I have a problem that I need to get your ideas on. At all of my bishops meetings (conferences), as a pastor we am required to provide at least $250.00 in opening and closing offerings. That does no include a benevolent and regular offering at each worship or any special offering that might be asked. Now I give far above the tithe on all my income at the local church level in addition to providing support for other ministries.

Now, I have always considered the offerings at conferences and meetings to be part of my Operating Expenses as an ordained Elder in the AME Church, because in my heart of hearts I do not consider that a gift to God because it is given as a requirement. I consider a gift to God as one that is made by the individuals choice.

Am I wrong in this? If so, help to get my thinking adjusted.

Be Blessed

-- Anonymous, September 25, 2004

Answers

Pastor Paris,

You have hit the nail square on the head! Your thinking is correct.

Be Blessed! WHS

-- Anonymous, September 27, 2004

Rev. Paris, this is an "unwritten rule" for all pastors, across the board. It exists in all districts. There is really nothing that can be done about it. If you don't pay the "offerring", I don't think anything will happen to you. However, in my district, pastors are now required to pay the offerring prior to the meeting, so that everyone can be accounted for. Be blessed.

-- Anonymous, September 30, 2004

Yea ... I wish the church at large could be organised and enthusiatic about its mission. Jesus refers to this when He said go and learn from the world what it means to be dedicated - Luke 16:8. How enthuiatic we are when we get to the organised church, how much we lack in getting souls back into the Kingdom

Love Clive

-- Anonymous, October 01, 2004