The Way It's Always Been

I'm learning to live JUST what the word says, I can tell you, it's liberating. We have such freedom available to us that the current church structure can't allow. Why? I hate to say it, because it would be bad for business. I pray for so many pastors and ministers that I know because I see this foundational flaw in their ministries. How are they going to unhook themselves from that wagon? How do you allow God to move when you are having to get another $1000 out of the congregation so you can make the mortgage or rent? I've seen pastors have to take two offerings because the first one wasn't enough. How do you love your people when you have to do that? And God is in that? Sorry, he's not and you can not find a scripture that describes or commands his bride to be treated that way. I know, we've been taught to give our money like good little disciples and if we don't, Satan will devour our finances to punish us for our disobedience. So much for "better" promises.

Perhaps this message is similar to Martin Luther's of his day. It was unpopular and perceived as radical, something as simple and plain as salvation through faith. I pray that a veil is pierced and that men of God would be free to pursue their callings instead of pursuing the money of their flock. I also know that this won't get me a lot of church speaking opportunities.

Don't misunderstand me, I love the bride! I love the church, but the church structure I believe has a fundamental flaw that causes well intentioned men of God to fall prey to the temptation of pleasing man in order to maintain a living. God did not intend this!

When is the last time a minister or traveling singer, evangelist or teacher came to your congregation and said "I have a tape table and all of them are free!" Or "I recorded a worship CD and I want all of you to have a copy of it, free of charge." Now THAT would be truly serving the bride. However, what happens? They come and give you a sales pitch before or in the middle of their worship, ministry or teaching. Is this wrong? I would not say it's wrong, but I know it's not ministry when you have to buy something. (Yes, I said it.) But is it serving the bride to sell your ministry? Personally, I could not nor would I do that. My gifts are for the bride. They are to serve the bride, My gifts are not to serve me. How will a minister make a living if he doesn't sell tapes, collect tithes or take up an offering? He probably won't, but perhaps he should not be looking to the bride to support him. Perhaps he/she should support the bride. I believe that any minister of the gospel that God wants to have a platform, he will supernaturally make that happen.

Imagine if a wealthy Spirit-filled person came up to a prophet, evangelist or worship-leader and said - we will give you the money you will need to support yourself. Open up your calendar and say yes to every request (being led of the Spirit of course) that you can. And tell them you will come at NO CHARGE! Why can't that happen?

Imagine if "money" was removed from the church going experience? Imagine if there was nothing impeding us from walking into a building, a service and being 100% totally led of God to give, worship, pray, teach, etc. That could never happen in most church body atmospheres. What if someone got up there and gave a really difficult and lovingly chastising word from the Lord and it turned a lot of people off? You Jesus did this very thing. Read John 6 where he says "Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day."I'd like to see how that one went over! Tough to do when you are a pastor and are risking your livelihood. If %75 of the congregation walked out, how would the bills get paid? I could not operate under that type of pressure. And I can only speak for myself, but it would be too difficult for me to retain my integrity. When money is not involved, you are FREE to by a minister of fire! When money is involved, there can be a subtle manipulation of people. I may not even realize I was doing it! Only the ultra-talented and attractive people would be on the stage, not necessarily the ones that carry the greatest gifts and anointing. How many church leaders would let John the Baptist get up on stage and start screaming "Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand?" He'd empty the pews. All the while wearing animal skin and eating off the land. If he set foot on the property, we'd call the police.

You are wondering, how will church function if there was no tithing (see previous posts) and no collection taken up? How would the church function? I would ask this: what happens in that building that is so special that could not happen in a home? Or a community center? Imagine if the yoke of collecting tithes and offerings did not have to be a part of a church? Imagine if people were led by the Spirit to give to those who are in need? Imagine if pastors were free to pastor and did not have the burden of having to collect revenue off the backs of his flock? You would see fellowships become healthy and productive. It's hard to imagine isn't it?

I'm sure it was difficult for people in Jesus's day to imagine a world where they were no longer subject to the law. Same as those in Martin Luther's day when the revelation of faith alone was enough for salvation and the yoke of "works" was lifted in the European church. More to come...