Churchgoers Drop $2.4 Milli in Two Days for Megachurch Pastor

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Wow, they got these people for over 2.4 Million dollars:

When Rev. Rick Warren says “Urgent,” folks reach for their checkbooks — to the tune of $2.4 million and counting. Warren sent out an “urgent” plea Wednesday for the nation’s sixth largest church to come up with more than $900,000 in 48 hours to meet a budget shortfall and allow the Saddleback Church to carry on service programs from Southern California to Africa.

It’s standard fare for a pastor to remind the holiday-swollen crowds in December of the financial needs and goals of the institution. But there’s little standard about Warren, 2009 religion newsmaker of the year on many year-end lists.

To no one’s surprise, the congregation came through big time, even as Warren took a clubbing in the national media for the “sky-is-falling” tone of his missive and his surprise that it made news. A spokesman for the church later said Warren also made clear that the ministry “never asks — or expects — outsiders to give.”

Saturday night, in the first round of weekend services, Warren announced more than $2.4 million rolled in through online offerings and envelopes delivered to the church’s Lake Forest campus, south of Los Angeles. But the financial tally was not, by Warren’s sermon, “The Miracle” — the title of his sermon. No, he said, the miracle is the “radical generosity” shown this week.

These people were able to come up with that kind of paper in 2 days for this suspect dude, and there’s still poverty here in America as well as in third-world countries. SMH….shady, shady, shady.

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87 Responses to “Churchgoers Drop $2.4 Milli in Two Days for Megachurch Pastor”

    Kool Breeze

    If some idiots feel he is their messenger for the lord then pay the man…lol

    White Man

    I HATE BLACKS. WORSHIP MY GOD. STUPID NIGGRE TRASH. OH YES…AAAH HAAA AAAH HAAA MEN. WHERES THE LIL BOYZ.

    Dila

    This is just shameful.

    mel

    I wonder if Rupert Murdoch donated and all Ricks gay supporters

    Sylmarvelous

    N0body wants to be skeptical when it comes to their pastor(ect.) being in need of anything so maybe the congregation felt they were doing the right thing. God will see to his/their punishment if he does any wrong-doing…

    It's only 01-03-2010

    @ White Man…….YOU R.A.C.I.S.T. son of a gun!!!!!!!!!!
    You hate blacks…….Ignorance must be the name of your parents…..It’s to early in the year for your ish…..
    I’m black……brown to be exact but because of ignorance all brown colored ppl are called black…..anyways…..I’ll accept that term…..I have no problem with that….but to say you hate blacks…..that’s just so small minded of you…..
    I love every1….any ethnic group it doesn’t matter…..
    The more educated thing for you to say would have been…..I hate the attitude of some black ppl…..because at the end of the day…..that’s what you’re hating…not the person but there attitude….anyways…the fact that you wrote that stupid comment lets me know that you might be to far gone to knock some sense into you……

    And the pastor (if that’s a pic of him that Bossip posted) is not even black……it’s a white man…..or caucasion (or however it’s spelt)….give me a break.

    Nayland House

    Very generous

    diane

    I wish i had known I would have donated as a matter of fact I am going to donate, “The Purpose Driven Life” changed my life…..

    Get Real

    This is some bull$hit. A church his size with a loyal congregation would never fall short unless he expects 100mil/yr. If you add up all the money these mega churges get it would be enough pay off every debt in equifax.

    white male

    Churches have amazing fundraising power.

    white male

    Why is this dude “shady” and “suspect” Bossip???

    He does more good in this world than Bossip could dream of.

    tina

    You need to find out more about him and his ministry before judging and calling him shady. The Purpose Driven Life was powerful and changed the lives of many. Hi ministry actually does a lots of work to help people around the world. He is not using this money to furnish a lavish lifestyle as some other preachers do. The truth is that all of the programs that churches have in order to spread God’s word and help the needy really do cost money. Get is together and do your research, Bossip, before putting down a man of God.

