steveorino 7 #1 February 22, 2007 A recent post made me think about some pet peeves I have about some Christian ministries. Is it okay with you that people sell things for Christian ministries? Such as: sermon CDs, Jesus trinkets (WWJD bracelets), tapes on how to study the Bible, tapes on how to witness, etc. steveOrino Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NCclimber 0 #2 February 22, 2007 I think it comes down to how it is sold and where the proceeds go. Going for the heavy guilt or any kind of hard sell probably creates more ill will than any about of benefit could offset. Using proceeds for the new recreation wing doesn't cut it either. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 2,182 #3 February 22, 2007 I really don't see why there should be a problem. No-one is forced to buy, are they? I will add that when I visited Vatican City I was APPALLED at the trash the official gift shop was selling, and amazed at the number of people who were lapping it all up.... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
steveorino 7 #4 February 22, 2007 What if the Apostle Paul said, "You know I could sell these letters and make a lot of money!" or Imagine JC wearing a bracelet that says WWID and encouraging his disciples to sell them. steveOrino Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shortyj 0 #5 February 22, 2007 I not opposed to it as long as the money goes where it says it's going. Playtime is essential. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NCclimber 0 #6 February 22, 2007 QuoteWhat if the Apostle Paul said, "You know I could sell these letters and make a lot of money!" or Imagine JC wearing a bracelet that says WWID and encouraging his disciples to sell them. How about church bake sales to provide clothing for needy children? Unacceptable? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lindercles 0 #7 February 22, 2007 But leaving such a vast, wealthy market untapped has got to be some kind of sin. At least in America. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
steveorino 7 #8 February 22, 2007 QuoteQuoteWhat if the Apostle Paul said, "You know I could sell these letters and make a lot of money!" or Imagine JC wearing a bracelet that says WWID and encouraging his disciples to sell them. How about church bake sales to provide clothing for needy children? Unacceptable? I guess, but why not have the people give and sit around an eat the pie? Or better yet take the pies to poor people? I wonder why we must be motivated to give other than the desire to show love to others. steveOrino Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
azdav 0 #9 February 22, 2007 Suppose only God knows the heart and true intent of those selling their "wares". I'll leave it up to Him to judge. "WWID".......crackin me up Noooobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!!! M.P.F.C. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andy9o8 3 #10 February 22, 2007 QuoteImagine JC wearing a bracelet that says WWID LOL. Reminds me of the scene in the movie "Oh, God", where the George Burns character (God), says, "Here's my card." Camera shot to a white business card with but a single word on it, dead-center: "GOD" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rehmwa 2 #11 February 22, 2007 It's nearly as bad as the 738 school fundraisers that every public school does. and, "WWID" is funny ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shortyj 0 #12 February 22, 2007 o.k. maybe I'm confused are we selling this stuff to furher the gospel? And help people who are in need? Or just trying to make money?Playtime is essential. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tink1717 2 #13 February 22, 2007 Kinda pokes a hole in the theory that providence will provide when you have to sell stuff just to pay the bills. Shouldn't an all powerful god be able to take care of that?Skydivers don't knock on Death's door. They ring the bell and runaway... It really pisses him off. -The World Famous Tink. (I never heard of you either!!) AA #2069 ASA#33 POPS#8808 Swooo 1717 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dorbie 0 #14 February 23, 2007 It beats begging for cash which is what most of the TV ministries do with almost all of their air time. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pirana 0 #15 February 23, 2007 Put me down for 1 case of Pope on a Rope." . . . the lust for power can be just as completely satisfied by suggesting people into loving their servitude as by flogging them and kicking them into obedience." -- Aldous Huxley Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
steveorino 7 #16 February 23, 2007 QuoteKinda pokes a hole in the theory that providence will provide when you have to sell stuff just to pay the bills. Shouldn't an all powerful god be able to take care of that? I don't think God meant that we should sit on our butts as He provides, but I just have some issues with selling "ministry" IMHO, selling stuff to raise money for missions is okay, I guess. My main concern is guys making money off selling tools for ministry, such as tapes on Bible Study, witnessing, etc. Yes, I suppose in this day and age we may need to market those tools, but really, $10 for a sermon DVD, or $a digital MP3 sermon you can download for $5? Give me a break! steveOrino Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 2,182 #17 February 23, 2007 QuoteQuoteKinda pokes a hole in the theory that providence will provide when you have to sell stuff just to pay the bills. Shouldn't an all powerful god be able to take care of that? I don't think God meant that we should sit on our butts as He provides, but I just have some issues with selling "ministry" IMHO, selling stuff to raise money for missions is okay, I guess. My main concern is guys making money off selling tools for ministry, such as tapes on Bible Study, witnessing, etc. Yes, I suppose in this day and age we may need to market thos tools, but really, $10 for a sermon DVD, or $a digital MP3 sermon you can download for $5? Give me a break! "There's one born every minute" "No one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American public"... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
steveorino 7 #18 February 23, 2007 What? A sucker or a con man? steveOrino Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 2,182 #19 February 23, 2007 QuoteWhat? A sucker or a con man? Both, I expect, but I was thinking about suckers.... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shortyj 0 #20 February 23, 2007 O.k. now I get it. Steve I'm with you on this one I think the gospel should be free to anyone who wants it. Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you. Luke 6:38Playtime is essential. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
steveorino 7 #21 February 23, 2007 I feel like I have to quantify something. The worker is worth his wages. I don't have a problem with paying a minister a decent wage, especially those who have invested years of study and ministry in their vocation. I guess I think it is ridiculous when Christians create a subculture of trinkets and such. Plus as I said, I think to charge anything over and above actual cost overhead for ministry tools is wrong. steveOrino Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Butters 0 #22 February 23, 2007 There is a local church that has a good ministry preaching a good message. However, they have grown by leaps and bounds and have built a new church that contains a bookstore, cafe, etc... which creates a materialistic environment and distracts from the message in my opinion."That looks dangerous." Leopold Stotch Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
steveorino 7 #23 February 23, 2007 The mega churches have a unigue ministry and I will refrain from being too judgmental about them, but I agree with you.They must be very careful, they don't go from being a church to being a business. Kallend will like this. I'm not sure how I believe about the tax exempt status of churches. Too many are little more than a company selling christian wares. I'd give up the tax free status if I thought that would change that. I pastored churches (non-denominational, not Baptist as Mjosparky thinks) of 500-700 people for years and I enjoyed that time. I don't think I ever sold anything for ministry in those years, it was all given away for free. The cost of doing so was put into the budget, that was supported by tithes & offerings. Right now as I'm trying to become a psychologist, i pastor a small house church. I prefer that at this point in my life. steveOrino Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Butters 0 #24 February 23, 2007 I know that all churches need financial support to operate. However, I do not like when churches focus on financial aspects as much as (or more than) religious aspects. (I would respect the churces more if they were minimilistic and donated the majority of their money to worthy causes.)"That looks dangerous." Leopold Stotch Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pajarito 0 #25 February 23, 2007 QuoteI think it comes down to how it is sold and where the proceeds go. I agree. If it's sold to further the ministery, why not? They also have to pay their employees. That's just reasonable. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
