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Church leaders should not engage in running businesses - Bishop Charles

- says dual jobs don’t give church full satisfaction
Bishop Ishmael Charles (right) strikes a pose with hostess of the Real Talk TV Programme, Karia Christopher. Photo:facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Bishop Ishmael Charles of the New Testament International Worship Centre is of the personal conviction that once called by God as a minister of the church, a pastor should not be divided between leading his congregation and running a commercial business.

The Bishop made this pronouncement on the TV programme, Real Talk with hostess Karia J. Christopher, aired on CBN Channel 51 last evening, December 27, 2012. The interview was done as part of a series of the 10 most fascinating personalities in the BVI for 2012.

The recently appointed Caribbean Field Director of the New Testament Church of God who now oversees some 3000 ministers and approximately 750,000 members in 14 countries said, “…when you’re called to do something, you fulfil that call… I took the role of saying ‘I’m going to stick with the pastoring’.”

Bishop Charles revealed that when he first came to the Virgin Islands to lead a small congregation of one hundred persons, the salary was a ‘pittance’, however, he made a decision to ‘trust God’ even though he was initially given the option of taking up a second job.

The church leader said that he found out for himself after making the decision, that it was the greatest thing to minister to people.

He found that the church began to grow and he was able to find that he had time to ‘prepare’; “I find that if I was doing a dual job, it really doesn’t give the full satisfaction of the entire ministry operation.”

Bishop Charles continued, “What is happening, what is evolving in the 21st Century, is a role model of entrepreneurship [of business] in the church and people are equating the church and business together.”

He further noted that there is a thin line that one can become a pastor but yet have another role that they can make additional funds on. “People make those choices, but if you ask me for me, the calling of God that came upon my life, is a direct calling that I decided with my wife that we are going to trust God.”

The Field Director felt that persons think that he makes millions of dollars in the church but he disputed this. “I give back more to the church than the church gives to me.”

He noted that his children’s college tuition was being funded by a friend of his whom he referred to as his “good grandfather”. His Lexus, he added, was given to him and the house that he occupies belongs to the church.

“The pastor,” he said, “is called to develop those men and women in the church…” This was evident he claimed, when one studied the biblical mandate. “The prophet, the priest, the pastor… is called to develop the kings and the businessmen in the church, so it’s my job to teach the business principles in the church and develop business men and women in the church so the church could be supported.”

“In concept, contrary to popular opinion,” he added, “I am called to be a pastor and a leader – that’s succinctly what I’m going to do… my job in Tortola doesn’t come with perks, I’m paid a salary at the church, that’s all I get.”

When asked by the hostess to comment on whether other leaders were less effective in the church while carrying out dual roles, he was somewhat evasive but responded by saying that he was keen on following biblical context in his denomination. “The ministers of the gospel,” he quoted the scripture as saying, “gave themselves to prayer and to the word.”

He noted that the people had to be fed and jokingly added that the success of the church was not as a result of how "good looking" he appears.

The success of the church, he contended, is found in the way that you commit to people – teaching, leading and vision.

86 Responses to “Church leaders should not engage in running businesses - Bishop Charles ”

  • rewrsdffds (28/12/2012, 09:01) Like (13) Dislike (7) Reply
    u seem to be doing very well for urself, unlike Jesus who was the poorest of his flock
    • Methodist. (28/12/2012, 17:12) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
      So you're saying because he's a pastor, he must be poor?
      • rewrsdffds (28/12/2012, 18:50) Like (7) Dislike (4) Reply
        i'm saying that pastors should take the example of Christ. if it is a genuine calling, then eschew worldy things.

        i have known many men of God, and i use the term with distaste, and they are the most materialistic creatures on earth
        • Kadeem (01/01/2013, 13:29) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
          I pray every morning for GOD to give me strength for that day. I participate in community things just to help out. If I can make a person feel better about themselves, I will try my best. I don't feel well all the time, but when I do I use it all up being with people who are just people and not pretanders because tomorrow is not promised to any of us. I do not go to church because I am tired of people like this pastor who feel they are above GOD. I choose and live my life because I control me, so all you so called holy rollers..get off my back!
      • BET (29/12/2012, 02:01) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Wait...never mind...

