Let's make a topic out of this. It usually comes up as a side item. Is the very thing itself, commercial Christian radio wrong? Is non-commercial, listener supported radio the only correct way to do Christian radio?
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Is commercial CCM radio wrong?
- Thread starter MightyFrenchman
- Start date
B
BehindTheLines
Guest
Considering that commercial CCM radio frees up giving...I'd say it's completely fine.
The listener doesn't give to the radio station, so they're free to give that money to another ministry of their choice.
The radio station is self-sustaining with advertising. They make money that way. So then the radio station is free to give to ministries in their surplus if they so choose.
The advertisers make money from listeners hearing about them on the station...that allows the advertisers to give to more minsitries as well if they choose.
Seems to mee that self-sustaining commercial radio frees up more potential money (see: 3 generations of giving) for people to give to the work of God if they so choose.
How can that be bad?
The listener doesn't give to the radio station, so they're free to give that money to another ministry of their choice.
The radio station is self-sustaining with advertising. They make money that way. So then the radio station is free to give to ministries in their surplus if they so choose.
The advertisers make money from listeners hearing about them on the station...that allows the advertisers to give to more minsitries as well if they choose.
Seems to mee that self-sustaining commercial radio frees up more potential money (see: 3 generations of giving) for people to give to the work of God if they so choose.
How can that be bad?
Radio is a business, and there are several models for running the radio business:
1. Commercial - sell airtime to advertisers and determine what, if any advertisers or types of business and / or service you would not want to advertise on your air.
2. Non-commercial - support your airtime with pledges and other gifts.
3. Barter or pay-for-play - sell airtime to whomever wishes to buy, with whatever restrictions you, as an owner choose.
The Bible, of course, does not specifically address radio or these three financial support protocols. It does address appropriate behavior, speech and the use of finances. Using the Bible as a guide, therefore, would mean there is no reason to prohibit commercial Christian radio. In fact, some of the biggest scandals in Christian broadcasting have been the misuse of donation from ministry support partners.
The bottom-line is that Christians should have integrity in their business practices.
1. Commercial - sell airtime to advertisers and determine what, if any advertisers or types of business and / or service you would not want to advertise on your air.
2. Non-commercial - support your airtime with pledges and other gifts.
3. Barter or pay-for-play - sell airtime to whomever wishes to buy, with whatever restrictions you, as an owner choose.
The Bible, of course, does not specifically address radio or these three financial support protocols. It does address appropriate behavior, speech and the use of finances. Using the Bible as a guide, therefore, would mean there is no reason to prohibit commercial Christian radio. In fact, some of the biggest scandals in Christian broadcasting have been the misuse of donation from ministry support partners.
The bottom-line is that Christians should have integrity in their business practices.
I'd have to agree, that there is nothing wrong with a commercial Christian station. WDAC-FM in Lancaster PA and WVCH-AM in Chester PA (just outside of Philly) both are great examples of commercial Christian stations that have been around for over 50 years each (WVCH since 1949 and WDAC, I believe it's 1956). Granted both have many preachers on them, pay for play, but they both also have commerical spots. WDAC being in a very Christian part of Pennsylvania probably does better than WVCH spot wise and ratings wise as they are usually in the top 5 stations in their market, but both have survived a long time and have been faithful to their ministries as commercial stations.
A question does come up, apparently a commercial station CAN refuse to air certain spots like beer ads, etc, as I've never heard any questionable type ads on either WDAC or WVCH. Also, if I remember this correctly, I believe WDAC did air political ads during the 2004 election race and offered disclamors saying that these ads don't necessarily reflect their views, but if they accept any political ads they are required by the FCC to accept all political ads. All or none. So they accepted all, but did offer disclaimors.
A question does come up, apparently a commercial station CAN refuse to air certain spots like beer ads, etc, as I've never heard any questionable type ads on either WDAC or WVCH. Also, if I remember this correctly, I believe WDAC did air political ads during the 2004 election race and offered disclamors saying that these ads don't necessarily reflect their views, but if they accept any political ads they are required by the FCC to accept all political ads. All or none. So they accepted all, but did offer disclaimors.
K
K-Tel
Guest
Does it really matter what avenue you use as long as you're bringing people to Christ?
It shouldn't matter if the station charges for commercials or accepts donations for underwriting.
