Excess: Pastor's $ 1.7 million house, and the extra tv and shoes in your house

[flight316]

I live in North Carolina. In the Charlotte area a $1.7 million dollar house is a huge expensive house. If I could afford it, I wouldn't buy it. I can't speak for Mr. Furtick, but I definitely wouldn't but it if I were a pastor. I wouldn't feel right or humble spending Gods money like that. I could buy a brand new house in North Carolina for $300,000 and it would be very nice. There is always someone out there who needs financial help. Why not use the money to help others instead of being extravegant. It doesn't matter what ones occupation is. To whom much is given much is required. Mr Furtick may have good intentions and feels like he needs the property for various reasons. If I needed space for church funtions or out of town visitors I would not use that for an excuse to build a lavish house. I would build a separate building for that. Many have sqandered the financial blessings that God has given us and been very selfish with it as we watch other people suffer. I don't think that this something that Jesus would have done.

 

[Grace-Like-Rain]

I think we are all responsible for how we spend our money. It's ALL God's money, not just that which is earned by clergy but also that which is earned by the Wal-mart cashier or the school janitor.

1.7 million dollar house seems extremely excessive and I can't imagine buying it, especially knowing the controversy that would ensue. But it sounds like he is a successful author as well as a pastor. Is the house paid for with book earnings? Would people feel differently about that I wonder?

As for the church and how much it has sent to missions, local outreach, etc... you can't really look at dollar amounts. You must look at percentages. If you were to say that 30-40% of the church donations and tithes were spent on evangelism and missionary support, THAT would be a great thing. If the amounts listed equaled only 10-15%, it's not quite so impressive. A responsible church is run on a budget, and a good church budget is one that limits spending in each area so that there isn't excess where there needn't be, and the majority of the money is actually spent spreading the gospel locally and abroad to fulfill the Great Commission.

 

[seoulsearch]

I understand that resources should be used wisely, but I also believe God intends for situations and people to spend money on some things others may see as being too lavish. I'm not saying a mansion and private jet are Godly, but that doesn't mean it's UNGodly either.

A woman who anointed Jesus with a jar of perfume that cost an entire year's wages was heavily criticized for not giving the money to the poor. But Jesus said, "Leave her alone, she's done a beautiful thing for me."

I just attended a lecture in which it was estimated that Solomon's temple for the Lord was covered in about $218 billion, yes, BILLION dollars worth of gold and silver. Solomon built a house for himself as well, and I doubt it was a trailer. And Joseph of Arimathea, who was noted as a wealthy man, provided the tomb for Jesus' burial. And when Jesus died, the soldiers cast lots for his garment because it was seamless, woven in one piece, and therefore, a sign of craftsmanship, value, and expense. Someone had either bought this for Him or He was able to purchase it Himself.

I know you're going to say, But, these things were for Jesus... and the temple was for the Lord.

However... I highly doubt that Abraham, Isaac, or Jacob were living in subsidized housing. The Bible says that Isaac was so prosperous, even the Philistines envied him. If any of these founding fathers of faith were alive today, I would imagine, they would be Living Large.

And I truly believe that's part of God's plan for some. These people can reach a group of people that you and I can't, and I truly believe God sometimes intends for this to happen. It always amazes me that God called out special people to craft some of the things in the temple, such as filigree work (one of my personal favorites.) The Bible says that God Himself gave them the knowledge and skills to do such fine work.

But like anyone, they need practice and opportunity to develop their God-given skills, even if their services are way beyond anything someone like you or I could afford. I truly believe that in some cases, God gives some the wealth to be able to support things or reach circles of people far beyond ordinary means, because they need contact with people of faith and an opportunity to be who God made them to be just as much as we do.

 

[PennEd]

I understand that resources should be used wisely, but I also believe God intends for situations and people to spend money on some things others may see as being too lavish. I'm not saying a mansion and private jet are Godly, but that doesn't mean it's UNGodly either.

A woman who anointed Jesus with a jar of perfume that cost an entire year's wages was heavily criticized for not giving the money to the poor. But Jesus said, "Leave her alone, she's done a beautiful thing for me."

I just attended a lecture in which it was estimated that Solomon's temple for the Lord was covered in about $218 billion, yes, BILLION dollars worth of gold and silver. Solomon built a house for himself as well, and I doubt it was a trailer. And Joseph of Arimathea, who was noted as a wealthy man, provided the tomb for Jesus' burial. And when Jesus died, the soldiers cast lots for his garment because it was seamless, woven in one piece, and therefore, a sign of craftsmanship, value, and expense. Someone had either bought this for Him or He was able to purchase it Himself.

I know you're going to say, But, these things were for Jesus... and the temple was for the Lord.

However... I highly doubt that Abraham, Isaac, or Jacob were living in subsidized housing. The Bible says that Isaac was so prosperous, even the Philistines envied him. If any of these founding fathers of faith were alive today, I would imagine, they would be Living Large.

And I truly believe that's part of God's plan for some. These people can reach a group of people that you and I can't, and I truly believe God sometimes intends for this to happen. It always amazes me that God called out special people to craft some of the things in the temple, such as filigree work (one of my personal favorites.) The Bible says that God Himself gave them the knowledge and skills to do such fine work.

But like anyone, they need practice and opportunity to develop their God-given skills, even if their services are way beyond anything someone like you or I could afford. I truly believe that in some cases, God gives some the wealth to be able to support things or reach circles of people far beyond ordinary means, because they need contact with people of faith and an opportunity to be who God made them to be just as much as we do.

With the exception of Jesus, the examples of the wealth of the Biblical figures you name came from earnings in their profession or other work, not the tithes and offerings given to God for the poor and needy and for evangelism. I fully expect my Pastor to live comfortably BUT modestly. I find it revolting that money donated would in any way go to a Clergyman's lavish lifestyle.

 

[seoulsearch]

With the exception of Jesus, the examples of the wealth of the Biblical figures you name came from earnings in their profession or other work, not the tithes and offerings given to God for the poor and needy and for evangelism. I fully expect my Pastor to live comfortably BUT modestly. I find it revolting that money donated would in any way go to a Clergyman's lavish lifestyle.

I totally understand what you're saying... I guess I just always saw it too as that our tithes are also what the pastor earns, aka, the pastor is earning his living through his profession of being a clergy member just like a businessman earns his wages from his business. And the Bible says the laborer is worth his wages.

I do see what you're saying though and know it will always be a hotly debated subject... And I agree that there have to be some boundaries. When I get to heaven someday, I know that's always been on my Gigantic List of Questions to ask about.