    • dell (29/12/2012, 07:54) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
      correction my friend Jesus was and is never poor, he owns it all
      • rewrsdffds (29/12/2012, 14:39) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        i am referring ofcourse to material things, of which the good pastor has in abundance. Christ on the other hand did not possess a thing of this world
        • dos (31/12/2012, 01:55) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
          The messiah had many material things. He had disciples: do you not believe that he had the resource to feed and cloth the very people that he had following him? Also he came from a lineage of kings. From his birth he was showered with very expensive gifts. He was never poor financial or spiritually.
          • rewrsdffds (31/12/2012, 09:24) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
            we can settle this easily; name one material thing he owned apart from the clothing he used.
      • park (29/12/2012, 16:20) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
        revisionist history
    • emm (29/12/2012, 13:09) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
      y is it u guys always have a problem with the pastors doing well? as a believer wether pastor or not, if u r really walking with God, u r should be the most blessed person around because God blesses his people, and as the word says the blessings of God maketh rich and addeth no sorrow.
      • Nice (30/12/2012, 09:22) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
        by that logic, Warren Buffet is close to God since he's so rich.
        the only problem with ur childish assertion is that Buffetts' an atheist
    • Hmm (29/12/2012, 21:01) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      Pastor Charles I disagree respectfully, that is your opinion and you are entitled to it. Dont walk your life and run others.
  • same old (28/12/2012, 09:06) Like (13) Dislike (11) Reply
    well sah is tis ah hit against he friend john?
    • old glory (28/12/2012, 10:58) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
      And then you have the weak-minded individuals who will oppose Cline no matter what...
      • open up (28/12/2012, 18:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        At which college did you learn math?
        • under the bus (30/12/2012, 16:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          Hahaha kudos man... Get a life open up. I hate people who feel the need to correct other people's spelling/grammar/punctuation etc online.


  • bam see (28/12/2012, 09:08) Like (19) Dislike (8) Reply
    all these church leaders are something else...some greedy, some playboys, some crooks........................i can go on and on
  • Tell UM (28/12/2012, 09:22) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Well this is it, somebody from Duff Bottom better take heed. LOL
  • go girl (28/12/2012, 09:24) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    Karia, you is the best! Only you can get people to say all kinda things. I like you, I like you a lot. Keep doing great things!
  • good job (28/12/2012, 09:34) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    This was an excllent show. Good job both of you. WOW the Pastor hit the top ten most fascinating! GO ahead Pastor show them how it is done!
  • Afro Samauri (28/12/2012, 09:37) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    The church system is corrupt and bankrupt in the BVI. The "leaders" offer no real "pastoring" to the young members of the flock yet arrogantly display their desire for material things; while preaching against it! Contradictions abound and these pentecostal churches seem to be machines of prey that suck the poor lifeblood from desperate members. I agree with your PERSONAL viewpoint Ishmael - some of these same "pastors/bishops/ministers" are out for the root of all evil (desire of money) while competing with the same flock all the whileutilising this deceptive network to further their personal gains. I like what Karl Marx said..."religion is the opiate to the masses, it is used to control and opress..." seems some of these "leaders" have read and used Marx's views to their advantage!
  • reality (28/12/2012, 09:40) Like (11) Dislike (5) Reply
    The Church always has and always will be a business preying on the poor!
  • great (28/12/2012, 09:42) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Great Show, go ahead Karia!
  • FYI (28/12/2012, 09:44) Like (4) Dislike (10) Reply

    John  owns a business, he doesn't run it. There is a difference. That is the type of leader he is. He knows how to delegate and surrounds himself with people he can trust. He is there for his flock whenever and wherever he is needed. The man wears many hats and does a great job of it. So back off John.

