Losing people because of money :(

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by DaveC519

Here is a perfect opportunity for the church to demonstrate the love of Christ.

Take up an offering, not just a few dollars, but a couple thousand. Take it to the man, tell him you've heard about his situation and want to help in any way you can. Tell him he's missed very much at church, and yes, it would be wonderful to see him come back, but if he decides not to, your offering is freely given with no strings attached. Tell him your whole church is in prayer interceding for his needs. Tell him you love him.

Amen, I agree

[CC1]

MusicMaster,

If your pastor is a shepherd with a heart for people you should be able to go to him and explain the situation and then the church should offer to help this man. Not to get him to attend your church again but because it is the right thing to do whether nor not he ever darkens your door again.

[onlygrace]

Originally Posted by Elizabeth

I am sorry I think that man is making a big mistake and going a little over board.

I am sure that money isn't the only thing the church talks about.

Don't they have an alter call? Where he can get this blessing he thinks he is missing out on?

Sorry, I do not know this man, his situation sounds dire for sure.

But I have been there, been very poor. But I will tell you God is greater and bigger than poverty- unfortunately the way I got out of poverty was by giving.

No one can force anyone to give, perhaps he just feels conviction.

I guess he doesn't believe Luke 6:38.

I think you need to read a little further, perhaps Luke 6:41,42.

[berkeley]

good grief, Chris! Really. Using the mans story as a plug for house church?

[BroGary]

He should have not felt bad because he DID give - he freely gave of what he DID have - his time and effort to help !

As a general rule it seems the early church made sure there were no members that lacked, they viewed the needs of the people, (the "body of Christ") as very important. The Church of today must be careful they do not place more importance on the brick and mortar buildings they call "churches" than they do the flesh and blood building called THE "Church" made up of born again saints.

Acts 2:44,45
And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

Acts 4:32
And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

Acts 4:34,35
Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

God does acknowledge that some will endure poverty though:

Revelation 2:9
I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by Elizabeth

I am sorry I think that man is making a big mistake and going a little over board.

I am sure that money isn't the only thing the church talks about.

Don't they have an alter call? Where he can get this blessing he thinks he is missing out on?

Sorry, I do not know this man, his situation sounds dire for sure.

But I have been there, been very poor. But I will tell you God is greater and bigger than poverty- unfortunately the way I got out of poverty was by giving.

No one can force anyone to give, perhaps he just feels conviction.

I guess he doesn't believe Luke 6:38.

But, when you have none, that could be all he hears.

Maybe if the message being presented was God is greater and bigger than poverty that would give him hope.

[rgcraig]

Why don't the church put their blessing where their mouth is and help the man?????

[Elizabeth]

Originally Posted by *AQuietPlace*

This is probably a bit of an oversimplification. Being in dire financial straits causes unbelievable pressure.

When the bill collectors are calling non-stop, you panic every time the electricity flickers because you're fearful that they've finally disconnected it, the pantries are nearly empty and you don't know how you'll refill them, the auto company has told you they're repossessing in three days if they don't receive a payment, your trash pickup has been halted, you have a tooth that is decaying causing lots of pain but you have no money for a dentist.......

going to church and hearing money, money, money can be completely and totally overpowering.

There's a difference between being poor, and completely sinking financially.

We went through a time just like the one I detailed above, and I still feel the scars many years later. We were giving over and above what was 'required', and we still lost nearly everything. Hearing about money at church was hard, it just was. If you're going through a divorce, hearing teaching about marriage is going to be hard for you. That's just life.

I hope this man is able to recover financially very soon.

It's a mistake to quit church, that is not the answer.

Perhaps, the one who wrote this thread should try to help the man.

I have been worse than poor myself and had a time where I had to sleep in my car.

It's funny I never thought about the church being the source of pain, I saw it as a source for my answer, and it was.

Perhaps finding another church may help.

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by Elizabeth

It's a mistake to quit church, that is not the answer.

Perhaps, the one who wrote this thread should try to help the man.

I have been worse than poor myself and had a time where I had to sleep in my car.

It's funny I never thought about the church being the source of my problem, I saw it as a source for my answer, and it was.

Perhaps finding another church may help.

Elizabeth, were are you getting that he feels the church is the source of his problem?

This is what he said:

"The problem he encountered was that he felt he wasn't welcomed because of the constant push from the pulpit for giving money. Special blessings prayed upon the tithers. Special blessings prayed upon those who gave to the building fund. Special blessings prayed upon those who gave "sacrificial" offerings. Special blessings prayed upon those who gave freewill offerings."

I can understand if the focus is special blessings ONLY if you give where he feels he shouldn't be a part of the church.

[Elizabeth]

Originally Posted by onlygrace

I think you need to read a little further, perhaps Luke 6:41,42.

and?