Big Mega TV Churches and Lifestyles of those Rich and Famous Preachers
@PointlessQuestions (15397)
United States
January 8, 2012 3:25pm CST
I'm looking forward to watching a show on the OWN channel. Oprah is going to interview one of the young preachers that I like to watch on TV. His name is Joel Osteen.
This is going to be a long one… and my thoughts will wander a bit.. so just read and follow me the best you can…
Joel is 40 years old and he follows in the footsteps of his father who was also a preacher. He got his education from Oral Roberts University… so maybe that helped him get the huge TV ministry that he has.
Anyway, Oprah is going to be interviewing Joel Osteen, and I would love to see it. I’m not sure yet when it is going to air, but one of the questions that Oprah will ask him is who pays for the way he lives. He lives in a really posh mansion, I would call it… from what I see anyway.
I believe every minister is worth his/her hire. He has a huge audience that sends money to his ministry. Nothing wrong with that if anyone wants to support his church. I believe if you have your own church, you should support it first, and then if you want to send money to any other ministries that’s all well and good.
I think that Joel Osteen is one of the most prolific preachers to send a positive message. He may say the same thing over and over in different ways, but don’t they all? If you have heard one bible story you have probably heard it a thousand times, but there are some preachers that can make you feel like you are hearing it for the first time. That’s kind of the way I feel about Joel… but I know he has a lot of critics who will criticize him for making money from people sending him their money. Most of them live very rich lifestyles.
What are your thoughts about TV mega ministries that are multi-million dollar operations? Do they do enough good to justify them being so rich off the donations they get? Do they really help the needy around the world to the extent that they aren’t just enriching themselves? I won’t watch Benny Hinn… he waves his hand and everyone falls out right on cue? Don’t get me started there… I know lots of people will love him… but my Godchild who will be infantile for her entire life was brought to one of his crusades for healing, and they wouldn’t give her or her parents the time of day because they knew they couldn’t make her walk and talk on her own… you see… she is forever about a 4 month old baby and she is in her 20s now… she will never have a normal life. After that I have had no belief in Benny Hinn. No offense to anyone who loves him.
Please share your thoughts.
I’m a shut in, pretty much… so I don’t get to go to church if no one in my house is going. If I want to hear some preaching, I usually end up watching TBN or another channel to see what is on and what I want to hear. There are some TV preachers I won’t listen to… and some I care a lot about.
Please tell me anything you would like to share… let’s discuss
1 person likes this
8 responses
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
11 Jan 12
Hi PointlessQuestions, There was a time when I watched some TV preachers but not anymore. I would like to watch this program too, as I expect Oprah will have some very pointed questions for Mr. Osteen. Oral Roberts built his university with money given to him by people who could not afford it, many of them senior citizens. Benny Hinn makes millions by deceiving people. Religion is the only profession in the world where people can get away with such things. I don't think that millions should be spent on big fancy churches either, when so many people are hungry, homeless or in need of medical care. Members of the clergy have a right to a good income for themselves and their families, but not to mansions. Blessings.
1 person likes this
@RitterSport (2451)
• Lippstadt, Germany
21 Jan 12
Dear Pose thats really words of wisdom. I love my church cause I made a huge detour in life and came back 10 years ago but I think that Christians should focus on their similarities not the diversities in their different doctrines they find important.
@RitterSport (2451)
• Lippstadt, Germany
14 Jan 12
a big resounding AMEN to that dear Pose may I request your friendship here in mylot please?
I forgot in my post (please scroll down) that my own pastor of the Catholic Church I belong to is the same modest type of Pastor. He wears modest clothes, has a medium sized nice car but nothing showy, lives in the Pastors House we Catholics usually have a few footsteps from our Churches...........he is a gem too and I hope God Blesses him richly for his modest lifestyle plus caring for his old mom who can only walk with a walker now, as well........
1 person likes this
@CODYMAC (1356)
• San Diego, California
9 Jan 12
I have great respect for those who really want to love YAHVAH (GOD) with all of their hearts, and I am sad to know that you are not able to join a group outside your home. Has anyone expressed interest in going to where you are and having church with you?
1 person likes this
@PointlessQuestions (15397)
• United States
10 Jan 12
I would just love to have a bus come and pick me up for church.
@PointlessQuestions (15397)
• United States
10 Jan 12
Thanks… I live in Georgia. There are 2 cars in the yard, but I’m not allowed to just take one and go to church. I think next week I will just plain make a point to ask if they are going to church… and if they say NO… I will just ask.. can I take the car to church and back? I know they will say no… and it might even cause a fight… but I miss church. I might ask my Mama Jo if she is going to her son’s church… she goes to the next town if she goes there… she might could stop by my house if she goes to Monroe… she doesn’t go all the time.
@CODYMAC (1356)
• San Diego, California
10 Jan 12
I don't know where you live but I would drive to pick you up. That to me is exactly what the bible instucts us to do as believers, in James 1:27. I will keep you in my prayers and ask that someone help you in your time of need. (I live in the Portland metro area, I seriously wish I could help.) May YAHVAH bless you. :)
1 person likes this
@KrauseHome (36445)
• United States
17 Jan 12
Personally I would never send money to TV Preachers or evangelists, and won't even do it for some of the Pastors in the church I am attending now who have huge growing churches, but always asking for requests via Facebook. Like many of the others here have expressed, I usually will give back to my own Local assembly first in Tithes and offering, and then to special offerings that our church or other pastors ask for in person, and then often time Home missions.
I feel that a Pastor no matter where he preaches needs to seek money from his own congregation first, and then if need be from the direction of god ask for what other moneys he should ask for. Prosperity preachers are usually just in it for themselves and if need be would usually not give back to anyone else.
