Recently an article appeared in a magazine that in part discussed the impending 90th birthday celebration of a man who has been called the "pastor to the Presidents." The magazine mentioned in passing that this man's salary from his ministry was a little less than $500,000. a year. I was astonished at the amount,I couldn't believe how high it was. Realizing that this magazine did not always take a favorable view of Christianity,I looked on the internet and found that the figure was indeed accurate. I also saw there the incomes of other well known television and radio evangelists. Six figure incomes were the norm,not the exception; in addition, many had jets,most owned multiple properties,and all lived in luxury. I wondered, how can any of these people truly believe in the Bible and take in this kind of income? Granted, no one expects them to live like Trappist monks,but,when is enough,enough? How can anyone justify preaching the gospel while making a little less than a half million dollars a year or more? But then, when you think about it, the blame for this situation rests on us,the people. A people who would rather send money to high profile ministries then support their local Bible believing church. This is a sad state of affairs if there ever was one.
I'll always remember what my parish priest told me years ago while reflecting on television and radio "ministries"; he said: "try calling Billy Graham the next time you or a loved one have a personal crisis and see what happens." Well put, may we all support our local churches with our time,talents and money!
I'll always remember what my parish priest told me years ago while reflecting on television and radio "ministries"; he said: "try calling Billy Graham the next time you or a loved one have a personal crisis and see what happens." Well put, may we all support our local churches with our time,talents and money!
