I dont trust priest or pastors that look rich.

why do higher ranked people in the church always look wealthier? dont tell because they're truely blessed, I want to know why they always seem to have more money then those to thom they preach to...And why are there always heaps of churches in poor areas??Are they preying on the weak and poor, or is it true what they say, that they go to the poor places because they need more help...common sense tells me that if they wanted to help society they'd preach to the rich and wealthy to help the poor...its all about the money honey

All remain human beings, with their strength and weakness. But I've never met a rich priest/pastor/rabbi ... whilst I have indeed hear about over-wealthy gurus.

A pastor is not involved in politics, but in mankind by means of each one of us, seperately.

hmmm not really a straighyt answer, can you not explore your own ideas? you sound like a parrot, I think theres something wrog with people that profit for others misfortune thats all, I believe it happens in a lot of churches, corruption and all of that, all are man and all are of sin...the ordasity to preach to those that wish to turn a new leaf I think any way

You are 100% right. The church is all about money... do you ever wonder why you put money in enveopes or baskets at church? yeah... it goes to the 'people of the church'... nothing that really means anything. They are all selfish bastar*s.

Why judge? A pastor is not God, but a light to help us find Him. There are no straight answers when straight is discrimination, but there are paths to truth. Find yours, in peace, free of haste, and you'll make a few steps forward !

Christ speaking to ALL of us:

John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more >> abundantly <<

Certainly there are some, not all, that misuse funds for their own purposes..

Some clergy have family and began as lower class freshmen. Some clergy do not have family and began as upper class freshmen. Some clergy may have full wardrobe provided by the church while some have only sacramental wardrobe provided by the church. In any case piety is a gift of life and the nature of clergical duties within the church or community may limit the appearance of clergical attire at all times due to transportation requirements and the like compared to activity on church property. Personal clothing may not be well affordable for some as compared to others as salaries are often low depending on the nature of residential accomodation and transportation and expenses, it is favourable to consider that cleanliness is considered as being next to godliness but in the involvement of duty perhaps practicality shall dictate (such as how worn is worn compared to nothing else to wear).

You seem more inclined to believe the worse possible things against the church and the pastors/priests, and that is a shame, because for the most part the leaders of our churches are godly men and women. By their selfless acts and undying love for God and their members do all that is humanly possible to lift them to the Lord.

The pastors in our churches work full-time jobs plus lead our churches on the weekends. The members who have been Christians for awhile have learned how to earn, keep, and save their monies to the glory of God. They may not have very many nice clothes to wear, but the ones they do have are kept clean and neat.

The true Christians do not drink, smoke, go to movies . . . and such like most unsaved people indulge in, which is another reason why Christians may seem to be 'wealthy' It is really that they do not spend their money as the world does.

Our eyes are focused on heaven, looking for the soon coming of Jesus Christ not on the world and wordly things.

I wanted to add one more thing.

Pastors don't take a 'cut' from the offerings. It is sent to the General Conference where it is divided up for missions. For example ADRA stands for Adentist Disaster Relief Agency. They go to places in the world that have been hit by flood, hurricane...and help people in medical aid, evacuation, rebuilding...

Also, we send missionaries all over the globe to build churches, schools, homes for those who need it. We also send pastors and their families into areas that are hard to reach, to preach the word and live among the people, learn their language and so on.

There is a world wide radio called 'Adventist World Radio' (AWR) that broadcasts throughout the world into places like Iraq, Egypt, and so on that have not heard the word of God.

So you can see that the tithe is used in thousands of different ways to reach those in need and is not kept by the pastor or the leaders of the churches.

Being a Christian means giving of yourself to others out of our love for them, because of what God has done for us. We love God because He first loves us.

jaceb. why dont you do a little more research before you say that stuff about the church. the money we give doesnt go to the pple at the church. it goes towards missionaries, charities, people in need, etc..
and to answer your question einsteins chosen few. not all pastors look wealthier then anyone else. at a couple of churches, including mine the preacher will wear one of those hawaiian shirts. lol some preachers do wear nice clothes though. but most of the times they definitely arent wealthier then anyone else.