“Freeloading” Christians

[Revmitchell]

WINSTON-SALEM — Julie and Bob Clark were stunned to receive a letter from their church in July asking them to “participate in the life of the church” — or worship elsewhere.

“They basically called us freeloaders,” says Julie.

“We were freeloaders,” says Bob.

In a trend that may signal rough times for wallflower Christians, bellwether mega-church Faith Community of Winston-Salem has asked “non-participating members” to stop attending.

“No more Mr. Nice Church,” says the executive pastor, newly hired from Cingular Wireless. “Bigger is not always better. Providing free services indefinitely to complacent Christians is not our mission.”

“Freeloading” Christians were straining the church’s nursery and facility resources and harming the church’s ability to reach the lost, says the pastor.

http://www.larknews.com/archives/574

 

[annsni]

Couldn't that be addressed from the pulpit using Scripture? I believe it can. I don't think that there is a biblical mandate to become a member, tithe and volunteer but I do think that we can address some of the life of the church in the messages and encourage our members to not only be a part of the church body in membership, volunteer at the church as they are able and to give generously, but to also encourage them to be a part of their community in ministry and bring the gospel to all those around them. I don't quite think that the way the church went about this was the right way to do it.

 

[Steadfast Fred]

I read that article some time last week.

Sadly, the Clark's were coerced into obeying the man-made doctrine of tithing ten per cent of their finances to Faith Community.

Jesus Christ abolished the tithe in the first century, yet so many pastors lie to their flocks, telling them God requires the tithe.

 

[Revmitchell]

I read that article some time last week.

Sadly, the Clark's were coerced into obeying the man-made doctrine of tithing ten per cent of their finances to Faith Community.

Jesus Christ abolished the tithe in the first century, yet so many pastors lie to their flocks, telling them God requires the tithe.

What ever you believe about the tithe does not add up to pastor "lying" about it. What is just as important is controlling out rhetoric over things we disagree about rather than jumping to extreme rhetoric like this.

 

[sag38]

Ya'll do realize that this site is a parody. This event never actually happened. You all have been larked!

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

I read that article some time last week.

Sadly, the Clark's were coerced into obeying the man-made doctrine of tithing ten per cent of their finances to Faith Community.

Jesus Christ abolished the tithe in the first century, yet so many pastors lie to their flocks, telling them God requires the tithe.

So why would you want to belong to a church that lies to you and serves you Dunning notices.....just another modern church absurdity! :BangHead:

 

[Revmitchell]

Ya'll do realize that this site is a parody. This event never actually happened. You all have been larked!

Never heard of it before.

 

[sag38]

www.larknews.com is a parody.

 

[Revmitchell]

www.larknews.com is a parody.

So I see......

 

[sag38]

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2003/mayweb-only/31.0a.html

If we are willing to laugh at ourselves and how absurd so Christians can appear to non believers then lark is a good site.

 

[JonC]

I have had a pastor that suggested to the congregation that if they are not going to be involved in the work of Christ (either within the confines of the physical church or outside its walls) that he would prefer for them not to take up a seat that can be utilized by others who will. Perhaps there is an issue with church “members” who are actually church spectators.

BTW, I like the “LarkPremium” section of Lark News.com.

 

[sag38]

If you like that then check out the horoscope part. lol

 

[Steadfast Fred]

From what I can see, this one is not fake...

http://www.pimppreacher.com/Pastor-...bers-out-of-church-for-not-paying-tithes.html

Notice the letter at the bottom. Karry's Church does have a website. They are Missionary Baptists.

 

[JonC]

If you like that then check out the horoscope part. lol

:laugh::thumbs::thumbs: Glad Rev posted this link. Has been a bright spot in an otherwise dull day.

 

[Crabtownboy]

www.larknews.com is a parody.

The name, "Lark" kind of gives it away as a parody ... maybe even a bit of satire.

Interesting website. Thanks SAG

 

[JonC]

http://www.larknews.com/archives/4291

But they do seem to hit the nail right on the head quite often.

 

[thisnumbersdisconnected]

Jesus Christ abolished the tithe in the first century ...

All of which would make a good debate if the story were real. But never mind ...

 

[JohnDeereFan]

WINSTON-SALEM — Julie and Bob Clark were stunned to receive a letter from their church in July asking them to “participate in the life of the church” — or worship elsewhere.

“They basically called us freeloaders,” says Julie.

“We were freeloaders,” says Bob.

In a trend that may signal rough times for wallflower Christians, bellwether mega-church Faith Community of Winston-Salem has asked “non-participating members” to stop attending.

“No more Mr. Nice Church,” says the executive pastor, newly hired from Cingular Wireless. “Bigger is not always better. Providing free services indefinitely to complacent Christians is not our mission.”

“Freeloading” Christians were straining the church’s nursery and facility resources and harming the church’s ability to reach the lost, says the pastor.

http://www.larknews.com/archives/574

We don't ask them to stop attending. We just initiate church discipline proceedings in absentia and remove them from the roles.

 

[Steadfast Fred]

This mega-Church pastor sent out letters on the Church letterhead. And yes, it is a legit Church and legit letterhead.

 

[Steadfast Fred]

All of which would make a good debate if the story were real. But never mind ...

The story is real according to the Bible.
I'm sorry you don't believe the Bible.