Prosperity Preaching

Bitter Believer Over "Prosperity" Preaching

Please read the above article. Prosperity preaching bothers me on sooo many different levels. This is just one of them. While, it is ultimately a person's business to give money to a ministry, the ministers have a great responsibility to not deceive people or give them false hopes. If you do this, you are a false teacher.

Pastors be very careful what you tell a congregation about giving money. If your church needs money to complete a task, just tell the people. Be honest with them. Don't tack on "God will give you special favor or blessing if you support this financially." OR "God is speaking to (enter number here) to give (X amount of dollars)." Pastor friend, be very careful about what you claim is a "word" from God. Do not manipulate scripture to your (or your church's) advantage.

Take a look at Acts 8:

Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was bestowed through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, saying, “Give this authority to me as well, so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! You have no part or portion in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray the Lord that, if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity.”

In fact, we are told we are sinning if we think we can get something (be it a house, car, blessings, favor, etc) from God by giving money. We already have Divine favor because we are children of God.

Pastor friend, remember, you will be held accountable for your words (just as much as I will be). But you have a greater responsibility because you are leading people...