Like someone else said, I don't think that the Bible speaks to either way.
As long as the station personnel are maintaining their witness of Christ to/within the community.
The avenue matters, though, just like the personnel do, if they confuse the community with their message.
That said, it seems like being a commercial station playing CCM, while maintaining all the ministry-mindedness, would be a stronger witness to the community than a non-profit one. The point either way is to be involved in the community to spread the gospel in other ways than just throwing on some music that sounds like the secular stations....
Like someone else said, I don't think that the Bible speaks to either way.
As long as the station personnel are maintaining their witness of Christ to/within the community.
The avenue matters, though, just like the personnel do, if they confuse the community with their message.
That said, it seems like being a commercial station playing CCM, while maintaining all the ministry-mindedness, would be a stronger witness to the community than a non-profit one. The point either way is to be involved in the community to spread the gospel in other ways than just throwing on some music that sounds like the secular stations....
I think as long as the advertisers are chosen carefully, it doesn't really matter. Obviously, Christian stations aren't going to run commercials for clubs and casinos.
I do have a problem with certain non-comms (one in particular) who during their fundraising drive every year threaten to turn off translators because "the money just isn't there" and then to look at an FCC report and see them applying for another 50, 60, 70 new signals. That really bugs me because it seems very dishonest.
I do have a problem with certain non-comms (one in particular) who during their fundraising drive every year threaten to turn off translators because "the money just isn't there" and then to look at an FCC report and see them applying for another 50, 60, 70 new signals. That really bugs me because it seems very dishonest.
R
rbrucecarter5
Guest
K-Tel said:
I've come to the conclusion most Christian radio is NOT about bringing people to Christ. Its about promoting one church over others, or one denomination over others, or its about collecting money from brokered preaching shows. Every time you talk about real ratings success, it is almost always a secular organization doing the station. And ratings = potentially changed lives. Nobody will get saved by a Christian station if nobody is listening. And 0.0 ratings to me is the same as a flat line in the emergency room. Turn off the equipment, call the time, the patient is dead.
It is a shame that you're right rbrucecarter5.
Well it's not a shame that you're right, it's a shame that what you said is true.
Most Christian stations in our area are either just playing preaching tapes for most of the day or just playing the same 20 CCM songs with a Bible verse inserted every few hours.
None of them seem to be doing much "reaching people for Christ" they are more interested in "hanging on" for whatever reason they might have.
The fundraising "we're going to have to turn off a station/translator" and then seeing them opening up new ones everywhere also makes them look insincere.
Well it's not a shame that you're right, it's a shame that what you said is true.
Most Christian stations in our area are either just playing preaching tapes for most of the day or just playing the same 20 CCM songs with a Bible verse inserted every few hours.
None of them seem to be doing much "reaching people for Christ" they are more interested in "hanging on" for whatever reason they might have.
The fundraising "we're going to have to turn off a station/translator" and then seeing them opening up new ones everywhere also makes them look insincere.
I believe part of the problem, both with Christian radio, televangelists, and many large churches is they've expanded so much beyond possibly what the Lord might have desired. As a result, as in all businesses there are peaks and valleys, profits and slumps. When they had only one radio station, they could make their bills even in the rough times, but when they operate a bunch of translators, or are preaching on a bunch of stations, as a radio or televangelist, they get caught up in the money needed, which could be hundreds of thousands each month, to pay their bills. Large churches have a similar problem. While they are in a boom they over expand and then when it gets lean they can't meet their bills and then rather than focus on ministry and reaching folks for Christ they focus on money and lose more people from their church membership ranks and the problem get worse, etc.
If they seek the Lord's guidance as to how large to get and not let their ego's drive the decision, be that radio station owners, ministry leaders for televangelists, etc, and church leaders, etc I believe we'd see less problems and focus on money and more focus on winning souls for Christ, which is truly the real bottomline that the Lord cares about. That is where the true vine is, the rest of just bark, branches, and leaves.
If they seek the Lord's guidance as to how large to get and not let their ego's drive the decision, be that radio station owners, ministry leaders for televangelists, etc, and church leaders, etc I believe we'd see less problems and focus on money and more focus on winning souls for Christ, which is truly the real bottomline that the Lord cares about. That is where the true vine is, the rest of just bark, branches, and leaves.