1 person likes this
@PointlessQuestions (15397)
• United States
17 Jan 12
If you are faithful to give to a church, and the church will do nothing for you if you ask in need, then I would never give to them again. The church I used to be a Sunday school teacher at, was a poor church, but a very giving church. They helped me with my light bill a couple of times, and the preacher and his wife helped me get furniture for my apartment when I first moved to Winder.
@bunnybon7 (50970)
• Holiday, Florida
9 Jan 12
iam like you. i total love Joel. he is worth every penny people donate. he actually preached one time about God does not want his people doing without a good life. just like your children. you want them happy , prosperous, etc. and living a godly pure life. i total believed what he said and i think thats why he is so loved. its like you said, he says things makes you feel like your hearing the truth for the first time. 
@PointlessQuestions (15397)
• United States
9 Jan 12
I really do live Joel. I would like to see Optah's interview of him. I believe Joel is the real deal. Like I said in my original post...I think pastors are worthy of their hire. I believe if they are doing something with the money to further the cause if Christ and not just enriching themselves that the money is well spent. I feel like I have been to church when I tune into one of Joel's teachings.
@RitterSport (2451)
• Lippstadt, Germany
14 Jan 12
hi dear Pointless, I dont watch TV cause with the tight time schedule I have its wasted time. You will see me use the TV a few times a year so I have never seen these preachers on TV.
But I am very suspicious of these wealthy ones who live in luxury cause their flock sends money to them.
As you said there are enough poor people in the world and these so called pastors live off these people who sacrifice.
I am shocked about what you tell resp. Benny Hinn. I only read his first book, Good Morning Holy Spirit and was very impressed with it and loved the part where his father who had opposed his spiritual ways for a long time came to an evangelization and then said to him, Son how can we become like you...... that touched me the most.
You know in my humble opinion pastors should not live like Osteen and these mega preachers. Through Marriage I have one of these in my very extended family now but I never read or listened to any of his. Met him twice so far as he resides in the US and have an intensive dislike of his lifestyle.
You know whom I think about, when I say I know a very meek wonderful Pastor who preached the best he could and did a wonderful service to his churches long beyond official retirement. He has a very simple lifestyle. There is also one of these real gems of pastors like this in the US I heard about and if I had more cash to spare it would go to him as well.......because both of them help others with what they get into their hands so much that buying something for others comes before getting shoes for themselves.........
1 person likes this
@PointlessQuestions (15397)
• United States
17 Jan 12
Yes, I know whom you are speaking of when you mention the pastor at the bottom of your post, dear RitterSport. I do believe that all pastors are worthy of their hire… so they should get a good living, but I don’t think they should flaunt their wealth when their wealth comes from the poor who support them.
@CODYMAC (1356)
• San Diego, California
9 Jan 12
Hello, PointlessQuestions. When I see a televangelist I think of the Pherisees . You know that wrist band some people wear, "WWJD", and the LDS rings, CTR (Choose the Right). It is just a person looking for attention. That may seem harsh but look at it this way. I know to them it is an outward expression of an inward devotion, but to me it is flashy. We are called to be humble, loving, and to live in peace with all mankind. I do not wear any rings, or crosses, or anything to show I am a Christian. I do that by my actions, not just by my words. The words to a song come to mind, "they will know we are christian by our love". There are great programs out there where I believe people can be filled daily with the spirit just by tuning in. Perry Stone, Zola Levitt Presents, (although they are slightly biased)and Jewish Jewels. Many publications also from these places, and others will be sure to please. I really like Perry Stone because he is, as I believe, someone who studies and really wants people to know the truths of both testaments. Have a nice day PointlessQuestions. :)
1 person likes this
@PointlessQuestions (15397)
• United States
10 Jan 12
I had a BUNCH of tapes from Perry Stone. I like him. I also like the one I mentioned, Joel Osteen… there are a few more that I like. There are some I wouldn’t waste my time watching. I used to belong to a apostolic sect that didn’t allow TV’s in the home, radios, women couldn’t have their legs divided by wearing slacks, women couldn’t braid their hair… and stuff and I found myself in bondage to the church, but not to God. I got out of that movement and started thinking for myself how to worship God.
I don’t mind if a preacher/ televangelist/ pastor wears jewelry. I wear earrings sometimes. I just don’t care for the flaunting of a bunch of gold and silver, so to speak when their congregations are poor and struggling. I tend to watch and listen to them and if I don’t feel they are sincere I won’t give them my attention.
@GardenGerty (169590)
• United States
8 Jan 12
I occasionally watch the 700 Club, and I learn many good things, but I will not send them money and I am skeptical of the way they always say people solved their financial problems by joining the 700 Club. On the other hand, I do believe in the principles of tithing and offering, but I do it locally or through a program I learn about through my local church. They do join some global efforts. I keep my donations local so that I know what is being done with them. About the ultra wealthy preachers I am anxious. I never heard of Billy Graham living an opulent life style and he was a very effective minister. I think the materialism dilutes the message. Church on television is a blessing for those who are shut in, and I can look past their flaws, if they are preaching scripturally based messages. God will heal people when he chooses to, and sometimes without asking. You do not need a famous preacher to manipulate and exploit the situation.
@stephcjh (38473)
• United States
9 Jan 12
I like to do my worship at home most of the time even though I do belong to a church. We live alot of miles from my church now and we do not care too much for our new minister so we decided to just stay home. Some preachers are only in it for the money and they are not true to the church or its members. I know what you mean.
1 person likes this
@PointlessQuestions (15397)
• United States
9 Jan 12
Hi Steph. Yeah I understand. Some preachers act real friendly in church and snub you on the outside too. I live my former pastor but I don't live near them anymore. He doesn't pastor a church anymore either but he does fill in for pastors and do revivals. We were all like family.
