Godly pastors, generators and tithes

The power went out and the visiting pastor came on with emergency lighting and preached a good message. At the end of the service the home pastor announced that he had purchased a generator costing $500,000.

In the same breath this “godly pastor” makes an announcement that the congregation must bring a can of food stuff for the less fortunate in the church. Then goes on to name a few foreign missions, which the church supports and the amount of monies given sounded pathetic. Is this “godly pastor” for real?

I turned to my ex-wife. She looked shocked. Later she explained to me that this same “godly pastor” purchased a building and renovated it at a cost of $2 million. She said it is only used for water baptism, functions and Sunday school. Additionally, DVD equipment for over $1 million was purchased to tape his messages. Think of how this building could have been used to house “battered children.”

I believe this “godly pastor” is running with his own selfish vision and not God’s. Unfortunately he has some of his congregation running with him. In the corporate world this “godly pastor” and his board of directors would have had to resign for the mismanagement of poor people’s tithes. This is the kind of exploitation taking place in the name of God.

What happened to God’s word “That the tithes should be used for the widows, orphans and the less fortunate among us?” God is not impressed with all of this. Why can’t we try to be our brother’s keeper.

Look at what is happening in our country. Please “godly pastor” don’t take this letter personally but rather as a chastening from the Lord. It is not only a word for you but for other pastors going in this direction. Clearly your prophets and board members are not wise or is it they are just a “Yes” board? I will continue to pray for you all and have faith that these selfish visions would be replaced by what God really would require of us all as a people.