So last week we were not at church Sunday because my 86 yr old father had emergency surgery late Saturday night and we were at the hospital all day Sunday and Monday -- but we did get a message from our pastor (the one who asked us the prior week what were we doing for Jesus) - which is a calling post message that goes to all church members, and he said that he came upon a fantastic opportunity to decrease the debt owed on the land/church building by "hundreds of thousands" of dollars if he has enough money by March 19th to make a deal for the savings. (I don't get it, but hey ... whats new?) He went on to say that this weekend he wanted 100% participation by all members to dig deep and find a way to give over and above this weekend and next- he said that the weather should be nice and we should all have a yard sale and sell any sporting goods equipment, old cars, toys, lawn equipment, furniture and everything else we can find to give to the Lord. Then, he said that we should all go into our 401K and take out money to have for the additional money needed for the church and we would be paid back tenfold by the Lord. Yes, dig into our 401Ks and take out money to give him for this plan that he found that will save hundreds of thousands. Baffled and not touching my 401K. We have plans to have a one on one conversation with him this weekend to get things squared away - but is this just me or is this sounding crazy?
New Message from the Pastor regarding our 401K
- Thread starter Cindy12
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This is not the way God works. If God is in the work God will supply the needs. If God is not in the work the needs will be lacking.
This church needs to learn that God touches hearts to meet the needs and it does not require the minister to coax it out of the congregation. Frankly if this man would learn to pray as hard as he works to raise money he would be much farther ahead.
For the cause of Christ
Roger
This church needs to learn that God touches hearts to meet the needs and it does not require the minister to coax it out of the congregation. Frankly if this man would learn to pray as hard as he works to raise money he would be much farther ahead.
For the cause of Christ
Roger
Are you going to ask him to cosign on the return you are supposed to get for giving? I wouldn't seriously do that, but it is strange how some preachers will guarantee financial return for giving when they want to.
I'd want to know the details of what this is, and make sure it is not some shakey investment or ponzi scheme, for the sake of the church's finances.
God can reward giving, but he looks on the attitude of the heart and has His own plans. He also has eternity to reward cheerful givers who actually give into His kingdom.
I'd want to know the details of what this is, and make sure it is not some shakey investment or ponzi scheme, for the sake of the church's finances.
God can reward giving, but he looks on the attitude of the heart and has His own plans. He also has eternity to reward cheerful givers who actually give into His kingdom.
S
that man would never see me or my husband in his church again and I would block his messages from my phone
you don't build churches on the backs of congregants and put false burdens on them
sounds like he is in deep with debt for the church and you have to wonder why
I'd loose him and find another church and don't let him guilt trip you
God is not in financial debt and He isn't a bank handing out enormous interest
I have total disdain for the type of behavior you describe
I know. Right?? We didn't go last week due to a family emergency, but this last message from him was a phone calling message asking for us to give the 401k money, etc. We are going to a different church tomorrow. I'm done with him. From day 1 I had a strange feeling about him and this place, my husband did not, but I never felt right here. Something was just not fitting. Thanks for your advice -- I won't be back there. 
One has to ask why a pastor would lead his church into debt in the first place.
Further to then place the financial burden on the church membership to me is wrong.
Although he probably doesn't see that as he says God will pay you back tenfold. Shocking statement to make.
I have no idea why people use this when it comes to money and mainly only money.
Further to then place the financial burden on the church membership to me is wrong.
Although he probably doesn't see that as he says God will pay you back tenfold. Shocking statement to make.
I have no idea why people use this when it comes to money and mainly only money.