    ***** d typist

    Dis is d first time am reading something crazy and stupid from bossip or shall i say shocking!! whoever typed d “shady suspect should belongs in d bathroom *****ing,Purpose driven life changed my life as well and i DO NOT think there is anything shady abt him

    Taisha from Chicago

    If you have the heart for MISLEADING m*****es of people then that’s DEFINITELY the business to be in. All he’s going to do with that money is pay off his personal debts, travel in first cl***** style, dress in tailor made clothing, vacation in private jets on private islands and maintain his prosperous image while appearing to be generous to those most in need. That’s what all of his members want him to reflect a false moral leader who tells it’s most giving members they’re sins are forgiven and their places in heaven is already PAID FOR by simply bailing out the church when in debt & tithing until it hurts….. customcalendars4u2.com

    Rah

    So why exactly is Rick Warren shady? Is it Rick Warren’s fault that poverty exists? Is it his responsibility to change it? He’s using that money for advancing the Kingdom of God, not for his own personal gain. If there’s anyone sketchy around here it’s whoever posted this story.

    I don’t understand this…

    He has made over $25 Million Dollars via being an author and his book “The Purpose Driven Life” is supposedly 2nd only after the Bible with respects to number of books sold and so how come he couldn’t cover this debt with his own money…

    I understand that he lives a modest life and donates most of his earners but still… I don’t know about this, just doesn’t make sense to me…

    white male

    taisha from chicago

    you really think he is going to take private jets and vacation with this money??

    Tracey

    Why do people hand money over to churches?

    JESUS CHRIST DIDN’T ASK FOR A BEAN!

    If a preacher wants money, he should go out to work like any other folks and Jesus Christ was a CARPENTER. He was know to fix fish nets and boats, and met many of his disciples through his hardwork, peace and messages!

    You are not supposed to make money of God or Jesus, it is wrong!

    davey

    He has nothing on that white pastor Peter Popoff. I saw him on BET preaching last week and all of a sudden he was like ” I just had a vision, God said he need a 1000 people to send in a C-note, and you will receive 7 miracles” I lmao. Like dang you can pay for miracles. I don’t think thats how it works!

    low

    I don’t fool with mega churches. What the hell I look like going to a church and the preacher is on a stage. A stage is for a show. Like I am going to see Beyonce perform or something. A stage is a stage. I am not coming for a performance. Direct me to a small family church with a poolpit

    Jamillah

    Obviously a sucker is born every second. Its sad to see so many people brainwashed by religion. Religion was designed to manipulate and control. Black people need to get back to their roots and become the spiritual beings were are destined to be. Giving your money to Rick Warren (or any other church) will not get you any closer to the Creator. Wake up people and stop playing the fool.

    Mock Rock Star

    How could I forget about the ultimate Christian scheme. “We’re in dire need and God is telling me that someone can plant a seed for $2,000. Just have faith my people.” You know for a minute I was thinking about opening a church because it’s the easiest money U can make next to drug dealing in the 80’s and 90’s but of course unlike these pastors I have a conscious.

    Yeah, it's Tiger....Can you do me a favor...???

    I wish I was apart of a church like this….you know people are being saved and lives are being changed here…and not just from the pulpit….

    white male

    These churches have hundreds of thousands of members. What they do is ask for a dollar donation from people that can afford it and many give a dollar and some even give 5. That dollar per person average raises huge funds and then they can pay the staff and build a water tank in Africa or whatever charitable thing they are into that time.

    chai_507

    See now Bossip is just wrong for this. The money was to help because of all the services the church has had to offer in 2009 ( and wants to offer in 2010) including the following:

    Foreclosure counseling
    *****isted home placement
    Senior care services
    Daycare/ Aftercare (offered free to churchgoers)
    Food Pantry
    Employment training service
    Berevement services

    Now I go to a large church and it barely supplies these things. I can only imagine with 20% of their churchgoers hit by economic crisis how much they are shelling out to keep the church afloat and their community stabilized. More power to them for raising the monies needed to do good works.

    I Aint Lyin

    Every single person that donated even a penny is a idiot. These mega church pastors live like rockstars and 99.99999% of their incomes are straight from the pockets of their idiot church members

    7 Deadly Zins

    Bossip is hella out of pocket for calling this man out. I AM SO DISSAPOINTED. Leave religious matters off of this website. You guys stir up enough problems as it is

