The Perception of Wealth

In my journey I have heard more than one person comment on how it seems that all of the “Religious” Leaders you see on TV or in media are very wealthy, wealthier than most who follow them at least. I have heard these questions:

How much could they help if they didn’t spend as much on themselves?

Why do they need a car that expensive?

Why can’t they fly coach?

There are two issues here.

1. Church Leaders must be aware of the perception that their lifestyle creates.

2. We as Christians and Non-Christians have to stop comparing our lives to others. We need to focus on our own walk with God.

In dealing with issue number 1 I think that church leaders, especially famous ones, have to realize that the more lavish their lifestyle is the more of a negative perception it is going to create. Yes, I understand that some can look at it and be amazed at how much God has blessed you with for following Him, but most who are less fortunate do not and will never look at it that way. They see that lifestyle and know that it is something they will probably never obtain. It provides a disconnect because it makes them feel like you cannot relate to them on some level. Remember this all may not be true, but we live in a land in which perception is king. If you are not a famous pastor but you are doing pretty well for yourself and have managed your money well and you drive a nice car that is worth more than your double your average members salary you have to see what picture that paints.

These are the folks you are asking to give to your church and to your mission. They see your lifestyle and the questions will start to come in; where is my money really going? What am I paying for? Why can’t the pastor just pay for this, He has that nice car and nice house.

I do not believe that pastors and Christian Leaders should live in poverty either, but there is something to be said about the ministry of Jesus. He died with no possessions. He gave up everything to focus on His ministry. If you are a Christian and you ever feel like materialism is taking up residence in your heart ask yourself a simple question: If God ask me to give up the material thing so I could focus more on Him, would I be willing to do so? Look inward and if you see that material thing may be difficult for you to give up in order to get closer to God then work on finding a way to lessen its importance in your life.

I am not judging these pastors and evangelist for their lifestyles. That is not my place, I do not know their personal walk with God and for all I know they could be giving 2/3 of their income back to the churches and ministries they serve. What I am saying is that we have to be aware of the perception that comes with these things. Especially when Christians preach against loving the world and the things in it.

When it comes to churches and Millennials I think a great way to handle these situations is with transparency. What the pastor or church staff does with their money is their business and that is not what I mean by transparency. Every church member should have access to be able to see where there money goes. I am Southern Baptist and our churches give to the Cooperative Program and other that is the example I use. If I am a member of a church I should know what percentage of the church’s budget goes to staff and what percentage goes to the CP and what part goes to International, American, and State Missions. This type of transparency will help to ease any concerns church members have about where their money is going.

Stewardship is a biblical trait that all churches should have. Every church should ask themselves regularly; Are we being good stewards with God’s blessings? That simple but honest question will help many get on the right track. If a program is not working, instead of throwing more money at it, why not get rid of it? Are we paying our staff fairly? Are we using the right vendors to buy supplies? These are questions that can help churches put the right money into the right programs and truly engage the community. If we are going to ask church members to give their tithe to the church then we have to show them that we are being good stewards of those funds.