It’s a well-known fact that the bible instructs us to not incur debt. Throughout the book of Proverbs we are repeatedly admonished to NOT sign promissory notes. Yet, many televised Christian ministries on the airwaves beg, tearfully implore, or resort to 'soft sale' manipulation, coaxing viewers into reaching for the telephone with credit card in hand. I've been seriously and prayerfully pondering this all-too-familiar trend and seeking discernment as to how the Lord actually feels about it.
Some of the questions that I ponder are: If viewers “can’t afford to be without the powerful teaching being offered”, why is it peddled so expensively? If the product or resource is so needful, and has been mandated by God to be heard/watched/read by as many as possible, why aren't the resources freely given or offered for modest amounts? Surely following Jesus' own example of giving freely, while trusting God for the increase, will yield similarly miraculous results. It seems to me that those viewers who have lucre (money), can acquire the TV-offered “Blessing” much more easily. Those whom are poor, are not so readily "blessed". Merchandising the Gospel is a grievous thing to our Heavenly Father's heart, and a very sorry state of affairs for the modern (western) church.
I can honestly say, that in all the years I'd watched the televised Billy Graham Evangelistic Association crusades, that ministry never relied on any type of gimmickry or manipulative selling techniques. They offered books, media, or bibles for whatever the viewer could afford or felt impressed by the Holy Spirit to give. Mr. Graham would plainly let the viewing audience know that the ministry appreciated donations as well. It was simple, honest, brief, and honorable. Keith Green & Last Days Ministries were also well-known for this faith model. If you couldn't afford a tape, record, or published material, they'd send it to you anyway. The ministry didn't suffer, but rather abounded, because they understood that "God so loved, He gave . . ." Andrew Womack’s ministries are also walking in sincere faith and conducting themselves honorably, in this regard. I know that there are many others like them, but these (3) immediately spring to mind.
The more I consider these contemporary "love offering" trends and compare them to the precedent set by the early church, the more I'm convinced that the present-day body of Christ is truly "missing it" in these matters. I'm convinced that an authentic observance of godly honor and integrity dictates that we make an obvious and distinct difference between product sales, and donations requests. If you’re going to sell books, then sell them. If asking for donations, do like Paul, and simply ask.
Romans 15:27-29 "For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. They were pleased to do it and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews' spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings."
Enough with the soft sell approach! If your ministry has anointing oil from the Holy Land for sale, then simply sell your “anointing oil from Jerusalem" for a reasonable price. If your ministry is inviting partners to help you finance an overseas Gospel campaign, then plainly ask for campaign donations. Don’t bait gullible viewers into giving their little bit of pension money to acquire a book or trinket with manipulative soft-sell gimmickry.
It's often understood that surplus product proceeds go toward the furtherance of the Gospel and aid in missions programs, broadcasting costs, etcetera. If we, the body of Christ don't provide seed for the sower, nothing can be sown and nothing will grow. However, the ways and means of asking for ministry funding support must change. Christian ministry must come back to the original model described in the Book of Acts.
There is too much bait n’ switch gimmickry carelessly being used by many so-called Christian ministries today. It has become the norm for many televised ministries to repeatedly interrupt their message with over-priced product offers. The message or ministry content may be excellent, but the annoying 'product' interruptions are much too "telethon-like". I appreciate the example set forth by Kenneth Copeland Ministries. A reasonably priced product or group of products is offered toward the end of their daily broadcast. After a brief product introduction, the program returns to the ministering personnel and a kind, encouraging final word is expressed and the viewer is respectfully bid a pleasant valediction.
Broadcasted ministry should be about nothing save the advancement of the Kingdom of God and effective equipping of the saints. Televised ministry should NOT mirror the Shopping Channel's methods of revenue making. One of the most unsavory solicitation tactics is the “give bigger and get the bigger special bonus gift" approach. It’s ungodly practice. This practice insults the intelligence of the viewing audience. It does not honor God, the viewer, nor the ministry. Jesus NEVER did anything of the kind. The early church NEVER did anything of the like. The world looks on and mocks – and for good reason! The motivation to fund continuing care for 3rd world victims or starving families should be God's love and compassion - not a CD collection or "special edition" book.
There are some so-called ministries promising great wealth and immediate healing results if you call with a credit card at hand to order a special prayer cloth, Holy Land oil vile, or some other sacred artifact. These tactics are deceptive, in that there is often a scriptural reference point to seemingly validate them. This is not real faith - it approaches old west, snake oil charlatan craftiness.
