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No idea. All churches here in EU have mostly about dozens of members, some reeeeally big ones about 200.
I actually do not know how American mega churches can even work. But it certainly is a well paid business
I actually do not know how American mega churches can even work. But it certainly is a well paid business
Since our growth, we have more pastors, and services. For instance, we hosted our first Alpha Course recently I was asked to be an assistant at one of the tables; I had not been to an Alpha Course since just before my baptism In fact, it was while I was going through that Alpha Course thirteen years ago that I came to the awareness that I needed no more convincing of the Truth of God's Word It was nice to revisit it But, having said all that, I have no idea how much the pastors make. I do know that my original pastor does not have a day job, being that pastoring is a full time job for him 
I am not sure how it is with really old building, like cathedrals and similar. I think that state gives dotations. Not sure.
It also differ if a church meets in somebody's house or if it has a church building or even the sacral building like cathedral.
For example, a lutheran church in the town has a huge historical church building, but only about 20 members. Its impossible for them to pay it.
Also, in many churches, such services like "caretakers" are done for free, by various members, for the church. They are not paid.
It also differ if a church meets in somebody's house or if it has a church building or even the sacral building like cathedral.
For example, a lutheran church in the town has a huge historical church building, but only about 20 members. Its impossible for them to pay it.
Also, in many churches, such services like "caretakers" are done for free, by various members, for the church. They are not paid.
Those are not tithes, but offerings so that churches can take care their bills and pay the pastor. tithes are money or substance stored up for all in the churches to share among according to their needs. That's not happening. MALACHI:4;10; Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse,that there may be meat in mine house. and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of host.,if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room to recieve it.( If you don't bring it in, there will be no meat in the storehouse. Most churches live and survive off of offerings,and leave out the tithing ,. doing one and neglecting the other. Why? well you know why.. Those blessings he talks about from the windows of heaven are spiritual blessings. WISDOM, KNOWLEDGE, AND UNDERSTANDING.
I do not see any need for such profilation.
If it is a real possibility that the word does not have to mean "thousand" only, then there is no "they do not want the Bible to be true" vs "I disagree with it" dilema.
You can believe that 2 million Jews left 3 million Egypt, the Egypt was decimated by various disasters including firstborns deaths, whole the Egypt army was destroyed after it.. what would be left? 500 000 Egyptians without army.
And 2 million Jews camping and walking in the wilderness with so many things and all dying there. No archeological findings of this. No historical record about such Egyptian disaster. The empire was working normally in those times.
OK, you can believe that.
But I do not need to believe that, because my interpretation of the text is as valid as yours. I can believe that it was about 20 000 men and that they had 600 clans or leaders.
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We can be both proved wrong in the future, but it doest not matter, its not a part of any creed.
If it is a real possibility that the word does not have to mean "thousand" only, then there is no "they do not want the Bible to be true" vs "I disagree with it" dilema.
You can believe that 2 million Jews left 3 million Egypt, the Egypt was decimated by various disasters including firstborns deaths, whole the Egypt army was destroyed after it.. what would be left? 500 000 Egyptians without army.
And 2 million Jews camping and walking in the wilderness with so many things and all dying there. No archeological findings of this. No historical record about such Egyptian disaster. The empire was working normally in those times.
OK, you can believe that.
But I do not need to believe that, because my interpretation of the text is as valid as yours. I can believe that it was about 20 000 men and that they had 600 clans or leaders.
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We can be both proved wrong in the future, but it doest not matter, its not a part of any creed.
I agree... The church I grew up in had no salaried ministry... The church gave to him as the Lord blessed them... He worked a full time job and was retired from the Coast Guard and still preached... I have another preacher friend, who is a Retired Certified Public Account and has been preaching over 60 years, peaching while holding a full time job, Imagine that!... $250,000 dollars a year for a preacher is unheard of in our Baptist denomination... Mega preachers fleece the flock and call it the Gospel!... You know the old saying a fool and his money is soon parted... How can you feed the poor when your money is going to these preacher with these extraordinary salaries and lifestyles... When they don't think they have enough out comes a new book... They exceed in need for greed... I could go on and on but you get the picture... When did preaching cease to be the Lords Gospel for feeding sheep and turn into the occupation for feeding ones wallet?... No wonder God's children are starving for lack of the living bread... I've had my say!... Brother Glen
The notion that a pastor gets all of what is given in church is ridiculous. In our church, 50% of all giving goes to missions.
Besides that there are costs for building upkeep and utilities. We spend a considerable amount on ministry and service to the community. We have a church Secretary and a youth pastor. Our pastor gets about $30,000 per year and is by no means overpaid. We are a church of about 250 people including children. In a large church like John MacArthur's Grace Community, I'm sure that the Pastor is paid a lot more, and has much more responsibility and demands on his time.
Besides that there are costs for building upkeep and utilities. We spend a considerable amount on ministry and service to the community. We have a church Secretary and a youth pastor. Our pastor gets about $30,000 per year and is by no means overpaid. We are a church of about 250 people including children. In a large church like John MacArthur's Grace Community, I'm sure that the Pastor is paid a lot more, and has much more responsibility and demands on his time.