    7 Deadly Zins

    Also CHURCH IS NOT FREE PEOPLE!! It costs money to keep churches running, pay people salaries, give to the needy, pay electric bills, and give. I don’t know what it is, but people in this country act like they should not have to give anything for the services a church provides. If you are a church member, it is your duty to give, and not just get a free ride. Outsiders NEVER have to give, because the service is a gift from the members. Pastors are not out of pocket or evil for asking for money. People are evil for constantly using their money for selfish desires, neglecting the church, mismanaging their own finances, and the like. Running a church with thousands of members is HARD WORK. Just look at how hard it is to run a sales team with 6 people, or a portfolio with hundreds of customers, or any business. If you think it is easy to run a church and have it grow like Rick Warren’s has, then go ahead and try. I’m sure you will see it is not just an easy ride. And you know what else? Guess what people. This is AMERICA. A free country. No one is making these people go to church or give. Anyone can choose their own church and what they do. Its a credit to this man that these people chose out of their own free will to give, and they responded to his asking.

    afrodite

    it’s a shame…$2.4 mill so a bunch of africans can be bribed with food in exchange for the white man’s religion.

    bishopdonjuan

    Churchin and pimpin are one in the same. I’ve never understood why people who are mostly working cl***** and poor continue to feel the need to finance a pastor in a lifestyle that most of them can only dream of. As i recall, Jesus didn’t ride in no beemer, benz or bentley, but your pastor does and probably lives in a mult-million dollar home that your stupid a.s.s. paid for. If you truly are a believer in God, he didn’t need an intermediary to make you so why would he need one now?

    J

    Why do people hate Christians so much?! I just don’t get it. I really don’t!

    So because he was able to raise a lot of money in a few days he’s evil? And the donators are stupid? Really??? REALLY???

    So that’s all you need to know to draw this conclusion? REALLY??? How wack are you for making such judgments with NO facts!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    For your info… churches especially of this size don’t just run a church. So the money is not just going to service and maintain the church and it’s members. Even a bigger commitment than the upkeep of the church are their national and international commitments and ministries (of which they do free of charge to the recipients). Feeding the hungry, clothing the needy, schooling those who otherwise wouldn’t be schooled, providing access to healthcare services, clean water, the list can go on and on and on… The point is when they do this for people they do it free of charge but IT’S NOT FREE PEOPLE. They gotta get that money from somewhere… like they’re home church maybe? It’s called doing God’s work people.

    P.S. and I’m not saying there aren’t many pastors that take advantage of the generosity of their members cause there are. Most of the time thou, it’s quite evident that that’s what’s occurring. A church that gets a lot of money from it’s members but never grows it’s ministries equals a problem. For anyone who follows this man’s ministry I’m sure they would agree with me in saying there are no red flags here. None. And if he is using the money inappropriately then he’ll answer for that eventually. But to those who “cast stones” w/o warrant, your judgement awaits as well.

    Tracey

    7 Deadly Zins

    1/3/10, 16:39:pm

    Also CHURCH IS NOT FREE PEOPLE!! It costs money to keep churches running, pay people salaries, give to the needy, pay electric bills, and give. I don’t know what it is, but people in this country act like they should not have to give anything for the services a church provides. If you are a church member, it is your duty to give, and not just get a free ride. Outsiders NEVER have to give, because the service is a gift from the members. Pastors are not out of pocket or evil for asking for money. People are evil for constantly using their money for selfish desires, neglecting the church, mismanaging their own finances, and the like. Running a church with thousands of members is HARD WORK. Just look at how hard it is to run a sales team with 6 people, or a portfolio with hundreds of customers, or any business. If you think it is easy to run a church and have it grow like Rick Warren’s has, then go ahead and try. I’m sure you will see it is not just an easy ride. And you know what else? Guess what people. This is AMERICA. A free country. No one is making these people go to church or give. Anyone can choose their own church and what they do. Its a credit to this man that these people chose out of their own free will to give, and they responded to his asking.
    ________________________________________________

    Church maybe isnt free but you DONT PIMP OUT 2.4 MILLION TO KEEP ONE BUILDING RUNNING, THAT IS CALLED EXTORTION!

    TRUTH IS....

    i wonder how much he wanna donate to me now to fund my cl*****es…smh….churches are real businesses here…shameful….all about money! GOD DONT NEED MONEY!