Is Jesus truly the same yesterday, today and forever? In most full-Gospel churches, the congregation's unanimous reply would resound with a hearty "Amen" to that question. It is not indicated in scripture that Jesus ever instructed his disciples to set up ticket booths for sermons on the mount. There was no "minimum amount suggested" for miraculously feeding the multitudes. There was never a 'service fee' applied to His mass healing gatherings. (Humorous sarcasm deliberately intended) I wonder then, why the contemporary western church deems it necessary to charge "registration" fees for highly paid special speakers?
I understand that the world system charges steep cover-charge for rock concerts, but is it truly necessary to enlist this practice for a "prophetic" or "empowerment" conference? It is my opinion that registration fees eliminate a sincere reliance on God to provide for the visiting minister's needs. I don't recall ever reading that Robert Shefield asked for a guaranteed honorarium prior to conducting his revival meetings. It is not recorded that John G. Lake ever made his hosts incumbent with such compensation requirements.
Salvation is a free gift from God. Instead of relying on the world's methods of solicitation and continuance of revenue-stream, let's start exercising bible-based faith. Our Heavenly Father is able to do exceedingly, ABUNDANTLY beyond anything we can ask, think or imagine. It is the ministry of Jesus Christ we are entrusted with. Honor God, and He will honor you. (1 Samuel 2:30) Be quicker to give without concern for self, without fear of where the next dollar will come from, and walk in His blessing. When Jesus and His disciples needed tax money, Jesus sent Peter to fetch it out of a fish's mouth! (Matthew 17:27) When there was no money, nor food to feed 5000 men PLUS THEIR FAMILIES, Jesus gave thanks and blessed a little boy's lunch. There were 12 baskets of bread and fish left over. (Bushel baskets, that is.) *1 bushel = 35 litres*
We believers must also give cheerfully - without looking for a shiny "thank you" gift. What is the purpose of giving? To impart life! To share the truth of God's plan of redemption with a sin-sick, fallen world. To rescue lost lambs. To help feed starving, dying children. To rescue trafficked little girls from constant abuse and sexual torture. To provide shelter and medical care for the infirmed. To help repentant men regain dignity. To provide sanctuary to battered wives and children. Grow up, Church! Start acting like Sons and Daughters of the King of Kings! Stop acting like spoiled kids who need to receive something shiny because you give some time or money to help advance the Kingdom of God.
The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation. (Romans 1:16) The Gospel does NOT need to be merchandised by men to support itself. Let's conclude today's sermon by revisiting the 4th chapter of the Book of Acts.
Act 4:32 NASB - And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them.
Act 4:33 NASB - And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all.
Act 4:34 NASB - For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales
Act 4:35 NASB - and lay them at the apostles' feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need.
Sincerely in faith, pure in heart, and in good conscience, I bless you all in Jesus' name.
Love in Christ,
Brother Charles
Some of the questions that I ponder are: If viewers “can’t afford to be without the powerful teaching being offered”, why is it peddled so expensively? If the product or resource is so needful, and has been mandated by God to be heard/watched/read by as many as possible, why aren't the resources freely given or offered for modest amounts? Surely following Jesus' own example of giving freely, while trusting God for the increase, will yield similarly miraculous results. It seems to me that those viewers who have lucre (money), can acquire the TV-offered “Blessing” much more easily. Those whom are poor, are not so readily "blessed". Merchandising the Gospel is a grievous thing to our Heavenly Father's heart, and a very sorry state of affairs for the modern (western) church.
I can honestly say, that in all the years I'd watched the televised Billy Graham Evangelistic Association crusades, that ministry never relied on any type of gimmickry or manipulative selling techniques. They offered books, media, or bibles for whatever the viewer could afford or felt impressed by the Holy Spirit to give. Mr. Graham would plainly let the viewing audience know that the ministry appreciated donations as well. It was simple, honest, brief, and honorable. Keith Green & Last Days Ministries were also well-known for this faith model. If you couldn't afford a tape, record, or published material, they'd send it to you anyway. The ministry didn't suffer, but rather abounded, because they understood that "God so loved, He gave . . ." Andrew Womack’s ministries are also walking in sincere faith and conducting themselves honorably, in this regard. I know that there are many others like them, but these (3) immediately spring to mind.
The more I consider these contemporary "love offering" trends and compare them to the precedent set by the early church, the more I'm convinced that the present-day body of Christ is truly "missing it" in these matters. I'm convinced that an authentic observance of godly honor and integrity dictates that we make an obvious and distinct difference between product sales, and donations requests. If you’re going to sell books, then sell them. If asking for donations, do like Paul, and simply ask.
Romans 15:27-29 "For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. They were pleased to do it and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews' spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings."
Enough with the soft sell approach! If your ministry has anointing oil from the Holy Land for sale, then simply sell your “anointing oil from Jerusalem" for a reasonable price. If your ministry is inviting partners to help you finance an overseas Gospel campaign, then plainly ask for campaign donations. Don’t bait gullible viewers into giving their little bit of pension money to acquire a book or trinket with manipulative soft-sell gimmickry.
