Your Pastor isn't Rich

The prevalence of hate against the church often stems from widespread assumptions that may not accurately represent reality. Sometimes you see so much hate against the church and just wonder where this is coming from. After a few interactions, you come to see that the pain and hate stem from assumptions that have become so popular that they appear to be the truth.

Assumptions like pastors and churches do not do enough for their members but get rich on tithes and offerings given by their poor members. While there are churches and church leaders feeding fat on members, there are thousands of not so rich pastors and churches focused on doing God’s work. There are also many others who live a decent lives from their full time roles.

I grew up attending Gospel Faith Mission International (GOFAMINT), and never did I once feel pastors were rich after many years of being part of the church. I saw members take up school fees for the pastor’s kids. Members formed groups to contribute to taking care of the pastor’s and his family’s welfare. Members on their own bought clothes, shoes, and other resources when they saw the condition of their pastor.

You will see things like this even in mainstream churches in Nigeria. Pastors are also frequently posted to different stations after a while, and some are posted to worse places just as they are beginning to adjust to a particular lifestyle. These pastors stay there and show up, being an example of what it means to abase in little and in plenty, living lives that are a practical teaching on contentment.

Sadly, many people do not see the sacrifices made by many church leaders all over the world. They focus on that one pastor who drives a Prado and has a private jet. They judge other church leaders using this measuring stick and point fingers at church members for always milking the members. The evil human appetite is awakened in jealousy and strife when we see a very small portion of church leaders doing well, and we use this small portion to judge the entire population. This is not only evil; it is unfair to pastors and church leaders who sacrifice so much to do God’s work.

It's not helpful that there are many false pastors and prophets who are actually out there pandering miracles and wrong teachings on giving, all in a bid to get money out of the poor. But this category of persons should be treated as who they are—false prophets. These men are not even a part of the body of Christ, and many times these men show by their actions that they do not fully align with the teachings of Jesus.

Believers are therefore enjoined to see beyond the noise and continue to support pastors, church leaders, and the church. Find challenges and missing pieces in your local church and fill them. Don’t take a back seat; get involved. See to it that poor members of your local church are acknowledged and taken care of. Also, ensure that your church leaders are properly honoured and that their needs are met because he who receives a prophet as a prophet will receive the prophet's reward. By fostering a culture of support and honor within the church, everyone can contribute to its growth and effectiveness in fulfilling its mission.