Lessons Learned From Atlanta II (What does your Tithe Do?)

We began our series examining the egos and self driven motivations of individuals serving as pastors in these institutions. It would appear that these entities self destruct based on the lack of oversight or the free will of the leader who has carte blanche to do as he wishes.

In most cases, a mega church is an independent entity under the Charismatic banner. Some churches are affiliated with one national organization or another. A mega church can be defined as a church having more than 2000 persons or more in weekend attendance. Most mega churches tend to be evangelical (think the charismatic movement) or Baptist. Roman Catholic congregations with average weekly attendance of 2000 are not included in the mega church phenomenon. I am more focused on the individuals who run these churches. Largely charismatic in personality , they tend to be articulate, persuasive, convincing, and captivating. The intention is to bring large groups of people under the umbrella of Christianity and be a good citizen of the community.

However if you take a look at the math, and follow the money, it becomes clear that owning or being the leader of a mega church is big business. If the average churchgoer tithes (10%) of his income, a core group of say, 100 followers who faithfully tithe can keep a church running.

If say, 100 persons earn $100,000 per year, the average tithe is $10,000.00 per person, 100 x 10,000 =, right, you do the math. This is the reason churchgoers are encouraged to tithe. The most faithful tither is the average income of less than $50,000 per year. Church leaders are like business leaders in any organization. They compute demographics and crunch numbers just like any organization. They can tell within any grouping, what the average tithe will be and base their messages to this group. In modern times exhaustive studies are done before a venue is selected to start a church. Don’t be fooled into thinking that that new church in your community has anything to do with any great spiritual need.

That new church on the corner or around the block was started by very savvy business people who have their eyes on your pocket book. They know how guilty you feel for earning more than $250,000.00. They know your secrets, guilty pleasures, temptations, the kinds of family squabbles you have and tailor messages targeted at using guilt to obtain from you what they want: your money.

For the rest of us below $250,000 let’s say below $50,000 They know people are searching for a way out of poverty. They know you are reluctant to read the bible and obtain an understanding for yourself. Unlike the group of 250,+, your guilt is based on need. The 250,+ say, I know I am wrong, I feel guilty, say something to make feel better, and let me get out of here to go play my next round of golf, have a drink at the bar at the country club where they don’t know my church, and I wonder if that lovely Versace is still at Neiman Marcus.
The 50,000 and under group are praying they can pay the bills, I hope I don’t lose my job, pray for me Pastor, I need a miracle. The message to this group is the only way out of your misery, is to tithe.

So week after week after week, people come in and give ten per cent of their income, not realizing if they were to keep that 10% for themselves, and save it they would have their rainy day fund. That is not to say you should not give. Philanthropy abounds, however give because you want to not because you are told to and feel denied of a blessing because you haven’t given. This is the basis for the funding of the lifestyles of mega churches and their leaders. That is why Bentleys, Porsches, Ferraris abound and Prada, Gucci, Versace are the clothing of choice and multi-million dollar homes are the residences of these individuals.

Now take an ordinary guy, place him in front of thousands, who obey his every command, give him unlimited access to funds. Make no mistake about it; the money is coming in every Sunday. There will always be something for someone to need, and the message is sow a seed for your need. If you want God to move on your behalf, give. So this ordinary guy now has access to unlimited funds, people hailing him as God’s representative, after a while you must expect him to start believing his own press. This is a formula for disaster.

The sad thing is, when you give of your hard earned cash, it ends up in someone’s pocket as churches are not required to report the cash they collect. They are required to report the amount of checks that are written but cash is left up to the integrity of the people running the church. Think of this the next time you decide to drop your $100 or $50 into the offering bucket.

This unreported cash becomes the grand basis on which many mega ministries are built. They know the numbers and the patterns of giving and can expect what their intake will be each Sunday. So when they tell you to walk by faith, it’s easy for them to say as they know for sure where their money is coming from; directly from your pockets to theirs. Now you can understand that mega churches produce mega egos. Hence the reason people fly in private jets and can give gifts to boyfriends, girlfriends, baby mothers and lovers part time and full time.

Something has to be done. It’s up to us to stop it. Start by holding your spiritual leader accountable. If he/she lives a lifestyle more lavish than the average member it’s time to leave.

Here’s the thing. Church leaders should bear in mind if 80% of your congregation earns $50,000 per year or less, you should not live in a multimillion dollar house. Your car should not be worth more than a $250,000.00. And you definitely should not be flying in private jets.