It's often understood that surplus product proceeds go toward the furtherance of the Gospel and aid in missions programs, broadcasting costs, etcetera. If we, the body of Christ don't provide seed for the sower, nothing can be sown and nothing will grow. However, the ways and means of asking for ministry funding support must change. Christian ministry must come back to the original model described in the Book of Acts.
There is too much bait n’ switch gimmickry carelessly being used by many so-called Christian ministries today. It has become the norm for many televised ministries to repeatedly interrupt their message with over-priced product offers. The message or ministry content may be excellent, but the annoying 'product' interruptions are much too "telethon-like". I appreciate the example set forth by Kenneth Copeland Ministries. A reasonably priced product or group of products is offered toward the end of their daily broadcast. After a brief product introduction, the program returns to the ministering personnel and a kind, encouraging final word is expressed and the viewer is respectfully bid a pleasant valediction.
Broadcasted ministry should be about nothing save the advancement of the Kingdom of God and effective equipping of the saints. Televised ministry should NOT mirror the Shopping Channel's methods of revenue making. One of the most unsavory solicitation tactics is the “give bigger and get the bigger special bonus gift" approach. It’s ungodly practice. This practice insults the intelligence of the viewing audience. It does not honor God, the viewer, nor the ministry. Jesus NEVER did anything of the kind. The early church NEVER did anything of the like. The world looks on and mocks – and for good reason! The motivation to fund continuing care for 3rd world victims or starving families should be God's love and compassion - not a CD collection or "special edition" book.
There are some so-called ministries promising great wealth and immediate healing results if you call with a credit card at hand to order a special prayer cloth, Holy Land oil vile, or some other sacred artifact. These tactics are deceptive, in that there is often a scriptural reference point to seemingly validate them. This is not real faith - it approaches old west, snake oil charlatan craftiness.
Is Jesus truly the same yesterday, today and forever? In most full-Gospel churches, the congregation's unanimous reply would resound with a hearty "Amen" to that question. It is not indicated in scripture that Jesus ever instructed his disciples to set up ticket booths for sermons on the mount. There was no "minimum amount suggested" for miraculously feeding the multitudes. There was never a 'service fee' applied to His mass healing gatherings. (Humorous sarcasm deliberately intended) I wonder then, why the contemporary western church deems it necessary to charge "registration" fees for highly paid special speakers?
I understand that the world system charges steep cover-charge for rock concerts, but is it truly necessary to enlist this practice for a "prophetic" or "empowerment" conference? It is my opinion that registration fees eliminate a sincere reliance on God to provide for the visiting minister's needs. I don't recall ever reading that Robert Shefield asked for a guaranteed honorarium prior to conducting his revival meetings. It is not recorded that John G. Lake ever made his hosts incumbent with such compensation requirements.
Salvation is a free gift from God. Instead of relying on the world's methods of solicitation and continuance of revenue-stream, let's start exercising bible-based faith. Our Heavenly Father is able to do exceedingly, ABUNDANTLY beyond anything we can ask, think or imagine. It is the ministry of Jesus Christ we are entrusted with. Honor God, and He will honor you. (1 Samuel 2:30) Be quicker to give without concern for self, without fear of where the next dollar will come from, and walk in His blessing. When Jesus and His disciples needed tax money, Jesus sent Peter to fetch it out of a fish's mouth! (Matthew 17:27) When there was no money, nor food to feed 5000 men PLUS THEIR FAMILIES, Jesus gave thanks and blessed a little boy's lunch. There were 12 baskets of bread and fish left over. (Bushel baskets, that is.) *1 bushel = 35 litres*
We believers must also give cheerfully - without looking for a shiny "thank you" gift. What is the purpose of giving? To impart life! To share the truth of God's plan of redemption with a sin-sick, fallen world. To rescue lost lambs. To help feed starving, dying children. To rescue trafficked little girls from constant abuse and sexual torture. To provide shelter and medical care for the infirmed. To help repentant men regain dignity. To provide sanctuary to battered wives and children. Grow up, Church! Start acting like Sons and Daughters of the King of Kings! Stop acting like spoiled kids who need to receive something shiny because you give some time or money to help advance the Kingdom of God.
The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation. (Romans 1:16) The Gospel does NOT need to be merchandised by men to support itself. Let's conclude today's sermon by revisiting the 4th chapter of the Book of Acts.
Act 4:32 NASB - And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them.
Act 4:33 NASB - And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all.
Act 4:34 NASB - For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales
Act 4:35 NASB - and lay them at the apostles' feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need.
Sincerely in faith, pure in heart, and in good conscience, I bless you all in Jesus' name.
Love in Christ,
Brother Charles
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