"Pastors Scammin' Folk In The Name of Jesus!"

When I think about the different schemes and tricks employed by many unscrupulous leaders in religious world it makes me cringe!  I often ask myself, "How is it possible that so many people can be so naive, no not naive, just plain STUPID?" Time after time, many congregations fall prey to the manipulation and witchcraft from their "so-called" Pastors, Bishops, Apostles, etc.

The financial toll on individuals and families is skyrocketing as the "material appetites" of their "spiritual fathers" increases.  Caddy's and Benz's are being shunned in lieu of Maybachs and Ferrari's; the parsonage in place of the sprawling mansion AND summer home in the Caribbean; not to mention the custom suits, jewelry and other gifts too many to mention here.

Do I have a problem with people "giving" in church? No.  Do I have a problem with "tithing"? YES!  It's not biblical (please go back and read the O.T. SLOWLY). Unfortunately, the "fleecing" doesn't stop at tithing.  Let's examine the various ways church folk are being guilted into "Giving to God!"  Here are some of my favorites:

1. Tithes and Offerings (It's hard to hear, but this is the No. #1 Scam of ALL!); both "in-person" and "on-line" via Paypal and "automatic debits" from personal banking accounts! Are you kidding me? What kind of nonsense is that?
2. The Building Fund (never ending, guaranteed supply of CASH for the Pastor)
3. Pastor's Anniversary, Father's Day, Christmas, Pastor's Birthday, Church Anniversary
4. Special Offering for Pastor's Vacation and the First Lady's Events (see above)
5. Weekly Offerings (all cash that is laid at the altar to "Bless the Mant of Godt!")
6. Cards and letters that come in to the ministry during the week from radio and TV ministries flush with cash (untraceable to the IRS);
7. Complementary services from community residents (not to be outdone by his congregation): Free haircuts, meals, lawn services, dry cleaning, auto detailing, etc.
8. Other Offerings for the "BISHOP and First LADY" of the "MOTHER CHURCH" (which is the beginning of the Christian Network marketing Schemes.  You have heard it said,  "We are obligated to honor the Set Man and tithe up-line.")
9. Mandatory participation of Church Leaders (Elders, Deacons, Ministry Leaders and their families to "sow" into the vision of the house by investing $700-$1200 "extra" dollars in everything from Noni Juice, to vitamins to vacation packages and Legal Shield!"

Have you ever heard this? "Hold up your offering to the Lord (so I can see who is giving and who is NOT giving)!"  And the "sheep" comply without thinking and they raise their offerings or fill out the "empty" envelope with fakes names and amounts just to look good to their "neighbor." As a former Deacon at a Mega-church, I used to hate the assignment of counting the tithes and offerings...the people cannot keep up with the financial demands of the ministries they attend but they remain SILENT and SUFFER because they are in bondage!

It is not entirely the fault of the Pastors; the people play a MAJOR role in their exploitation because of sheer ignorance and a "profound WORD deficiency!" Do not get tangled in the web of deception out of religious rituals.  When the Pastor poses a new venture to the church, "filter" his request through the WORD.  Ask him/her questions about the project or event. Identify the "end game." What are we being asked to do and will this affect my ability to take care of and provide for MY FAMILY? If this thing that the Pastor is asking is out of the will of God, then simply don't do it!  You won't go to HELL for saying NO!

In conclusion, I always ask the "blindly dedicated"members of churches across America in my travels on stinging question, "Has your financial legacy for your children and your children's children been compromised because of your "blind allegiance" to your Pastor's vision for his life and his church? If you are not significantly better off financially today than you were when you joined the ministry six years ago, then you had better examine your ways...before it's too late!

Please join us for "MANdate Minsitries: Uncut" on Thursday nights at 7:00pm on www.blogtalkradio.com/mandate.  Our call-in # is: 1.347.843.4112.  Real talk. Hard truth!
This week's topics: "Pastor's and Network Marketing: Scammin' in Jesus' Name!"