August 6th 2008 at 11:53AM
Antre Drummer

If you use the church, primarily, as a social environment, that's what you get. But if you use the church as a place to learn and hear God's word and then put in the effort to do God's word, then you found it's purpose. I attend a church that has 20-thousand members. I volunteer in one of our hundreds of ministries in that church. It's an awesome operation, led by a man who took God's vision--when there were only 40 members, and applied the gifts God provided into getting folks saved, giving them a pleasant place to worship, providing them with various educational opportunities---from the bible to personal finances. These ministries are filled with volunteers who have supposed relationship with God and are called to a purpose. The membership, and the money that we pay, affords the process of getting help to its members and the community. We've developed affordable and accessible neigborhoods, with developed YMCA's, medical accessibility, help for Katrina Victims, missions in the Sudan. I mean, if you have a hard to remove pimple, we've got a ministry group that is filled with Doctors and Nurses who can help you with that. God has allowed mega churches for a reason. The communities have needs that a small church, with small membership and tithes, can not do. I mean, T.D. Jakes would not be able to have the platform he has, if he were in a small member church on the corner of 'Jones Street' in the city of 'Jessie'. I don't question how God has blessed this man that leads our church, I don't question how much it cost to keep the electricity on in all the buildings during services, meetings, classes and the like. I don't question any of these things. God doesn't want me to do that, unless or until there is sho' nuf' evidence that he's taking the money and putting it in his pocket. God warns us against that kind of thinking. Yes there are gangsters in the church...there are gangsters everywhere. Sin is everywhere! Just because bad people in the pulpit or it's pews, does not make the church obselete. Yes, I get really angry when I hear that some Christian has fallen, because it's like stomping on Jesus' blood and it's a serious place that they are in. But that's the result of sin. And God can call a rock to do his business, or a bad guy or bad woman. That said, let me just tell you that if you do not have a personal relationship with God, none of this other stuff means much. The bottom line is to find a place where you can learn God's word, not just get some emotional rush--that's good too--but once you learn who God is and realize your purpose--then you should be in the trenches working to help folks whereever you're called. Also, being a Christian should give you more compassion, patience, forgiveness of those who are lost or have fallen. Remember, we all are given that daily. Even though we strive for excellence, perfection just ain't here yet!

Wednesday, August 6th 2008 at 2:15PM
g smallwood