    loveJesus

    Is Christianity a White Man’s Religion? By Sidney

    The issue of whether or not Christianity is a white man’s religion is interesting. One must wonder why this is even an issue for discussion. No one ever asks if Buddhism is a white man’s religion, or if Islam is a black man’s religion. It is only Christianity that must face such a test. We can presuppose that Jesus was not white because he was born in a region where the people had color. We also know that Jesus was in Africa for the bible says, “out of Egypt have I called my son” (Ho. 11:1). Furthermore we know that an Ethiopian Eunuch “of great authority” accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord before Paul (who preached to the Romans) is even converted to Christianity. (Acts 8:27-39) Even though we know all of these things, black Christians are still forced to address the issue of whether or not Christianity is a white man’s religion.
    Now in the spirit of fairness to those who would pose such a question, one could argue that European missionaries taught a version of Christianity that differs from the message of the gospel. They taught a p*****ive form of Christianity that encouraged blacks not to fight back, but to embrace their low status as the will of God. This argument may have held some validity hundreds of years ago when slaves struggled, fought and even died trying to learn how to read. But today, I know that God shall supply all my needs (Phil. 4:19); today I know that “though wars should rise against me in this I can be confident (Ps. 27:3) So, while such an argument may have held some validity years ago, today, I as well as other black people can read the word of God and discern the truth for ourselves.
    Another argument is that southerners used Christianity to justify slavery. Jesus said slaves obey your masters, so he must have been advocating the practice of slavery. So if Jesus said obey, why should we resist? The thing is for us, as black people to remember when reading the bible is to keep things in perspective. Jesus was not talking about slaves in North America. He was referring to the people of that time period who were in bondage to Rome. We have to be careful that we don’t let our own experiences of our racial history in America distort our attempts to understand Biblical history.
    Another common argument is that white Christians don’t even want us in their churches. If we claim the same Jesus, why can’t we worship at the same church? This stereotype generalizes so called white churches and really is not worthy of discussion. I have visited many white churches that have embraced me as a brother, welcoming me to worship with them at any time. In fact, it was at a “so-called” white church where I first learned of the martyrdom of black African Christians at the hands of Muslim fanatics in the Sudan. [Additionally] racism is not advocated anywhere in the gospel, so those churches who practice racism will definitely have to answer for their actions. [Gal. 3:28 states emphatically “there is neither Jew nor Greek, neither slave nor free, neither male or female for all are one under Christ Jesus] Jesus said, “not everyone who says to me Lord, Lord shall enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 7:21).
    So while these arguments may [sometimes] seem logical, we who know Him, know that “there is a way which seemeth right unto man” (Prov. 14:12), we also know that “the end results thereof are death.” When discussing issues such as this remember, it is human nature to want to complicate things, to know fully the authenticity of everything we come across. This is a good thing. For the acquisition and application of knowledge is vital to the growth and development of any individual, group or nation. However, when it comes to Christianity the bible keeps it simple. “Confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead and you are saved” (Ro. 10:9). The bible further acknowledges that, “whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Ro. 10:13). It seems to me, you certainly don’t have to be white to call upon the name of the Lord.

    desiree sanchez

    This is the man who has had a hand in the entire kill a gay in Uganda thing. He is messing with politics. And, you think he is a good will amb*****ador. Last I checked, Ugandan’s were black and he purports to support killing them. Yep, I guess this character has a purpose driven life.

    This Is Why You're Broke!

    Who’s the real devil: Jay-Z or this pastor? Fight the real enemy…

    Tracey

    Yes, Christinaity has been USED by the white man to expoilt people, but NO it isnt a white man’s religion. christianity is a way of life for those who believe God gave us salvation via Jesus Christ…end of story!

    Tracey

    Will Obama’s public healthcare be a way to get everyone on the micro chip system?

    WordtotheWise

    My brother and his wife are members, and have nothing but wonderful things to say about Pastor Rick and the church. I will not judge Rick Warren or Saddleback church. They do so much for the congregation and the community at large. That’s all I’m gonna say on that.

    Critical

    Still funny how when one mentions money+church it automatically equals foul play. I don’t know this man and looked at him with the crooked-eye during the Obama/McCain session in 2008, but I read about this OUTSIDE of Bossip (and I’d advise others to not let Bossip be their only source for news…try Reuters, BBC, etc) and it talked about their plans to do work in the community and abroad. Like someone said earlier – if it is used for personal gain, it will be dealt with…and in God’s time, not man’s. But if it will be used as described, they will be blessed despite folk condemnation based on *****UMPTIONS.

    THATS THAT

    Ifits his congregation so what. They are in his church. They put him in charge. They didnt get a dime from outside the church. If they didnt like what went down they shouldve left. Sometimes you do it to yourself.

    afrodite

    i hate when religious people try to debate by quoting the bible or their pastors, verbatim. use your tools of logic. let’s be for real. christianity was p*****ed down to black people from our slave owners. either that, or white people proselytized like this “revered” here and we converted of our “free” will…

    the bible is ripe with slave imagery. It was the perfect weapon to not only justify enslaving our bodies (curse of ham, mark of cain) but to also enslave our minds and the minds of generations after.

