Where Pastors can eat for free!

[StefanM]

But today in churches of much size at all, the compensation packages seem well in line such that perks should not be expected in the same way. But, of course, maybe my view is based on my present involvement in a church which now averages more than 3000 in attendance per week and has approx. a dozen ministers on staff, with 2 or 3 part time. We have a senior pastor and an executive pastor, at least, with packages in 6 figures, so it's hard to see that they need free pizza or free haircuts (especially for no more hair than either of them have). And to think they still get housing allowance for their $250,000 houses and they preach against trusting in social security to get by in those 'golden years' and still have the church pay into that program for them, in addition to an annuity.... I don't seriously consider a word they say about trusting in God to provide for my needs by being faithful in tithes and offerings.

But privileges just don't go away easily when those who have them continue to take them as if they're entitled and additionally have their own forum to remind 'their people' of that; usually not very overtly, but keeping the point in their minds.

I don't the perks should be expected, but I don't see the harm in using them if offered. I know that if anyone offered a free meal to financial aid administrators, I'd probably take them up on the offer!

 

[North Carolina Tentmaker]

I don't mean to be overly cynical, but I really doubt if CiCi's wants to "Give something back to those pour underpaid preachers."

What CiCi's wants if for pastors and youth pastors to bring their youth groups there to eat!

How many of you are going to eat at CiCi's by yourself?

This has nothing to do with how much preachers get paid. It has everything to do with you bringing more people to CiCi's

 

[Tom Butler]

The Baptist Board's Language Cop, Ed Sutton, has not posted in nine days. I suspect he is one of those Kentuckians who still does not have power lost in last week's Ice Storm. Were he able to post, I'm sure he would have already addressed the phrase "for free."

Simply put, "for free" is incorrect. You can get something free, for nothing or without charge. "Free" is an absolute, and does not require any help. Similar to "totally destroyed." When it's destroyed, it's total. Same with "pregnant." You either are or are not. You can't be "partially pregnant."

I'm afraid this battle is lost. Even the national media, newspapers and TV, get it wrong, and they're supposed to be guardians of the language. But there are some holdouts against the tide.

Hurry back, Ed, we need you.

 

[Magnetic Poles]

I don't mean to be overly cynical, but I really doubt if CiCi's wants to "Give something back to those pour underpaid preachers."

What CiCi's wants if for pastors and youth pastors to bring their youth groups there to eat!

How many of you are going to eat at CiCi's by yourself?

This has nothing to do with how much preachers get paid. It has everything to do with you bringing more people to CiCi's

Yep...savvy marketing! And why in the world would pastors feel entitled to eat for free at any business is beyond me.

 

[rickh]

Alright, should that be taken into consideration or not when a finance committee, or the church at large, is determining ministerial compensation?

Only if you like being stingy. :BangHead:

 

[Dr. Bob]

At the Founders Conference (Reformed SBC) last summer near Tulsa I was pleased to see my favorite Tex/Mex chain with a "bring in your church bulletin and get 15% off" sign on the marquee.

 

[Alcott]

I thought there had been some cases where that type of thing resulted in legal action for 'religious discrimination' on grounds that a business serving food or drink to the public cannot refuse to serve, or award special services to, any person on account of religion (and race, color, nationality,...) based on the Civil Rights Act of 1964.