R
rbrucecarter5
Guest
MikefromDelaware said:
Although I no longer attend a Calvary Chapel - I am in agreement with their distinctives. One of which is - when the Lord's hand of blessing is gone, you move on. You don't hang on out of pride and try to make a go of it on merely human will and authority. Find out where God's will is, where he is moving, and put your resources there.
P
passafistwastaken
Guest
I believe part of the problem, both with Christian radio, televangelists, and many large churches is they've expanded so much beyond possibly what the Lord might have desired.
It's easy for someone on the outside looking in to make that judgement call. God calls all of us out in the fields to harvest, some with a 50,0000 Watt Transmitter other's with a cup of coffee at Starbucks. How can you make a blanket statment like that?
As a result, as in all businesses there are peaks and valleys, profits and slumps. When they had only one radio station, they could make their bills even in the rough times, but when they operate a bunch of translators, or are preaching on a bunch of stations, as a radio or televangelist, they get caught up in the money needed, which could be hundreds of thousands each month, to pay their bills.
And some regular Christians have a hard time making their mortgage every month. God never asks Christians to cling to security. In fact if your church has a huge nestegg sitting in the bank for hard times, give it away, use it in missions, do something with it. I think some people on this board have this notion that asking for money is wrong? Let's face it Christian Radio is fighting for survival on a fraction of the budget of a mainstream station. It takes money to run a station and its awfully trite to think you can get quality without spending a lot for the tools nessecary to do it.
If they seek the Lord's guidance as to how large to get and not let their ego's drive the decision, be that radio station owners, ministry leaders for televangelists, etc, and church leaders, etc I believe we'd see less problems and focus on money and more focus on winning souls for Christ, which is truly the real bottomline that the Lord cares about. That is where the true vine is, the rest of just bark, branches, and leaves
You making a vast generalizations here, the Lord cares about a lot of things, reaching souls is one, but don't you also think he damands excellence. Look in the books of 1st and 2nd Kings, as Solomon builds the temple the Lord has every detail spelled out on how it must look, and none of those small details had anything to do.
"Winning souls for Christ," is a loaded phrase. How do you do it? Hmmmmm..... sounds to me like the peanut gallery wants Christian Radio to do the job he's asked ALL of us to do. Stop worrying about your local Mega-Church, or Christian radio station and go out into the fields and start harvesting. Stop throwing stones at the body of Christ because you don't like how somebody else is "Winning souls for Christ". Just because you don't get it doesn't mean it's not working.
It's easy for someone on the outside looking in to make that judgement call. God calls all of us out in the fields to harvest, some with a 50,0000 Watt Transmitter other's with a cup of coffee at Starbucks. How can you make a blanket statment like that?
As a result, as in all businesses there are peaks and valleys, profits and slumps. When they had only one radio station, they could make their bills even in the rough times, but when they operate a bunch of translators, or are preaching on a bunch of stations, as a radio or televangelist, they get caught up in the money needed, which could be hundreds of thousands each month, to pay their bills.
And some regular Christians have a hard time making their mortgage every month. God never asks Christians to cling to security. In fact if your church has a huge nestegg sitting in the bank for hard times, give it away, use it in missions, do something with it. I think some people on this board have this notion that asking for money is wrong? Let's face it Christian Radio is fighting for survival on a fraction of the budget of a mainstream station. It takes money to run a station and its awfully trite to think you can get quality without spending a lot for the tools nessecary to do it.
If they seek the Lord's guidance as to how large to get and not let their ego's drive the decision, be that radio station owners, ministry leaders for televangelists, etc, and church leaders, etc I believe we'd see less problems and focus on money and more focus on winning souls for Christ, which is truly the real bottomline that the Lord cares about. That is where the true vine is, the rest of just bark, branches, and leaves
You making a vast generalizations here, the Lord cares about a lot of things, reaching souls is one, but don't you also think he damands excellence. Look in the books of 1st and 2nd Kings, as Solomon builds the temple the Lord has every detail spelled out on how it must look, and none of those small details had anything to do.
"Winning souls for Christ," is a loaded phrase. How do you do it? Hmmmmm..... sounds to me like the peanut gallery wants Christian Radio to do the job he's asked ALL of us to do. Stop worrying about your local Mega-Church, or Christian radio station and go out into the fields and start harvesting. Stop throwing stones at the body of Christ because you don't like how somebody else is "Winning souls for Christ". Just because you don't get it doesn't mean it's not working.