    Tracey

    WordtotheWise

    1/3/10, 19:14:pm

    My brother and his wife are members, and have nothing but wonderful things to say about Pastor Rick and the church. I will not judge Rick Warren or Saddleback church. They do so much for the congregation and the community at large. That’s all I’m gonna say on that.
    ______________________________________________

    People in cults, groups and what have you not are sometimes blinded!

    show me any part in the bible where christ made money out of his father’s name, lived lavishly and spoke about being blessed by worldly goods and I will keep my mouth shut!

    Christ was a hardworker, give me a preacher who can follow in Christs footsteps and not seek freemason made money in large quanities or at all…and I will show you the church I belong in.

    Pastors and preachers, preaching for money, and getting members sign contracts for 10/15% of their wages it what put me of Church in the first place….still, I have no problems with Christianity itself, it is just the sneaky money grabbers around it that has always done my head in.

    white male

    Pastor Rick is a good guy. I’m sure that money will be spent helping make the world a better place.

    white male

    Only the Mormons make people give a tenth of their salary. Pastor Rick just probably asks for a dollar per person if they can afford it.

    desiree sanchez

    Pastor Rick probably has a couple of faces he wears throughout the day. Elderly statesman in the church and religious, homophobic bigot in public, including messing with Uganda politics. This man is no saint. Any of you folks ever here of The Family? Yes?

    Tracey

    white male

    1/3/10, 19:29:pm

    Pastor Rick is a good guy. I’m sure that money will be spent helping make the world a better place.
    _________________________________________________

    Yeah right, why couldnt he ask his members to give money directly to charity or directly to someone who is poor? Why the need to collect 2.4 million PERSONALLY, who is he tocollect large quanities of money and decide what should be done with it?

    What is the bet this man lives in a FAT house with FAT cars…I bet he drives more than one car!

    Jesus walked!

    Tracey

    No offence the man looks like a fat pig ready to go to a funeral, if the picture above is anything to go by!

    Maybe he needs to take more examples from christ and FAST for 30 days and 30 nights and RESIST the temptations of the devil….first root of evil is MONEY and feasting on SWINE BELLY MEAT!

    Maybe then he might have more credit from the non-gullible folks!

    smh

    No No No bossip…. those their are some suspect churches out there. Alot do good things. The fact is people are more will do give Solujah Boy and T-pain hundreds of millions of dollars which they waste on ” Big ***** Chains” then people we care about changing the situation of the world

    Tracey

    smh

    1/3/10, 20:13:pm

    No No No bossip…. those their are some suspect churches out there. Alot do good things. The fact is people are more will do give Solujah Boy and T-pain hundreds of millions of dollars which they waste on ” Big ***** Chains” then people we care about changing the situation of the world
    ______________________________________________

    Come on please, big difference in working for your money in rapping and singing, to opening up the bible and milking people for all it is worth!

    BOSSIP BE CAREFUL

    Bossip, you should be very careful what you write about the men and women of GOD:

    Matthew 7:1 “Judge not, lest ye be judged”

    Psalms 105:15, “Saying, touch not mine annointed, and do my prophets no harm…”

    Tracey

    BOSSIP BE CAREFUL

    1/3/10, 20:20:pm

    Bossip, you should be very careful what you write about the men and women of GOD:

    Matthew 7:1 “Judge not, lest ye be judged”

    Psalms 105:15, “Saying, touch not mine annointed, and do my prophets no harm…”
    ___________________________________________

    No one judging, one is saying do not PIMP Christ! Plan simple fact and do not manipulate the bible to get people scared to talk the truth….this is how many empirers and kings made a live of the bible and christ and got man into slavery!..ignorance and fear. The truth needs to be spoken….no one needs to make 2.4 million out of Christ’s people.

    white male

    Tracy do you really think Soulja Boy has done more good for the world than Pastor Rick???

    Tracey

    white male

    1/3/10, 20:28:pm

    Tracy do you really think Soulja Boy has done more good for the world than Pastor Rick???
    ________________________________________________

    What do you REALLY think?

    As long as Souja boy isnt opening the bible milking it for all it is worth, he can do what the hell he likes, it is called freewill and God will judge him by it!

