*Disclaimer: This is a controversial topic that I am going to discuss. This is my own opinion on the subject matter which you may or may not agree with. This is not an attack on the Church but a critique of those who exploit the institution of the Church for personal monetary gains.
As someone who likes to watch Reality TV shows I came across a new reality show called "Preachers of LA" I was very skeptical at first, I thought to my self "Oh gosh why? this show is going to portray Christianity in the most negative way possible!". Out of curiosity I decided to watch the show. There were both negative and positive elements to this show. One thing I didn't like was the flaunting of all the material wealth these preachers had. The big houses, expensive cars, swimming pools etc. However the main thing that really stuck out to me was a discussion between the preachers about whether it is right for preachers to be charging high fees to speak at churches. One preacher (Deidrick Hatton) was asking whether it is right to charge churches and whether fees can be lowered in order to accommodate to smaller churches that can not afford their high fees. Another preacher (Clarence McClendon) pretty much said if a church can't afford his fees he can not speak there. The debate sparked an argument between these two preachers. I did agree with Deidrick because he raised the point that Jesus didn't charge anyone in order to spread the message however the other preachers kept saying the church is a business enterprise.
In reality it does seem that the institution of the church is being exploited by people in order to make money. As someone who grew up in the Christian faith I have seen a number of sermons, I have been to different churches, attended conventions and seen a number of different Pastors preach. I have witnessed a couple of preachers who made me question their real motive for becoming Pastors because they appeared to be very materialistic and money motivated. I remember seeing one Pastor brag about a new Mercedes Benz he bought directly from Germany, I've also witnessed another Pastor talk about the 5* star hotels he stays in and the expensive cars he owns. I was thinking to myself since these "Men of God" are financially well off why do they require the money from the church congregation who are struggling financially. Some of who are unemployed, have low level jobs or are on benefits but these richer Pastors are taking their money. I even heard about a Pastor who preached at a church and when the church paid him - sorry I mean "blessed" him, he complained that the money he received was too low. I couldn't believe a man of God will do such a thing.
I understand that some Pastors don't have a job so depend on income from the church in order to live (like everyone else they also have bills to pay), that I don't have an issue with. But for those Pastors who are well off and use their congregations money to fund their lavish lifestyles is something that I disagree with especially when the majority of their congregation are from a low economic background.
I now want to address "seed sowing". To those unfamiliar with this concept it is when you give a an amount of money (sowing) in order to receive some kind of blessing from God (reaping). I believe in the principle of sowing and reaping BUT I disagree with those Pastors who tell the congregation how big their seed should be. I've heard a Pastor ask a congregation if anyone wants to sow a seed of a minimum £500 (WHAT?! does he think that money grows on trees?). I think you should sow whatever amount you feel in your heart you want to give, after all God looks at your heart over the amount of money you give.
(However God explicitly mentions tithing in the bible and that Christians should contribute 10% of their earnings to the church. That I agree with because it is a biblical principle)
On radio shows and on some Christian channels there are Pastors who invite viewers/listeners who are going through hard times in their life to call in so that the Pastor can pray for them but...wait for it.....you have to pay a fee!. Paying for prayer? where is this in the Bible? I can't find it, if someone knows where this is please let me know! otherwise I might as well keep praying for myself for free.
Church has become a money making scheme and this epidemic is happening internationally. From America with some of these mega churches to Africa where churches are popping up left right and center to Europe. There have been a few documentaries exposing these false preachers.
I am totally against exploiting the poorer in society especially in the name of God in order to make a greedy person rich. What happened to the Pastors who preach out of their love for God? the churches that built schools and helped the homeless? the Christian missionaries who dedicated their lives to building poorer communities? I do believe they exist but they are now being overshadowed by these false prophets. It seems that a proportion of the church has deviated from the teachings of Christ. I'm sure if money was taken out of the equation many of these preachers would not be preachers.
The bible warns us of false prophets
" But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you." (2 Peter 2:1)
"Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." (1 John 4:1)
"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves." (Matthew 7:15)
As sad that it is that there are people knowingly deceiving thousands in order for monetary gain, there are still genuine Pastors out there and churches that have helped the lives of many people. I guess with good there is also evil. Just be careful who you listen to and who you choose to give your money to. Let the bible and the Holy Spirit be your guide.