|
Nov 02
2008
|
Gospels of ProsperityPosted by Gitonga in Untagged   |
 |
As a born again Christian and a patriot of the gospel of Jesus Christ, I have noticed a worrying trend in some of our churches lately. More often than not, a new church springs up promising signs and wonders, prosperity, a good life etc. Be it on the top building of a bar, in residential areas, next to other churches, literally anywhere you are bound to find a church. One is left wondering why this is so? Is it that the churches are not enough? What is the exigency of having a church next to others? The services are at the same time and one clearly hears what's happening in the adjacent church. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to discern that there is something suspicious about it.
As someone precisely alleged, church has become a flourishing business for some populace. Literally; every Tom, Dick and Harry is planting a church. Does the government encompass a say in this issue, am left to wonder. Something must be done rapidly, before things get out of hand. Religious conviction can bless or curse, build or break, kill or promote life, depending on how it is approached.
Church in the early days, quoting from Acts 1:42-47, we get a foretaste of what church was and is meant to be. In summary; it meant devotion to the apostles teaching and fellowship, fidelity to the breaking of bread and to prayer, indisputable miracles, believers united as one and sharing everything in common, selling of possessions and goods and gave everything as one had need and eventually growth in number.
As much as there is no predicament for pastors, bishops and men of God to live a lavish lifestyle, it mustn't be at the expense of the congregation. How many of them, instead of living large and enriching themselves have ever thought of a bursary scheme of some sort for their flock who are faithful in giving but are in actual fact struggling financially? Or even provide the basic needs food, shelter, clothing and water for them? This is the same story in most of the upcoming churches. In such a short time after planting a church, the pastor has built a house and bought a lavish car, while most of his or her flock are still in the same condition if not a worse state, though they keep giving more and more to the church. At this point am left to inquire, would our savior Jesus Christ have acted the same way if he were living in this generation? A categorical NO!
The most mind-boggling and aggravating issue, is when it comes to giving of offerings, tithes, first fruits, thanksgiving offerings etc.2 Corinthians 9:6-9,clearly states the attitude of a believer as pertains giving. One should give what he has decided in their heart to give, not under compulsion or coercion, or even made to feel guilty for not giving a good amount, demoralized in order to give. It continues to state that God loves a cheerful giver. With the measure you use, it will be measure to you. God looks at the heart of the giver not the amount they give. Nowadays believers are deceived to give what they don't have or can afford. I heard a of a case where a student gave his school fees about Ksh 60,000. Other believers get loans so as to give to the church, others give their bus fare and end up walking home while the pastor drives past them as he or she waves at them. Believers must be very shrewd on this issue. Many are the times we blame God for our own folly. We confuse our emotions with the move of the Holy Spirit.
In conclusion, I am of the opinion that the government should come in and regulate the growth and expansion of churches. The government must also facilitate auditing of the churches Accounts just like any other institution or company. The church must be on the forefront in promoting accountability. Aren't we the light of the world after all? Does your church have an Annual General Meeting? (AGM), where they give an account of every shilling contributed and how it was spent? If not, there is an anomaly somewhere. Last but not least, Galatians 6:9 states that we will reap what we sow .Very soon the truth will be exposed .Watch out or you will be kicked out! The love of money is a sin and it could make you lose out on heaven. 2 Timothy 3:2 and Hebrews 3:5.
As someone precisely alleged, church has become a flourishing business for some populace. Literally; every Tom, Dick and Harry is planting a church. Does the government encompass a say in this issue, am left to wonder. Something must be done rapidly, before things get out of hand. Religious conviction can bless or curse, build or break, kill or promote life, depending on how it is approached.
Church in the early days, quoting from Acts 1:42-47, we get a foretaste of what church was and is meant to be. In summary; it meant devotion to the apostles teaching and fellowship, fidelity to the breaking of bread and to prayer, indisputable miracles, believers united as one and sharing everything in common, selling of possessions and goods and gave everything as one had need and eventually growth in number.
