Is it okay to make a living off of religion? (souls, churches)

[observer]

I consider myself to be a tolerant individual who respects people from different religions and beliefs. I am even tolerant to those who oppose religion as well. Even though I consider myself a christian for the most part, there are some areas in the christian religion as well as other religions that I do not agree with. I do not agree with a priest or pastor making a living solely off of religion. I have attended churches where the pastor had a full time job and then preached on Sundays. However, I have visited churches where preaching is the pastors FULL TIME job.

Basically, a pastor may be in charge of a church, or a church/religious school, but there sole duty is to preach and collect donations for the church and himself. A pastor may go on vacation and pass it on as "BUSINESS EXPENSE" calling it a retreat. Any opinions on this topic. Or anyone in favor of having pastors get a salary for just being a pastor?

[Sgoldie]

I don't have a problem with it as long as they live in keeping with the economic reality of their average congregant, ie, within a similar income level. It can be a fulltime job in itself if done properly.

I do have a big problem with those $200 shoes, custom made suits, big cars, and using a congregation as your personal money making machine.

[Stonecoldharbours]

It should be done for free and out of the goodness of your heart and if you make any proceeds. They should go the homeless and orphans. I think GOD if he does exist, will be very angry at all who profit, sorry but that is how I feel bout it!

[I LOVE NORTH CAROLINA]

I am grateful that my church can afford to pay our pastor full time so he can devote his time to what God has called him to to, be a pastor. He does not abuse this, he drives a Ford Taurus and lives in a simple house and does not wear those expensive suits or shoes. He does have vacation time which I believe he has earned and needs it.

Originally Posted by I LOVE NORTH CAROLINA

I am grateful that my church can afford to pay our pastor full time so he can devote his time to what God has called him to to, be a pastor. He does not abuse this, he drives a Ford Taurus and lives in a simple house and does not wear those expensive suits or shoes. He does have vacation time which I believe he has earned and needs it.

Not even a pastor should drive a Ford Taurus. It was my first car, what a nightmare!

[jhlcomp]

This is just my opinion so please don't bash me.

I have worked with Pasters and Priests, and at the end of the day - it is a business and money is made or not and when you cannot raise enough money, there is no parish, no church, no activities, etc.

[dreameyes]

If the pastor or priest is devoting all his time to the church then I agree with ILNC that he should be payed for modest living expenses.
In my church the high up leaders who do devote all there time are paid a modest living expense but all others do it soley on a volunteer basis. (and believe me they work hard!)

[ontheroad]

I think those that serve their community in the role of a religious leader should be compensated, and compensated fairly. If they live in an affluent community and a house is more, the congregation should be prepared to offer a house that will house the leader in the immediate community. Leaders don't need to be judged unless they do something that warrants judgment--go out of bounds in their service, mis-use funds, use funds for their personal gain or self-aggrandizement.

It has traditionally be the community that supports the leader whether he/she was paid in money, lodging, food, and other out of pocket expenses.

I am unfamiliar with Sunday only pastors and perhaps that would make a difference, but even then a service performed should have some form of recompense.

[Virote]

My mother's pastor diverted funds previously going to our local pregnancy center for a trip to Greece, but I seemed to be the only one fazed. I do think it's wrong to use church funds on oneself. If your true calling is to preach God then preach God for his sake and money be damned. It should be about 'saving souls' not lining pockets with funds donated to help the less fortunate

[robinhood]

Our preacher is also a high school Math teacher. However, his duties to our church are only to preach on Sunday mornings and Sunday nights. I know many preachers/pastors whose duties invlove much more than this and it takes up their time so that they can't really hold another full time job. However, they do have to live, and its hard to live with no salary. Its impossible to live on just a part-time salary, so preachers need some compensation for survival. Granted survival doesn't include cruises, fancy automobiles, and Coach purses for the Mrs.