Celebrity Preachers - Page 8

Amos · #71 07-30-2007, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

I have NEVER in over 40 years of preaching asked for or even about a certain amount for preaching. I have never promised anyone a certain amount and in all my years only had ONE guy asked me about the amount he would recieve.
The majority of the time it was way more than I was worth. I have been humbled by the kindness extended to me the nice accomodations(most of the time) and generous offerings and meals. I should have been paying them to preach instead of recieving. I would NOT use a person who requested a certain amount. I would be offended that they would think I would not take care of them. Then the EGO to ask would cross them off they have nothing they can tell me or the flock I pastor. I preach all across this nation at special meetings and for Apostolic churches large and small and have been well taken care of. I NEVER take an offering from a home missions church.

I agree with this post.

I have preached here and there a little bit myself, and have never asked for a specific amount; I can't even conceive of doing such a thing.

I also have been paid more than I was worth and treated better than I deserve.

I'm all for giving honor to whom honor is due, and I believe the laborer is worthy of his reward, but this extravagant celebrity type business is sickening.

Steve Epley · #72 07-30-2007, 10:19 AM

Firstly I do not preach for men I do not know or that have been highly recomended by men I know, at 56 I don't have time and energy to waste. I pastor a wonderful church and to take time and energy away from them I want to know it is invested wisely. Time is a comodity that is not renewable. I do not have time to waste. So money is NOT the deciding factor but is this a wise investment of my time? Every invitation might not be a opportunity. At my age TIME is the greatest asset I have and I do not want to waste it on folks who would have no appreciation for what little I have. I do NOT have a messianic complex where I think everyone needs to hear me. I just give what I have many can do better. So to demand an amount says much about this person:
1. they are proud thus full of ego
2. their concept of ministry is off they think it is about THEM instead of the kingdom
3. though they might talk much about faith they in reality have no or little faith because they do not believe God will take care of them
4. the pastor who has them has a warped conception about the kingdom that he thinks only 'stars' will benefit his church. Star factor is NOT the God factor.
Most that come to see and hear the star will not be back until another star comes by thus they add nothing to that local church except they insult the church and the pastor.
Just some rambling thoughts.

Pragmatist · #73 07-30-2007, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stmatthew

This is pretty pitiful. It shows how much we value the preacher that brings the word. To me, a large campmeeting should pay its preachers at least $2500 per night, plus lodge them in the best hotel available, and feed them the best food available.

I can understand that a small church may not be able to do as much, but churches need to start thinking "excellence" when inviting ministers.

A large camp meeting, maybe. How many in the UPC qualify as large? There are a lot of small districts with small churches. Is the preacher more anointed when he preaches for a large camp meeting?

Felicity · #74 07-30-2007, 10:37 AM

What does a preacher do to merit $2500/night?

Barb · #75 07-30-2007, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Felicity

What does a preacher do to merit $2500/night?

I don't know, but I'm in the wrong line of work for sure!!

Truly Blessed · #76 07-30-2007, 11:17 AM

I think camp speakers should be charged for the privilege of speaking at district camp meetings. After all they are the ones who end up benefitting from the exposure they receive from speaking at such events. By speaking at camps, which tend to be the largest district gathering, pastors get to hear them preach and they then get invited to preach in churches or other district events as a result. With this approach they get to build their image and stroke their ego and the people attending campmeeting are spared lengthy pleas for money to support the extravagant offering for the camp evangelist.

Now, if I could get a week of preaching campmeeting at $2500 a night, that would support me to do missions work in China for three months. Someone invite me, and I'm open to changing my position on this issue!

#77 07-30-2007, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Felicity

What does a preacher do to merit $2500/night?

Felicity....

Be serious. At least pretend to look serious.

The quality of man that would be called on to preach a district wide Camp Meeting would command as a matter of respect, at least that much per night.

On the other hand, they might call Epley who would be given a hundred a night plus gas and a Sunday School room for the night.

Better still, they could call me and I could sleep in the car and brush my teeth in a restroom and end up owing them money before I leave.

If you really want to humble a man who knows that only he hung on the cross is worthy of any honor, pay him well. He will be humbled until he believes lie of the devil that says, "You really are well worth what they pay you and much more besides." He then will strut. We have a few too many of them.

Steve Epley · #78 07-30-2007, 12:24 PM

I have slept in Sunday Schools rooms and paid less than $100 a night AND I have stayed in Paris, Venitian, Mirage, Luxor and paid WAY more than I was worth. I have done both and enjoyed myself. I have ate at the best and White Castle and enjoyed it. Ate at meager tables at a peasant preacher's home in Mexico and the elegant tables of some wealthy folks. It balances out.
When you are happy at what you are doing the rest is small stuff. A tamale or a marianated steak at the Commander's Palace. Just be thankful and preach what God has given you and rejoice in whatever is given you by the saints.

deacon blues · #79 07-30-2007, 12:46 PM

NO preacher is worthy of $2500 a night!

If that's what a man wants to make for a living, there are MANY ways to do it without siphoning hard earned tithe money from churches and districts. A $300-$400 a night is PLENTY for ANY preacher preaching a camp meeting.

Ministry is different from ALL professions. One must decide if he wants to be rich or he wants to serve the Body of Christ and follow the call to preach the Gospel. If you want to be rich---go for it! Sell cars, insurance, real estate, start a business, get a job. There is an obvious conflict of interest if one is supposed to be a servant yet is serving themselves by living in perverse opulence.

I'm not against a man of God living comfortably, I'm speaking of excess. There's a definite difference.

RevDWW · #80 07-30-2007, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deacon blues

NO preacher is worthy of $2500 a night!

If that's what a man wants to make for a living, there are MANY ways to do it without siphoning hard earned tithe money from churches and districts. A $300-$400 a night is PLENTY for ANY preacher preaching a camp meeting.

Ministry is different from ALL professions. One must decide if he wants to be rich or he wants to serve the Body of Christ and follow the call to preach the Gospel. If you want to be rich---go for it! Sell cars, insurance, real estate, start a business, get a job. There is an obvious conflict of interest if one is supposed to be a servant yet is serving themselves by living in perverse opulence.

I'm not against a man of God living comfortably, I'm speaking of excess. There's a definite difference.

I agree with you Bro.