As much as there is no predicament for pastors, bishops and men of God to live a lavish lifestyle, it mustn't be at the expense of the congregation. How many of them, instead of living large and enriching themselves have ever thought of a bursary scheme of some sort for their flock who are faithful in giving but are in actual fact struggling financially? Or even provide the basic needs food, shelter, clothing and water for them? This is the same story in most of the upcoming churches. In such a short time after planting a church, the pastor has built a house and bought a lavish car, while most of his or her flock are still in the same condition if not a worse state, though they keep giving more and more to the church. At this point am left to inquire, would our savior Jesus Christ have acted the same way if he were living in this generation? A categorical NO!
The most mind-boggling and aggravating issue, is when it comes to giving of offerings, tithes, first fruits, thanksgiving offerings etc.2 Corinthians 9:6-9,clearly states the attitude of a believer as pertains giving. One should give what he has decided in their heart to give, not under compulsion or coercion, or even made to feel guilty for not giving a good amount, demoralized in order to give. It continues to state that God loves a cheerful giver. With the measure you use, it will be measure to you. God looks at the heart of the giver not the amount they give. Nowadays believers are deceived to give what they don't have or can afford. I heard a of a case where a student gave his school fees about Ksh 60,000. Other believers get loans so as to give to the church, others give their bus fare and end up walking home while the pastor drives past them as he or she waves at them. Believers must be very shrewd on this issue. Many are the times we blame God for our own folly. We confuse our emotions with the move of the Holy Spirit.
In conclusion, I am of the opinion that the government should come in and regulate the growth and expansion of churches. The government must also facilitate auditing of the churches Accounts just like any other institution or company. The church must be on the forefront in promoting accountability. Aren't we the light of the world after all? Does your church have an Annual General Meeting? (AGM), where they give an account of every shilling contributed and how it was spent? If not, there is an anomaly somewhere. Last but not least, Galatians 6:9 states that we will reap what we sow .Very soon the truth will be exposed .Watch out or you will be kicked out! The love of money is a sin and it could make you lose out on heaven. 2 Timothy 3:2 and Hebrews 3:5.
Trackback(0)
TrackBack URI for this entryComments
(2)
Subscribe to this comment's feed
Show/Hide comments
written by jaya wardene , November 05, 2008
An excellent piece. I imagine that it would be quite difficult, as a practising Christian to make a commentary that would make uncomfortable reading for many a church leader.
The church (small c)has always held an important place in the community. In addition to catering for our spiritual well-being it has been at the heart of more earthly matters of family life and in many cases has played the critical role in the provision of such services as education, health and relief aid far more effectively than government.
Today, more and more, we hear of churches being formed and then quickly being put to use as vehicles to convey their leaders to instant fame, wealth and prosperity. Those new churches that you see springing up like weeds are simply copying to a tried and tested formula. There has never been a shortage of converts to fleece; why re-invent the wheel?
In today's way of thinking you are simply a nobody unless your wealth can be measured in the thousands and millions of shillings. These modern church leaders are only learning from previous "success" stories.
The Freedom of worship that is guaranteed in our constitution means that we are free to choose between all the numerous religions, faiths, sects, cults etc, etc, or to stay at home. There is no role for government here and that is exactly how it should remain.
Votes: +0
The church (small c)has always held an important place in the community. In addition to catering for our spiritual well-being it has been at the heart of more earthly matters of family life and in many cases has played the critical role in the provision of such services as education, health and relief aid far more effectively than government.
Today, more and more, we hear of churches being formed and then quickly being put to use as vehicles to convey their leaders to instant fame, wealth and prosperity. Those new churches that you see springing up like weeds are simply copying to a tried and tested formula. There has never been a shortage of converts to fleece; why re-invent the wheel?
In today's way of thinking you are simply a nobody unless your wealth can be measured in the thousands and millions of shillings. These modern church leaders are only learning from previous "success" stories.
The Freedom of worship that is guaranteed in our constitution means that we are free to choose between all the numerous religions, faiths, sects, cults etc, etc, or to stay at home. There is no role for government here and that is exactly how it should remain.
report abuse
vote down
vote up
Show/Hide comment form
Can we craft an ethic of duty in this life, into our politics?