    • Jocko (31/12/2012, 10:05) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      School Children say i gave away a few IPhone 5s for Xmas.....John is the man...keep them women in line....God knows what else you giving away!!!!
      • uno (04/01/2013, 12:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Jocko YOU A FOOL. MIND YOUR BUSINESS!!!!! bout keep women in line!!!
  • Nice (28/12/2012, 09:45) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    but u are running a lucrative business chief
  • nonsense (28/12/2012, 09:47) Like (18) Dislike (44) Reply
    So what does he think he's running? LMAO!! He is running a tax free business. He's selling hope and false promises to a set of lemmings that refuse to think for themselves. People need to realize that they can pray, be spiritual etc. in their own homes, they don't have to frolic behind these people, giving them all their money with hopes of milk and honey in the skies. It's no different to those infomercials we see on TV marketing to the weakest link. When this man stop accepting monies from the congregation to run that extravagant organization then he can talk, until then, pure smoke and mirrors. I think I'm in the wrong business.
    • share (29/12/2012, 02:11) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      God help us.

      • My Nonsense (29/12/2012, 16:59) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        If you are given to extravagance and personal affirmation through ostentation, then you are in the wrong business......for it has no end, and ultimately brings no lasting contentment. But qualities of modesty, charity, sincerity, intellectual curiosity and affective bonding with persons of similar 'spiritual' dispositions may yet be the right business and not A FAR FETCH.....without the religious paraphernalia.
    • Only God knows (30/12/2012, 08:48) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      It may or may not be true, that some are running a tax free business but it’s not for us to judge. At the end of the day, and at the end of their lives the Pastors, Bishops and Ministers whether they are business men or not MUST stand before God and be judged. My bible tells me that they will be judged to a higher accord so if they want to play with God now and not be earnest in their Calling (if they were in fact Called) then that is entirely up to them.
  • YES! (28/12/2012, 09:51) Like (11) Dislike (5) Reply
    New Testament International Worship Center in the House!!!!!!! God is GOOD!
  • perfect (28/12/2012, 10:00) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Now this is how interviews are done! BAM!
  • tell me (28/12/2012, 10:02) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    How does one get on this show? Look like a hot list!?!
  • Biblical (28/12/2012, 10:08) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply
    Judge not
  • True (28/12/2012, 10:09) Like (17) Dislike (42) Reply
    why you feel the need to drive a lexus when a little jimmy would do, someone gave it to you, sell it and donate the money to the needy of your so clalled flock.
    Your house is owned by the church, they used to rent it before they bought it, you don't pay any rent so the church is out of pocket paying the mortgage.
    Your friend pays college fund? A rich church member pays your childrens college fund instead of the donation going to the church.