K
K-Tel
Guest
Good post!
P
PTCgal
Guest
I was in CCM for about 8 years and decided to leave the format after being at a station that cares more about reaching the church than reaching others for Christ. You can't preach to the choir all the time. Yes, us Christians need to be fed, but I believe that we need to show non-Christians that we aren't "boring" or that we can't do "real" radio. If you think that people in mainstream radio think that CCM is real radio...well you need to wake up cause they don't. If they didn't think that, why do you think its so hard for anyone who has been in CCM format to try and break out into mainstream radio?
As far as commercial radio goes, yes, I think most if not all CCM stations should be commercial and not listener supported. I agree with the post that says that most people are hurting right now finanically and can't support their church as well as a station. Plus, commercial stations can pay their talent MUCH better and what they deserve instead of having to work 60 hours "in the name of the Lord".
As far as commercial radio goes, yes, I think most if not all CCM stations should be commercial and not listener supported. I agree with the post that says that most people are hurting right now finanically and can't support their church as well as a station. Plus, commercial stations can pay their talent MUCH better and what they deserve instead of having to work 60 hours "in the name of the Lord".
I have long said, "sometimes, the best thing we can do is be sure we don't give the unbeliever another excuse."Denise Pagano said:
I believe part of the problem, both with Christian radio, televangelists, and many large churches is they've expanded so much beyond possibly what the Lord might have desired.
It's easy for someone on the outside looking in to make that judgement call. God calls all of us out in the fields to harvest, some with a 50,0000 Watt Transmitter other's with a cup of coffee at Starbucks. How can you make a blanket statment like that?
I've sat in numerous church's that wanted to expand to have larger facility and have taken out gigantic mortgages that they could NOT afford based on the tithes and offerings coming. The Pastor says we'll just do this as a step of faith. Then after a few months go by and he's behind in the mortgage payment, then the Pastor starts beating his people over the head to give sacrfically to make ends meet. Some how that does not seem like how the Lord provides. That appears, to my spirit, like a pastor who was building his own kingdom, "all for the glory of God", but was God consulted in the decision? In too many cases the answer is NO. If the Lord says to do something, he'll also provide the way for it to work. When we go do something on our own that's not in his will, then we're in for a rough time. So if pastor's can do that sort of thing, so can radio ministries where they expand their show to too many stations without the Lord's approval, same with a radio station owner who keeps gobling up stations and translators, etc so that they have a huge "network", but then threaten their audience that THEIR translator will be shut off if enough cash doesn't come in. Again, I believe that IF the ministry is run by the Lord with him being the CEO and the Pastor is in step with God's will, he won't have to resort to that sort of threat. God does provide IF we are in his will. That's all I was trying to say.
And some regular Christians have a hard time making their mortgage every month. God never asks Christians to cling to security. In fact if your church has a huge nestegg sitting in the bank for hard times, give it away, use it in missions, do something with it. I think some people on this board have this notion that asking for money is wrong? Let's face it Christian Radio is fighting for survival on a fraction of the budget of a mainstream station. It takes money to run a station and its awfully trite to think you can get quality without spending a lot for the tools nessecary to do it.
Asking for money is not wrong. We as believers are to be generous, but we also are to be good steward's of what God has given us. I don't feel led to give to a televangelist who's driving a limo, wearing a Rolex, Italian loafers, a Brooks Brothers' suit, his wife is wrapped in minks and diamonds. I'm not saying they should live in poverty, but they also shouldn't be living like the rich and famous either. Billy Graham is a good example. His ministry decides what his salary is, not him. He obviously gets a decent salary, but he's not living the lavish life that you see in some of the other very wealthy televangelist's who never seem to have enough money.
If they seek the Lord's guidance as to how large to get and not let their ego's drive the decision, be that radio station owners, ministry leaders for televangelists, etc, and church leaders, etc I believe we'd see less problems and focus on money and more focus on winning souls for Christ, which is truly the real bottomline that the Lord cares about. That is where the true vine is, the rest of just bark, branches, and leaves
You making a vast generalizations here, the Lord cares about a lot of things, reaching souls is one, but don't you also think he damands excellence. Look in the books of 1st and 2nd Kings, as Solomon builds the temple the Lord has every detail spelled out on how it must look, and none of those small details had anything to do.