    JUS2MUCH

    Isn’t this the minister that Obama called upon for the prayer for his Inaguration? Politics, you never know what people are up to. Everything is about money.

    Tracey

    Isn’t this the minister that Obama called upon for the prayer for his Inaguration? Politics, you never know what people are up to. Everything is about money.
    ______________________________________________

    Why would a man of God inagurate a illuminati, who is after what the book of revelation is warning us about globalization, new world order, one currency and one government…those who try and make the world one place and will fail?

    white male

    Due to the success of his book sales, in 2005 Warren returned his 25 years of salary to the church and discontinued taking a salary. He says he and his wife became “reverse tithers”, giving away 90% of their income and living off 10%.[11]

    this is from wikipedia

    Tracey

    white male

    1/3/10, 20:44:pm

    Due to the success of his book sales, in 2005 Warren returned his 25 years of salary to the church and discontinued taking a salary. He says he and his wife became “reverse tithers”, giving away 90% of their income and living off 10%.[11]

    this is from wikipedia
    ______________________________________________

    why do I need a book about the bible?

    Tracey

    He worte the book in 2005, what has been his job over the last 25 years? If he is a hardworking man in a hardworking normal folk job, I will take it all back!

    Tracey

    Oh his job is making millions out of talking about Christ LOL, no wonder he can give 90% away!

    I Aint Lyin

    And for you mega church defenders do yall know how many tax breaks and exemptions a church receives i.e. in lot of states a church does not have to pay property tax. Show me a mega church pastor not driving luxury cars living in 10 bedroom 10 bath mansion. THEY ARE ALL CHARLATANS

    Tracey

    Tomorrow, I will try and find the part in the bible where jesus made large funds of money in his father’s name and gave 90% away as a token of good measure!

    I think he had more things to think about like SAVING peoples souls WITH HIS LIFE and bringing them to salvation, as he sent his messages around the land with his disciples who all lived, worked, spoke and ate modestly.

    So to all those who are confused about Christainity, do not look to MAN for salvation and guidance, look to Christ himself, read his words, and see how he lived and what he was here for and waiting for….which is not for the lastest plasma tv!

    I Aint Lyin

    @ white male Rick Warren could have written that wikipedia entry himself lol

    Tracey

    I Aint Lyin

    1/3/10, 21:26:pm

    @ white male Rick Warren could have written that wikipedia entry himself lol
    _______________________________________________

    What his own propaghanda? No neverrrrr lol

    JUDY

    THAT’S GOOD THAT SADDLEBACK HAS PROGRAMS. AND GIVE FREELY AND THE SHORTFALL IS MET. DON’T JUDGE THE GOOD FRUITS BUT THE BAD FRUITS. OR LOOK IN YOUR HEART TO SEE IF YOU’RE BETTER.

    Marquis de Sade

    Y’all see how much cheaper it is to be a heathen? You get to keep your Sunday School money and buy more beer and chips for the playoffs.

    Jay4real

    Yall, da truth iz,dis man ministers for Satan da devil. Everybody loves their pastor, but what I don’t understand iz why people pay for that which iz not bread. If he taught da truth I wouldn’t mind donating some cash either. The law and the testimony, if they don’t preach the old and new testament, there iz no light in them. Shalom.

    THE ALMIGHTY TRUTH

    Dont go to church, go to Jesus.

    CriticXtreme

    How come the same process was not done for the Boys Choir of Harlem? So this also states that only some of us are dealing with a recession where others are just cautious.

    New World Order is the work of the devil

    CriticXtreme

    1/4/10, 01:59:am

    How come the same process was not done for the Boys Choir of Harlem? So this also states that only some of us are dealing with a recession where others are just cautious.
    _______________________________________________

    This was back in 2007, and from what I read a member received a prison sentence for abusing a boy.

    What is your point exactly. Why do people need to justify dodgy behaviour with something else, why? Why can’t we take on something that has happened currently and discuss.

    Justice was served to the Boys Choir of Harlem and God exposed them, and a good job at that too.

    You certainly shouldnt be singing about God, and having lust in your soul!

    And you certainly shouldnt be talking about God and having GREEDin your heart and taking people for the MUGS they are.

    Anonymous

    I’m so tired of these so called mega churches. I just don’t think that’s what it’s all about.

