Lavish Lifestyle Ministry Spending

Joie · #1 06-01-2008, 07:50 PM

Not just the rich and famous, do you have examples for more than modest spending in the ministry?

For example, as a minister or in the ministry, is it okay to drive a Jaguar, wear overly extravagant attire, etc?

http://www.christianpost.com/article..._to_Public.htm

SDG · #2 06-01-2008, 07:57 PM

Modesty? What's modesty?

Nahum · #3 06-01-2008, 07:58 PM

Beautiful thread. This should raise our collective IQ at least a negative 40 points.

Sherri · #4 06-01-2008, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joie

Not just the rich and famous, do you have examples for more than modest spending in the ministry?

For example, as a minister or in the ministry, is it okay to drive a Jaguar, wear overly extravagant attire, etc?

http://www.christianpost.com/article..._to_Public.htm

I drive a Jag. I wanted one since I was 17, and I don't feel a bit bad about driving it!

Sister Alvear · #5 06-01-2008, 10:11 PM

and I have no problem with Sherri driving a jaguar..she does more than her share for missions...

Rico · #6 06-01-2008, 10:28 PM

From the article:

Copeland, who has said his ministry fully complies with all laws, believes the inquiry is a violation of religious freedom, an invasion of privacy and a threat to the separation of Church and State.

Where does the constitution mention the separation of Church and State? Good luck finding it. The liberals use this phrase, taken from writings of one of the founding fathers, to further their agenda to completely erase any mention of God in our society. Now Copeland thinks he's being slick and is using this misunderstanding as a defense against anyone looking into what he does with the money that is given to him? What a joke!

Also from the article:

Further questioning the probe, Copeland has raised suspicion about Grassley targeting only Pentecostal churches that preach the prosperity gospel - a teaching that God wants his followers to be rich both spiritually and materially.

Good! Its about time someone looked into how Copeland and his kind have perverted the Word of God for personal gain!

From the article:

Many have shown support for Grasley's investigation, saying the Iowa senator is being careful and not going into doctrinal issues. Rusty Leonard of MinistryWatch.org - which rates ministries on financial transparency to aid donors - says the inquiry is well-founded as it is trying to ensure that the ministries' leaders are adhering to "fundamental biblical principles such as transparency and honesty while exhibiting a sacrificial lifestyle modeled after Jesus."

Go Rusty! Go Rusty! Go Rusty!

From the article:

"If KCM failed to defend its legal rights, then it is deeply concerned that you and your church or your neighbor's church could be next," said the ministry.

Yeah right! Copeland is concerned about one thing and one thing only; protecting his golden egg laying goose!

Joie · #7 06-01-2008, 10:54 PM

No offense or surely no condemnation intended toward anyone on this board.... have not been around very long to know who is who.

Nevertheless,off the board, I have been around long enough to see how sad it is when big churches spend extravagantly within the ministry. At the same time, three offerings were being taken at services because the electric bill was so expensive in the summer. Believe me, our giving was extragavant, and I loved that church.

I agree Brother Rico.

Sam · #8 06-01-2008, 10:55 PM

Actually, by designating certain ministries and churches as being tax exempt, the revenue which would have come from their income and property taxes has to be made up for by the taxpayers. Isn't this a form of government subsidy of religion?

I think one of the problems with Kenneth Copeland's ministry is an airplane which is owned by the "corporation" for transporting ministers, etc, but it has been used in the past for private use.

Rico · #9 06-01-2008, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam

Actually, by designating certain ministries and churches as being tax exempt, the revenue which would have come from their income and property taxes has to be made up for by the taxpayers. Isn't this a form of government subsidy of religion?

I think one of the problems with Kenneth Copeland's ministry is an airplane which is owned by the "corporation" for transporting ministers, etc, but it has been used in the past for private use.

Anything the government has the ability to tax, it has the right to control. Say a resounding "NO" to the government taxing churches.

Hoovie · #10 06-01-2008, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rico

Anything the government has the ability to tax, it has the right to control. Say a resounding "NO" to the government taxing churches.

Actually, It might be argued they have MORE control over them since there tax exempt status can be challenged and removed if they don't "walk the chalk line".