I agree that the Lord demands excellence, but I'm always surprised at how the Lord will use the lesser of us to do his will. The only part of excellence some of these ministries are striving for is what goes into their pocket. There are many independent non-denominational churches that the building is in the name of the family NOT the ministry, so that when the father passes on the family inherits the building, not the ministry. So all that financial giving is going literally into their personal pocket NOT the ministry, yet many of their donors do not know that. God demands excellence in us being used to bring the lost to him, not in how fancy or how large a church building we can build. These ministries could funnel far more of the money back into the actual ministry. Same with many of our churches. It's interesting how many folks will give extra money to make a nicer sanctuary for them to sit in on Sunday's, but will balk at feeding and clothing the homeless down the street or providing bibles for a poor community or overseas missions, or helping an inner city church meet its bills so that it can help folks there who are in need, etc. Oh there's plenty of money being spent, but is it being spent on what God wants it to be spent on or are we simply building up our own dynasties. I believe the answer is in the heart, not the wallet. The heart that's attuned to what God's will is for their life will guide you to use your wallet's resources to further God's kingdom and to also be choosy in what you support. It's interesting that Mother Therea's ministry didn't operate from some fancy expensive headquarters, no lavish lifestyle, big salaries, fancy clothes, jewerly, etc, yet even athiests know who she is and even they have a positive view of her Christian walk and the life she led. She used what God provided and had a heart to serve. I'm sure her ministry had expenses and did need to raise money, but there seemed to be a more humble Christ like approach than what I generally see, especially in the mega ministries. I agree with you that this is what all of us should be doing. We all are called to bring the lost to Christ. We need to do that by taping into his strength, and his way, not based on our egos and plans. One way works and the other chases people away.
It's easy for someone on the outside looking in to make that judgement call. God calls all of us out in the fields to harvest, some with a 50,0000 Watt Transmitter other's with a cup of coffee at Starbucks. How can you make a blanket statment like that?
I've sat in numerous church's that wanted to expand to have larger facility and have taken out gigantic mortgages that they could NOT afford based on the tithes and offerings coming. The Pastor says we'll just do this as a step of faith. Then after a few months go by and he's behind in the mortgage payment, then the Pastor starts beating his people over the head to give sacrfically to make ends meet. Some how that does not seem like how the Lord provides. That appears, to my spirit, like a pastor who was building his own kingdom, "all for the glory of God", but was God consulted in the decision? In too many cases the answer is NO. If the Lord says to do something, he'll also provide the way for it to work. When we go do something on our own that's not in his will, then we're in for a rough time. So if pastor's can do that sort of thing, so can radio ministries where they expand their show to too many stations without the Lord's approval, same with a radio station owner who keeps gobling up stations and translators, etc so that they have a huge "network", but then threaten their audience that THEIR translator will be shut off if enough cash doesn't come in. Again, I believe that IF the ministry is run by the Lord with him being the CEO and the Pastor is in step with God's will, he won't have to resort to that sort of threat. God does provide IF we are in his will. That's all I was trying to say.
And some regular Christians have a hard time making their mortgage every month. God never asks Christians to cling to security. In fact if your church has a huge nestegg sitting in the bank for hard times, give it away, use it in missions, do something with it. I think some people on this board have this notion that asking for money is wrong? Let's face it Christian Radio is fighting for survival on a fraction of the budget of a mainstream station. It takes money to run a station and its awfully trite to think you can get quality without spending a lot for the tools nessecary to do it.
Asking for money is not wrong. We as believers are to be generous, but we also are to be good steward's of what God has given us. I don't feel led to give to a televangelist who's driving a limo, wearing a Rolex, Italian loafers, a Brooks Brothers' suit, his wife is wrapped in minks and diamonds. I'm not saying they should live in poverty, but they also shouldn't be living like the rich and famous either. Billy Graham is a good example. His ministry decides what his salary is, not him. He obviously gets a decent salary, but he's not living the lavish life that you see in some of the other very wealthy televangelist's who never seem to have enough money.
