Falling Away, The Teachers & Money

When I was growing up in the church, the vast majority of pastors lived modest lives. They had a modest parsonage and a modest salary. To think they would make money off of the people by selling them "their" tapes or books, would have been scandalous. 

Over time this has changed and now it is common to see pastors own their own "tapes and books ministry", or are simply paid more as they bring huge profits into the church. This has resulted in terrible consequences as the elders/pastors see the people as "a revenue stream" and regularly come out with new cd's, dvd's and books. 

As "warning does not make money" the result is the gospel, sin, repentance, hell, obedience,  holiness, etc, are replaced with man's teachings. Simply reading and teaching the scriptures will not make money and build large churches. All size churches are impacted by this. The more money that comes in the more pressure to teach things that please the hearer's ears and the more creative the pastors get at coming up with pleasing sermons to keep the crowd coming back. The best speakers make the most money and rule as kings over the largest churches. These same men have little accountability and can lead lives of perversion, but thrill and encourage the crowd on Sunday. 

Over time, the true Christians in that church do not even recognize what has happened. When I ask them if their pastor warns them, they will defend their pastor by giving some pitiful example of a warning their pastor recently gave! Even Calvinist preachers which were once known for warning people, tickle the ears of their people by preaching their "five points of Calvinism" and leave out or explain away the warnings of being holy,  fruitful, etc.

Let's take a look at what Paul says about elders/pastors in Titus.

Titus 1  Qualifications for Leaders in the Church

5The reason I left you in Crete was to complete what still needed to be done and to appoint elders in every city, as I myself commanded you. 

• 6An elder must beg blameless. 
• He must be the husband of one wifeh 
• and have children who are believers 
• and who are not accused of having wild lifestyles or of being rebellious. 
• 7Because an overseer is God’s servant manager, he must be blameless. 
• He must not be arrogant or irritable. 
• He must not drink too much, be a violent person, or make money in shameful ways. 

8Instead,

• he must be hospitable to strangers, 
• must appreciate what is good, 
• and be sensible, 
• honest, 
• moral, 
• and self-controlled. 
• 9He must be devoted to the trustworthy message that agrees with what we teach, so that he may be able to encourage others with healthy doctrine and refute those who oppose it. 

Luke 16:13  ISV  "No servant can serve two masters, because either he will hate one and love the other, or be loyal to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and wealth!"