    All in all your a minister who should be giving all your worldly good to the poor of the flock instead of living the good life, or do you believe God owes you that much?
    • billyb (28/12/2012, 13:04) Like (12) Dislike (4) Reply
      @true. I am no fan of Bishop Charles, but good gracious when he give away allllll that is given to him, what must he do, BEG AT YOU??????? Strrrrruuuuuupes
  • friend (28/12/2012, 10:33) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
    The show was great, i listened to Bishop Charles comments, he was very wise in answering the questions. He spoke very well . I did not heard him made any implications towards any of the other pastors who are in business. He specifically said this is what he will do, no insinuation about any other not even his friend john.By the way hats off to Karia. Bishop Charles is the only Bishop that stands up so publicly about their wives. I heard no comments on that. GOOD JOB GUYS.
  • Servant (28/12/2012, 10:45) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    Bishop Charles comments are warranted, however, if you READ through the bible Job, Abraham, David etc. those Men were Rich in the land, cattle etc. I think what has happended is that we think that God does not want us to have riches on earth, that is simply not Truth, he says that he wants the best for us. What I see is that sometimes the "Prosperity" Message overshadows what God intended for us, not to just run after money for he said "For the love of money is the root of evil" 1st Timothy 6:10, but God knew that to have money answers or allows us to attain things in Life hence the verse "A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things". Ecclesiates 10 v 19 and go on to verse 20. The other Ministers of the Gospel need not be ashamed to have MONEY, it is a matter of Priority, God work should always come first and once they have that Grounded then they will be fine. WHO GIVES RICHES, GOD! Only he selects who gets it, Riches comes with a price, so be careful not to run after it but let it come to you through Christ! While we are poor, we read his word for strength, wisdom and understanding and with that the Riches will come both financially and spiritually if God sees fit! GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
  • Well meh boy (28/12/2012, 10:52) Like (4) Dislike (6) Reply
    Like this "Bishop" Cline?
  • look here (28/12/2012, 10:53) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    John and Ishamel need to have lunch. How to be millioniares in the name of Jesus LOL
  • watcher (28/12/2012, 10:58) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Bishop, you had me carcking up for the entire hour! Loved the show!
  • bvi (28/12/2012, 11:03) Like (6) Dislike (16) Reply
    If I can recall, Bishop Charles runs a construction company. Is this not a business? If I am incorrect, I stand to be corrected. However, there is nothing wrong with church leaders running businesses. The first thing Charles and others would say if church leaders didnt have their own source of income is that they are using the church money for their personal use. So I say 'shut the hell up' and get a life.
    • pat (28/12/2012, 11:35) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
      what if the church wants to build an events building and extension and the pastor is also runs a construction company? Isn't there a conflict of interest? same question for Duffs Bottom.
  • good show (28/12/2012, 11:07) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Good Show Karia!! Keep up the great work!
  • Say what you want (28/12/2012, 11:17) Like (10) Dislike (7) Reply
    Bishop Charles is real and in charge! Great Show! He made no negative comments about any other Bishop or Pastor, so ayo back off. Who the cap fit let them wear it. Bishop you were great!!!!!
  • ReX FeRal (28/12/2012, 11:50) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    So tell me. If the church is selling a service what is that call? They have day care, they have music classes and other service they collect money for. That's business but if its church business is going to be frowned upon? Seize the time.
  • This was good (28/12/2012, 11:56) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Karia, girl you getter better and better. I can't wait to see who on the list next. The shows are very good. Keep up the great work!
  • What a ting (28/12/2012, 12:00) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    Karia you need to bring on the Bishop from Duff Bottom. I am sure you and him would have a great interview also. Is he on your top 10 list? Inquiring minds want to know!
  • Yes (28/12/2012, 12:02) Like (16) Dislike (43) Reply
    Karia says, she loves New Testament but she loves Methodist more. LOL Big up to the methodist people let we stay broke and out of this fiasco. She big up Reverend Setton LOL. That girl is the best.
  • Well (28/12/2012, 12:22) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    That girl sharp sah
  • killy willy (28/12/2012, 12:59) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    Bishop you doing a good job. Focus all your attention on the church, ESPECIALLY YOUR CHOIR, they need some work, both in their person lives, and ministry. The singing needs some work and their lives is not reflective of true "Christians".
    • Harvest (29/12/2012, 08:09) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      @killy willy - the wheat and the tears must grow together until the day of harvest. There is NO perfect choir in the BVI in any of the churches. A pastor is not there to watch everybody in their bedrooms, bathrooms, bars or boardrooms, he can only preach the word and hope it does not fall on deaf ears. At the end of the day it does not matter what any pastor or other person say, people will always do what they want. Eventually everybody will reap what they sow.
  • Boombastic (28/12/2012, 13:16) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    I watched it last night and was very interesting. I once read.. someone interviewed TD Jakes and asked-"Why he always flies first class and other questions pertaining to wealth and he answered that Jesus was not impoverished therefore he should not be poor and enjoy the best of this life.
    • nonsense (28/12/2012, 16:30) Like (13) Dislike (3) Reply

