In light of the incident at TPC...

[Evenuntodeath]

There seems to be a pattern of those who pastor at large or mega churches getting ahead of themselves and falling into some type of scandal.

Why are pastors of large or mega churches always falling into sin? I really think there should be some kind of limit placed on the numbers of members per church. Once the church reaches that limit, then a new church should be started. Also I really think all pastors should be placed on a fixed salary. Just look at the apostles. Did any of them live lavishly? Did any of them pastors thousands of people? What do you think?

[commonsense]

Wouldn't be accepted by the "ministry", but good material for discussion!

[Evenuntodeath]

Originally Posted by commonsense

Wouldn't be accepted by the "ministry", but good material for discussion!

Why wouldn't it be accepted?? I mean UPC already has a bunch of other standards people accept and follow, why not this one?

[commonsense]

The "ministry" would not want to be controlled ; it's a power thing!

[returnman]

I think you would be challenged on your overall claim here. There are probably just as many or more pastors that have fallen into similar scandals. We usually only hear about the big churches however.
That doesn't negate the idea of a church branching out as it grows. Your comment on fixed incomes is just plain common sense and the NT order. Most problems have to do with the governing structure in the majority of churches. It was never intended for one man, pastor/preachher to have that kind of rule over saints. The westernized world likes a "rock star" personality and to feel entertained.

[RandyWayne]

Originally Posted by commonsense

The "ministry" would not want to be controlled ; it's a power thing!

.....that, and just as no one will take my guns, NO ONE will take the Lincoln that your average pastor drives (those who oversee churches of 300+).

[Evenuntodeath]

Originally Posted by returnman

I think you would be challenged on your overall claim here. There are probably just as many or more pastors that have fallen into similar scandals. We usually only hear about the big churches however.

I do agree that pastors of big and small churches fall into sin. The scary part is, I think small churches are very vunerable to predators for the simple fact the smaller population is easier to control and they can get away with doing their dirt for years and years. Usually, the bigger the church, the more likely lawsuits and criminal charges are filed because word gets around which attracts media attention. However, I've know of small churches where there was a problem with child predators and it was never reported, this person just dissappeared, most likely to prey on other children in an unsuspecting church.

However, I hear men of god who seemed to start out with good intentions, yet as the church grows and his salary grows, he fall into some sin concerning money or adultery. This is my issue with large and mega churches. It appeared the pastor is blessed financially, but really he is being led away by greed and material things.


The bible says money is the root of all evil. Yes, God blessed people like Job financially, but I don't really thing the NT teaches that ANY christian should live in excess, or have millions of dollars at their disposal. None of the people I've seen who God allowed to prosper were blessed in excess.

That doesn't negate the idea of a church branching out as it grows. Your comment on fixed incomes is just plain common sense and the NT order. Most problems have to do with the governing structure in the majority of churches. It was never intended for one man, pastor/preacher to have that kind of rule over saints. The westernized world likes a "rock star" personality and to feel entertained.

Exactly!

[Aquila]

House churching is the answer. It's biblical, it doesn't present lavish wealth for ministry, it allows the entire body of Christ to operate in ministry, and it limits the size of the congregation to something reasonable.

[Light]

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

.....that, and just as no one will take my guns, NO ONE will take the Lincoln that your average pastor drives (those who oversee churches of 300+).

Lincoln's are so yesterday.I Drive a LS 460 couldn't Stand the 2011 Lincoln. Drove it 6 mo. traded for the Lexus.

[Ferd]

oh good grief. really?

so a guy in a big church went sidways and now there is a "pattern"?

and we need to limit the size of a congregation?

someone needs to stop being myopic.

I have been pastored by 7 men in my life. I have been in pentecostal churches my whole life. 3 of those men ended up having moral failures. NONE of them were pastors of "large" churches.

geez.