Churchgoers Drop $2.4 Milli in Two Days for Megachurch Pastor

Posted on January 3rd, 2010 - By Bossip Staff

Categories: News, SMH

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.

Source

  • Kool Breeze

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

  • 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…

  • http://www.naylandhouse.com 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.

  • http://customcalendars4u2.com Taisha from Chicago

    If you have the heart for MISLEADING masses 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 class 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.

  • http://www.kanyeuniversecity.com/blog/imgpop.php?img=http://www.kanyeuniversecity.com/client_images/kanyewest/3164_b0e5bda4c46c8d17b6cf25713d3170ac.jpg Slide Like A Fresh Pair of Gators

    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!

  • http://www.twitter.com/nostudentloans studentloancrisis

    Wow can I get that type of help

    Do you have student loans follow me on twitter http://www.twitter.com/nostudentloans and let find a solution

  • http://Bossip 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!

  • http://Bossip 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

  • 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.

  • 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

    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 class 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 classes…smh….churches are real businesses here…shameful….all about money! GOD DONT NEED MONEY!

  • 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 ambassador. 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.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • http://deleted 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 muthafkrs sick me to my stomach!

  • 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 passed 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 glasses 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.

  • 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.

blog comments powered by Disqus