      See that's what sickens me. Jesus wasn't impoverished but his congregation should give their last with the hopes of being 'blessed' like him some day right? It's pure bull$h1t  being sold in a shiny bottle. Flying coach is not being impoverished. Driving a Vitara instead of an Escallade is not being impoverished. Wearing a $1000k Imani Suit as opposed to a $200.00 suit isn't being impoverished. Wearing $500. gator shoes and $100 socks as opposed to a pair of Clarks for $150.00 and nice socks for $20 isn't being impoverished. That's the brainwashing bull$h1t that fool you guys all the time. Put your money in the basket and you will be blessed? HAHA!! Funny if his congregation were to pull up in those rides and wearing those clothing they would be castigated. TD Jakes and the likes are leaches to the highest degree. I won't class Charles with him but in principle they all do the same thing. If you telling me that a Pastor drives a Benz and not a Suzuki because he's 'Blessed' then I must be an idiot. I guess all of the church going Suzuki drivers are not blessed 'yet' lol.... There is no explanation for their choice of lifestyle except that they love worldly things as much as us regular folk but are putting on a show. They say as a Christian you shouldn't believe in the 'worldly' things. But funny how it's us 'worldly' people that decides that a Benz is classier than a Suzuki. So how then based on that premise, people talk about blessed? Can't fool I man!

  • .................. (28/12/2012, 13:21) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    They say Jesus was a Carpenter, Pastor Charles. Oooops, excuse me sir, I meant BISHOP Charles.....
  • Look Out (28/12/2012, 13:55) Like (3) Dislike (9) Reply
    Duff Bottom better watch out, new testament boasting 700 members and now on top ten list? Lol what a thing to tell the king. It's all about marketing.
  • tretretrete (28/12/2012, 14:50) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply

    Church leaders shouldnt get married two and three times either, but they do it. I am sure 2013 wont pass before he marry hu.... his third wife! and the first two aint dead. till death do us part only apply to you not me i guess

  • deep (28/12/2012, 15:09) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    he knows that running a business in tola is mostly stealing/rip off
  • Real (28/12/2012, 15:51) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    The show focused on other things besides making money. He spoke about being a man before he was a Bishop, he spoke about the love for his wife and family. About the strife in the churc, he was real and funny. The man even joked about not getting no sex that night because his children where coming home. Say what you want about him but he was real, funny and inspirational. Great Job Karia and Bishop Charles.
  • Funny (28/12/2012, 15:54) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    One of the funniest shows hands down, I was laughing the enitre hour. He is smart, a man of God and very inspirational. Karia and him worked well together, the girl know how to orchestrate a great interview. Hands down one of the best host I see in Tola.
  • Talk what you want (28/12/2012, 15:57) Like (1) Dislike (20) Reply
    But the man bring the church from 15 members to over 700 members. Some people could stand to learn a few things to two from him. #bringingsoulstochrist
    • Blessed (28/03/2013, 03:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

      U need 2 shut the hell up cause it was more than 15 members u stupid azzz

  • same ole (28/12/2012, 15:57) Like (4) Dislike (27) Reply
    both him and cline is the same kittel of fish deman
  • gues who (28/12/2012, 18:14) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    So bishop,when u is going to marry them two. Remember he is still marry..u said u is a man of prinicples n u is a leader. Leaders dont encourage audoltery. Check your chiour.
    • billyb (29/12/2012, 07:46) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      @gues who, i hope you trying to disguise yourself with your spelling so it ain't obvious who you are. If that is not the case you need some serious grammar lessons
  • thats right (28/12/2012, 18:31) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Great show, big up to who where all involved.
  • Positive (28/12/2012, 22:39) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Some of these bloggers like confusion buddy!! Bishop Charles spoke about his opinion on different matters and you people want to turn it into confusion and cause negative exchange of words against people who are unsuspecting talking about Cline and Church down Duffs Bottom, etc. as if Bishop Cline has you all to study. Get a life!! ....... To Karia and Bishop Charles: Very good interview! I for sure won't read any negative into it; all the judges on this blog will be judged themselves one day.
    • for real (30/12/2012, 12:16) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      I quite agree with u. People just don't have anything to do but just stirring up confusion. The man has a right to give his opinion. why these New Life members take so much offence about this? I am not a member of any of these churches. We need to stop. Even the Blogs.
  • Positive (29/12/2012, 00:08) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    BISHOP CHARLES, I BELIEVE THAT GOD HAS YOUR BEST INTEREST A HEART!
    YOU INSPIRE! YOU ADMONISH! YOU HAVE CLASS!
    GOD BLESS YOU!
  • D (29/12/2012, 00:42) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    Did he ever for one moment mention Bishop Cline. Why ninety percent of the comments making it seem like he was talking about him. Leave the two men of God alone or else when you all who are on the blog talking bad about them need to be prayed for you mouth will not be able to open, and say to someone get either Bishop Charles or Bishop Cline. Stop talking about these men of God the way you people are doing.
  • music (29/12/2012, 01:56) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    UGH UGH and UGH.