    Oh Please

    So let me see if I understand? This mad is the devil and the people who gave freely are idiots because they did not give to the “poor directly; as well as the fact that “mega churches” exist is just wrong? Where or where do I start?
    Mega churches – If you are preaching the word of God, Jesus crucified and raised from the dead and people are drawn to your church and it grows – what should you do close it because having a mega church is wrong? – humm

    The church doesn’t need “all that money to run” – It takes money to run anything, your house my house, schools, business, etc. – why would the church not need money especially if it does outreach – feeding the hungry, counseling, shoot just the day to day operations and up-keep – So because it is the church do they just go to the light and water companies and say we are the church – and theirs is free or when they feed people – do they say we are the church and it is free?

    Come on people let’s not be so simple -

    KeepNit2Real

    It’s funny to me how when Jesus was on Earth, he said he had nowhere to lay his head, no did he make a dime in his ministry…

    but pastors country-over get the green light to fleece people as they preach this so-called message of God and Christ when the ONLY ones benefiting from this are they themselves.

    I would never in my life give money to anyone for the name of Christ if they can’t show me in the Bible WHY they want so much money and where this is a scriptural requirement to live as a minister of God.

    It’s all a huge Ponzi scheme scam.

    BapBarbie

    BE FASHION is offering FREE STANDARD SHIPPING on all items!! U.S. and Puerto Rico Only!! befashiononline.com/befashioncloset.php

    Jamaquina.Cubana

    Hello people of America (and wherever else),

    This is an URGENT matter!
    I have just received a message above to spread myself out there & share in the wisdom that I have obtained (in only 29years), particularly in the islands…first stop will be Jamaica then we will continue East to Dom.Republic, Puerto Rico and South until we reach Trinidad & Tobago…just in time to ‘jump-up’ for Jesus w/the heathens during Carnival!
    All i ask is that you reach in your hearts (& savings) and make a contribution!
    And make it count people…Amen & Hallelujer…for this Heavenly Sistren needs some island clothes for this pilgrimage!
    :D

    Jamaquina.Cubana

    And who the f**k ask’d him to go to Africa!?! One person don’t need $2mil to go to Africa!
    What is there for him!?
    His oil drilling company!?! His diamond mining company!? Or his gaming reserve!?
    He needed that money to put into his overseas corporation y’all!
    These *****fkrs sick me to my stomach!

    Critical

    Like I said – I am not a member of the church, don’t know the man, or anyone who attends the church – but Tracey, you’re going in mad hard on someone/thing that you have not proclaimed to have first hand knowledge of. I think it was you who asked why not give money directly to charities, but a number of churches run their own faith-based charity efforts which is why the money would remain in house. As stated before, if they abuse the money (I am not niave & acknowledge that folk are human and some churches [and probably synagogues, mosques, temples, etc] have suffered from being jacked by crooks)- shame on them, but if they actually use the money for good and as stated but people of jumping to conclusions and have accused then of dirt- then shame on who?

    @Oh Please – you are right. People wonder why churches need money – but noone go after the gas and electric companies for charging churches for their services. No one ask why Exxon or Mobil do not give free gas to churches – especially when they are driving to serve the people. No one asks why the government or the public don’t pay church staff members or get after banks for not forgiving the mortgages held by such folk. All of this takes money! Hayle – such benefits aren’t afforded to the men & women fighting for the country so you know the world will not do such things for church staffers. Oh well……..bottom line- if one thinks a church is suspect, we are blessed with the CHOICE to give or not to give.

    bobby

    I don’t understand, what makes him shady?

    2dimplzs

    I’m sorry but why were there short falls? Where is the evidence that the money donated are actually going to benefit these various places? Yes this is very, very shady! Why is there a need for these “mega churches?” The more members the more money, the more times the plate is p*****ed around which = the fatter the pastor’s pockets get! Jesus taught ones for FREE! Learning God’s word should also be FREE! These excesses and the greed of man have NOTHING to do with God, it’s all the Devil and the works of the Devil and these wolves in sheep clothing are misusing God’s word and his sheep for their own selfish and greedy gain.

    This “pastor” and others like him will have to answer to God on judgment day just like the rest of us.

    white male

    Pastor Rick is a good guy. Is he supposed to live in a tent and ride a bike to church? He does humanitarian work all over the place. People that go to his church love him. It’s not a “scheme”, people just want to help and they realize part of their money they give also may go to supporting his family. He has grandkids

    TNR

    The people on this site are very special.

