Is Church a money making business?

EDITOR: Is the church a business? The social media, television and even here in our local congregation much of what is seen give rise to the aforementioned question.

The church, we know, means the called out ones, where Christ is the head, the building nor any particular denomination is not the church. Persons who are truly born again from all walks of life and different doctrinal beliefs make up the church. Since Christ is the head it is therefore not a business.

It is sad though that the church is seen as a business where many who stand on the pulpit presenting God’s word do gain much financial profit. For many it would seem as though it is good business to profit from. While we recognize that those who preach God’s word ought to be supported financially and otherwise, it is a downright shame when the emphasis from the pulpit is money.

The tele-evangelists and others on social media paint a picture of the church being a business. The true church where Christ is the head focuses mainly on presenting the gospel, and reaching the total man. The church ought to be the one to help and to represent Christ with love, care and of course concern for the salvation of their souls.

When as a church we deviate from that and present ourselves as the head and glorify those who claim to be the servants of God, we are indeed bringing a snare on the church and invite the judgment of God. No wonder there are still so many persons who lack interest in Christianity and becoming a member of the body of Christ, the church.

When the church is seen as a money making business it becomes a deterrent for many and not a place of hope. It also misrepresents Christ. Christ, we know, loved all and gave rather than trying to receive from others. This should therefore be the attitude of us who seek to carry on the work of the Lord and represent Christ. The church is not about making money, but rather seeks to present Christ as the hope and his message of love. The church ought to be attractive and a place of refuge.

Let us bear in mind that many things we see on television and on social media are not what the church represents and can be fake. The bible says in Matthew 7: 21 – 23, “on that day many would say to me, Lord Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and cast out devils in your name and do many mighty works in your name? And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of iniquity.”

May the LORD continue to bless the church until its departure from this evil world?

Kennard King