  • GREED (29/12/2012, 06:52) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    its all about greed the whole world is greedy,what do you expect.
  • What? (29/12/2012, 08:17) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    @Gues who - are you for real? Can someone who is still married get married to someone else in BVI? The last guy that tried that was brought before the courts and subsequently deported.
  • dell (29/12/2012, 08:39) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    this was a great show, Bishop Charles in a man of God, a man of integrety, i man that stands for rightiousness, he never say a pastor should not be involved in a second job, he simple say this is what he dose, to be the effective leader that he is, he also did not involved any pastor or leader, he simple coated the scriptures and says he has patterned his life from the scriptures. He is called to be a pastor, and because he is called, he is obligated to fulfill that calling, and that can only be done through total submission to God, why u guys think if something was given to me as a gift, i must sell it to give to the poor, yes if the someone has a need, and i can peet that need i will, but i think u are going over the edge, would u do that?
    I f the church put the pastor in a house to live y u should have a problem with that, if your money is there all u have to do is stop putting your money there, and give yourself some satisfaction, thats the churches buisness and have no right to dictate how the church must treat the pastor, that man is bless, and the word of God says the blessing of God maketh rich and addeth no sorrow.
  • look here (29/12/2012, 17:24) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Well look how Karia show going to have Charles church top 1000 members Sunday. All eyes on you Bishop lol
  • Me (29/12/2012, 20:43) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    This headline is totally misleading. Just watched the shoe and it is a totally different answer the men gave. Come on people please watch the show before you crucify the pastor
  • jimmy (29/12/2012, 22:59) Like (5) Dislike (14) Reply
    Excellent show - Great host and guest. I once heard a pastor say some people are so negative that if you put them in a dark room they develop. Some of us will never ever see the good in people, we will always see the bad.
    Karia, I pray your show will grow from strength to strength and Bishop, I pray that the Lord will continue to direct your every move
  • Episco (30/12/2012, 16:31) Like (9) Dislike (17) Reply
    Thank God the Anglican Church don't have this kind of drama
  • Inez (01/01/2013, 13:36) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    He looks and sounds like a PLAYER and why is he standing so close to Karia. They are both married we all know. There was enough camera space for him to step away a little more. Brags. He didn't have to mention his Lexus, his kids college tuition being paid, his house the church is letting him use, especially when so many have nothing. All is not right in Mudville.
  • Hilarious (02/01/2013, 08:12) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    So, one must eschew all earthly treasures in the service of God but this concept you have said in the same breathe with " when you first came you were being paid a pittance but you trusted God" right? Right!
    Question: To do what? What did you trust God to do? Was it not to make your lot in life better?
    If you are honest you will admit that you enjoy the trappings of wealth as much as the next man, you enjoy living in the big house and driving the Lexus because you feel they are your due!! And you feel they should be given to you by the people you minister to because you feel for giving them spiritual guidance they in turn should look after you, sometimes at detriment to themselves, because you feel it is your due! But you will sit there and condemn others for gaining the trappings of wealth another way than merely bleeding the church (the people) dry! Thou hypocrite!!!


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