If they seek the Lord's guidance as to how large to get and not let their ego's drive the decision, be that radio station owners, ministry leaders for televangelists, etc, and church leaders, etc I believe we'd see less problems and focus on money and more focus on winning souls for Christ, which is truly the real bottomline that the Lord cares about. That is where the true vine is, the rest of just bark, branches, and leaves
You making a vast generalizations here, the Lord cares about a lot of things, reaching souls is one, but don't you also think he damands excellence. Look in the books of 1st and 2nd Kings, as Solomon builds the temple the Lord has every detail spelled out on how it must look, and none of those small details had anything to do.
I agree that the Lord demands excellence, but I'm always surprised at how the Lord will use the lesser of us to do his will. The only part of excellence some of these ministries are striving for is what goes into their pocket. There are many independent non-denominational churches that the building is in the name of the family NOT the ministry, so that when the father passes on the family inherits the building, not the ministry. So all that financial giving is going literally into their personal pocket NOT the ministry, yet many of their donors do not know that. God demands excellence in us being used to bring the lost to him, not in how fancy or how large a church building we can build. These ministries could funnel far more of the money back into the actual ministry. Same with many of our churches. It's interesting how many folks will give extra money to make a nicer sanctuary for them to sit in on Sunday's, but will balk at feeding and clothing the homeless down the street or providing bibles for a poor community or overseas missions, or helping an inner city church meet its bills so that it can help folks there who are in need, etc. Oh there's plenty of money being spent, but is it being spent on what God wants it to be spent on or are we simply building up our own dynasties. I believe the answer is in the heart, not the wallet. The heart that's attuned to what God's will is for their life will guide you to use your wallet's resources to further God's kingdom and to also be choosy in what you support. It's interesting that Mother Therea's ministry didn't operate from some fancy expensive headquarters, no lavish lifestyle, big salaries, fancy clothes, jewerly, etc, yet even athiests know who she is and even they have a positive view of her Christian walk and the life she led. She used what God provided and had a heart to serve. I'm sure her ministry had expenses and did need to raise money, but there seemed to be a more humble Christ like approach than what I generally see, especially in the mega ministries. I agree with you that this is what all of us should be doing. We all are called to bring the lost to Christ. We need to do that by taping into his strength, and his way, not based on our egos and plans. One way works and the other chases people away.
P
passafistwastaken
Guest
MikefromDelaware said:
You seem unable to accept the idea that there are some in ministry that are not seeking God, but building their own empire, be it in televangelism, radio stations/translators, church buildings and land. I didn't say that all who have large enterprises are wrong and not following God's vision for their ministry, but some are in that boat, like it or not.
I never said that asking for money is wrong or that you must be poor to be in ministry, but there have been some folks in ministry that are padding their pockets at the expense of their flock. Do you give to every letter you recieve in the mail from Christian groups asking for money? Probably not, because you are not led by the Spirit to give to all of those groups. Some of those groups do not deserve to be supported by you. Each one of us is to seek God's guidance as to what ministries we as his follower are to support. God askes you to be a good steward and be wise, yet generous in our giving. So yes that does mean saying NO sometimes to ministries, churches, radio stations, etc that you don't feel led to support, but the ministries, churches, radio stations, etc that God does lead you to support you should do so joyfully with generousity as God has given us a privledge to be able to be a part of those ministries by giving what God has given us.
The fact that you apparently have never come across any of the problems I've mentioned could mean that you're wearing blinders, or that you've been very blessed ( I'll assume the latter rather than the former), but don't come down on me, because I've experienced some of what I've written about. The Church is not perfect, ONLY Christ is perfect. The church is full of us sinners and sometimes all of us at some time do make mistakes and errors.
I never said that asking for money is wrong or that you must be poor to be in ministry, but there have been some folks in ministry that are padding their pockets at the expense of their flock. Do you give to every letter you recieve in the mail from Christian groups asking for money? Probably not, because you are not led by the Spirit to give to all of those groups. Some of those groups do not deserve to be supported by you. Each one of us is to seek God's guidance as to what ministries we as his follower are to support. God askes you to be a good steward and be wise, yet generous in our giving. So yes that does mean saying NO sometimes to ministries, churches, radio stations, etc that you don't feel led to support, but the ministries, churches, radio stations, etc that God does lead you to support you should do so joyfully with generousity as God has given us a privledge to be able to be a part of those ministries by giving what God has given us.