    How can you compare what Jesus did years ago to what pastors are doing now. Are you serious??

    People can barely live on what they were earning 2 years ago. Let alone do what Jesus did over thousands of years ago. It is almost comical.

    Churches get tax breaks!! Are you serious?? So that measley tax break is enough to help thousands of people. Do your tax refund last you and your family for more than 3 months? You probably don’t even buy your neighboor a loaf of bread let alone feed the hungry.

    Jesus came so we may have life and have it more abundantly. So just because a person is a preacher he has to be poor. GET OUTTA HERE!

    Most preachers give up their lives to help folks. Pray, counsel, visit the sick, and help people in their churche and their family members. But they have to be poor cause Jesus was poor. Are You Serious?? Where in the bible does it say Jesus was poor??

    It takes money to help people, that is why you have non-profits organizations constantly fundraising and asking for donations.

    Do people think that the president of the Red Cross or the Salvation Army are the devil or crooks cause they ask for money???

    Give me a break.

    Sure there are bad pastors just like there are good ones who are making a difference in the lives of there members.

    copelli21

    @white male….you’re soo freakin’ naive. So what he has grandkids! That doesn’t mean a damn thing.

    People with grandkids don’t do bad things? Lol..OMG, take off those rose-tinted gl*****es and get real. How old r u…12?

    Lsbl

    People don’t criticize pro ballers going out here and spending their money stupidly, but when a church needs it….all of a sudden it needs to be questioned. Why are the churches suffering, they should be the places that are flourishing. People would rather get a lottery ticket than put their money towards helping a church thrive. I mean, hello, it takes money to pay the light bill, the water bill, the electric…duh, and did I mention that Outreach programs aren’t free either?

    Critical

    @TNR

    All I can say is
    GET
    THAT
    SAID!!!!!!!!

    When was the last time we heard about Madison Square Garden, the Georgia Dome, the Staples Center or any other location allowing a church to use their facilities “free of charge”…NEVER. Forget about electricity, water and heat/air bills – security, liability insurance and other logistics items COST MONEY. BTW – some “mega churches” have hosted free events but the costs must be covered – and it is normally covered by the donations their members contribute which is seen as support of spreading the Word.

    Even if we move out of the church – if you have attended a free concert at Central Park, it may have been free for attendees but whether paid by record companies or corporate sponsorships the expenses still existed & had to be paid by someone. We can cry “shady” all day long, but until corporations & individuals start providing churches services and goods “free of charge”, I suggest falling back and reserving such accusations for cases where such claims are proven warranted.

    dark and pretty

    Rick Warren is a heretical apostate, hands

    down. He teaches that being homosexual is ok &

    taught christains to be self-serving in ‘the

    purpose-driven life’ book. Just because you

    $ doesn’t mean your actions are approved by

    God.

    You betta believe hell has a special place for

    theese type of false teachers.

    SavedbyGrace

    Oh, absolutely, of course and without a doubt [rolling eyes] what a horrible thing to do as a pastor – Ask for voluntary and sincere generosity of the best kind so the love-filled missions around the world that save and build the lives of millions can continue. Taisha in Chicago, when you’re able to explain how there is an atom’s difference between this and a movie star that actually IS living a nauseatingly ridiculous “lavish” and selfish lifestyle, all on the money that YOU paid to buy an overpriced ticket to see their meaningless movie, let me know. But remember, God LOVES you, and so does every other child of Him. Jesus is the only way, please give it one more thought.

    Awake

    How tragic – most of the people writing comments on here will likely spend eternity separated from God, aka Hell. Wow. They’ll read this and burn with rage, mainly because they know I’m correct and that the chance of proving otherwise is non-existent. The hostility toward not only a man of God, but one in a leadership position, who is one of us few people that through opened eyes, discovered the truth of God’s unbelievable favor, is so sad. I pity these people and look upon them as small, scared children. I hope beyond understanding that they’ll listen when Jesus whispers to their hearts because the next time could be the last. God Bless every person who reads this. My breakthrough came when I simply surrendered to His Grace. The millions God has blessed me with were nothing short of a miracle – the miracle of God’s unmerited Grace and Favor and my faith in the seeds of investment that I planted. Open your heart to Him. If you must be jealous of someone with vast wealth, consider the true empty-heads of Hollywood. Leave alone the people making the difference in the world such as Rick Warren and myself.

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