FM makes a good point about the levites and those at the altar being compensated.But;in Leviticus(I think-have to look this up) it talks about the priests who WEREN"T satisfied with THEIR portion.They sat around the pot of boiling meat and grabbed what they could.One of the overwhelming points being made on LGM is the many cases of low/no pay for musicians(modern day levites). I am ALL for supporting "godly" men doing work of the FATHER.The issue for me is "where the hey are these?"
MOST of what I see in our local churches is a lot of droning on about give,give,give.Like a perpetual TBN gimme-thon;but there's NEVER anything left in the pot.For example;my "home" church wants tithes,offerings,special collections,pastor fund,fix this fund,etc.,etc.,etc.But-do you think they had 2K for a Motif? No;our music MOM had to pony up.But the "big cheese digs the sound,great band,etc., and makes plenty of DEMANDS! Compensation? ha ha-the MOM makes $50 /week!!!!!!
So,where's the change going for? NOTTTTTTTTTTTT for evangelism,outreach,or missions!!!!!!ALL the money that comes in goes for expenses;the ONLY way anything goes to a particular issue is if it is "dedicated".I have some suspicion of what is "earmarked " is also purloined.
Timothy addresses as well as JAMES the issue of taking care of the widows and orphans-others that have been faithful or in need.I don't see that happening;what comes in the plate is mainly for the "top dogs".Like in somebody's post about the rolex/ring.TOO much of that is going on UNCHALLENGED.There's a fellow in Harlem that I see on u-tube;is it ATLAH ministries.Don't know how credible he is,but raises some valid questions.
Lastly;all the rage around here is Dave Ramsey's stuff lfor which they charge $100.00 ;I think in the hopes of "convicting,duping,extracting" THEIR "rightful monies-which is what it seems like they are all about.
Our "evangelism" material consists of a "business"card which talks about church times,"opportunities"-but NOT a word about JESUS!!!!!!!! Ahem,"leadership " has "it' all fiqured out.However,I think LORD has /is bringing a TON of rebuke on this place.Membership is falling,more they talk about money-less they get,and the "old-line" that has supported the show are leaving.Proff to me"LORD will NOT be mocked".As a result,I'm sitting out from the band ;at least for the summer.Gonna watch and see what LORD has done.