The fact that you apparently have never come across any of the problems I've mentioned could mean that you're wearing blinders, or that you've been very blessed ( I'll assume the latter rather than the former), but don't come down on me, because I've experienced some of what I've written about. The Church is not perfect, ONLY Christ is perfect. The church is full of us sinners and sometimes all of us at some time do make mistakes and errors.
V
VERITAS DE VOCE
Guest
It was already said, but THESE are the posts this board should be about... we are all on a quest to determine how to glorify God on-air effectively and distinctively.
1. Jesus is a PRODUCT to some people, plain and simple. I could care less where some folk bought their rose-colored glasses. People know there are millions and millions of dollars to be made in the Christian market. Yeah, MARKET. We are a designated group of money-grubbing folk by marketers, just like any other ethnic or sociopolitical or sociogeographical group out there. You are known by your fruit for a reason... leave that crap out for a while without the proper attention, it stinks. Advice? Smell first and turn the dial later.
2. The Lord has no problem speaking to his kids. His kids have a large problem hearing EXACTLY what is being said, then communicates that as Gospel. Not so. Yes, if GOD said it, he will do it. I don't care what John Q. Pastor says... if God ain't backing his play, he will not be forced into a corner. Much is the same for a CCM format. Some fail. Why? Not because of the format and God's failure to bless it, but maybe that isn't what God was truly saying to a GM in the first place?
3. Ministries need money, just like YOU. How dare anyone tell a minister, "You really shouldn't be asking for money. Jesus didn't." Yeah, um... why do you go to work again? Oh yeah, to feed the mouths at your table. Well, TRUE (not the frauds) evangelists are the same. They are on a quest to feed the mouths at their collective table. The only thing is as we are trapped in our world of 3.2 kids... they have 3.2 MILLION to think of. Just a thought. NO, some shouldn't flaunt the way they do, but YES, there is no problem to live in a gated community when you have that high of a profile. If you had death threats, any one of us would do the same for our family too. This is first-hand knowledge testifying here... it's ok.
4. Lastly, 'the last thing we should do if give the unbeliever another excuse'. Indeed, and AMEN! Christians should do whatever they do better, faster and cheaper than anyone. We should leave bigger tips in restaurants. We should be more active with our support (vocal, chronological, financial, etc.) And, we should not give excuses. However, as it has been said many times before, "The number one reason for atheism in this country are Christians." There is a reason for that... the fact we are on this post learning truths means we are not part of that equation.
Mazel Tov! Peace. ;D
1. Jesus is a PRODUCT to some people, plain and simple. I could care less where some folk bought their rose-colored glasses. People know there are millions and millions of dollars to be made in the Christian market. Yeah, MARKET. We are a designated group of money-grubbing folk by marketers, just like any other ethnic or sociopolitical or sociogeographical group out there. You are known by your fruit for a reason... leave that crap out for a while without the proper attention, it stinks. Advice? Smell first and turn the dial later.
2. The Lord has no problem speaking to his kids. His kids have a large problem hearing EXACTLY what is being said, then communicates that as Gospel. Not so. Yes, if GOD said it, he will do it. I don't care what John Q. Pastor says... if God ain't backing his play, he will not be forced into a corner. Much is the same for a CCM format. Some fail. Why? Not because of the format and God's failure to bless it, but maybe that isn't what God was truly saying to a GM in the first place?
3. Ministries need money, just like YOU. How dare anyone tell a minister, "You really shouldn't be asking for money. Jesus didn't." Yeah, um... why do you go to work again? Oh yeah, to feed the mouths at your table. Well, TRUE (not the frauds) evangelists are the same. They are on a quest to feed the mouths at their collective table. The only thing is as we are trapped in our world of 3.2 kids... they have 3.2 MILLION to think of. Just a thought. NO, some shouldn't flaunt the way they do, but YES, there is no problem to live in a gated community when you have that high of a profile. If you had death threats, any one of us would do the same for our family too. This is first-hand knowledge testifying here... it's ok.
4. Lastly, 'the last thing we should do if give the unbeliever another excuse'. Indeed, and AMEN! Christians should do whatever they do better, faster and cheaper than anyone. We should leave bigger tips in restaurants. We should be more active with our support (vocal, chronological, financial, etc.) And, we should not give excuses. However, as it has been said many times before, "The number one reason for atheism in this country are Christians." There is a reason for that... the fact we are on this post learning truths means we are not part of that equation.
Mazel Tov! Peace. ;D
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