As a former pastor of smaller churches (under 200 members) in a progressive denomination, my path was/is very different. My epiphany came in asking: How do miracles become manifest? In asking that question I recognized I had long known and long denied the answer.
As a regional church leader I learned that few congregations invested at least 10% of their income in feeding the poor, clothing the naked (homelessness?), and freeing prisoners (medical debt?). In my own giving, I seek charities that do change the world for the better with at least 85% directed to their projects. Churches have over 90% invested in themselves. What if the funds for building and salaries had instead been invested in scientifically seeking a cure for cancer? How many lives might have been materially improved?
I am in a similar place. I was never a megachurch pastor or even in staff at one. I did attend Bethel’s ministry school. I left it all behind. Doctrine and theology are the worst things the church has ever invented.
One thing I find is that most church organizations are more likely to be a business instead of a ministry. I have not been to seminary or a bible school (I have studied the scriptures for over 50 years). I have because I dared to preach in scripture what most pastors avoid been kicked out of 4 such organizations. The one who run it like a business hate I John 2:15-17
As a former pastor of smaller churches (under 200 members) in a progressive denomination, my path was/is very different. My epiphany came in asking: How do miracles become manifest? In asking that question I recognized I had long known and long denied the answer.
As a regional church leader I learned that few congregations invested at least 10% of their income in feeding the poor, clothing the naked (homelessness?), and freeing prisoners (medical debt?). In my own giving, I seek charities that do change the world for the better with at least 85% directed to their projects. Churches have over 90% invested in themselves. What if the funds for building and salaries had instead been invested in scientifically seeking a cure for cancer? How many lives might have been materially improved?
I am in a similar place. I was never a megachurch pastor or even in staff at one. I did attend Bethel’s ministry school. I left it all behind. Doctrine and theology are the worst things the church has ever invented.
Thank you for this. So much truth, honesty, and excellent theology (real theology - the complex chemistry of life with God).
I'm honored that you include me in your Substack tribe.
One thing I find is that most church organizations are more likely to be a business instead of a ministry. I have not been to seminary or a bible school (I have studied the scriptures for over 50 years). I have because I dared to preach in scripture what most pastors avoid been kicked out of 4 such organizations. The one who run it like a business hate I John 2:15-17
Interesting article and a fascinating perspective.
This is why I am an Orthodox Christian:
https://substack.com/@stevenberger/note/c-46163955?r=1nm0v2