This is a very short blog. It is really a simple theme and thought. Everyone has read Matthew 7:12 ” Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.” (NLT)
As much as my blogs have blasted the modern day mega-church for it’s fallacies and improprieties, I haven’t really said a whole lot about the people in these churches. Here is what I have personally found to be very curious and hurtful, parishioner silence. I got a call from a friend telling me that an MD (musical director) in one of this country’s largest churches was let go for no reason. What is amazing is no one said a word about it in this particular ministry. He was just terminated and no one asked why and no one called the MD to find out what happened. This particular MD called a buddy of mine and told him the whole story. They discuss the shock of it and the discussion ended. There is another mega-church in another part of the country where a friend of mine was on staff as a minister. Get this; he was fired amidst all of the controversy that was brewing in that particular ministry. He is the one person who remains blameless in the eyes of many parishioners to this day. No parishioner was outraged? No parishioners simply went to the leadership and asked why was he terminated? In these cases where were the Christians who understand Matthew 7:12?
The parishioners just moved on because they are afraid of learning that their leaders are operating in an un-Christ-like manner. Many parishioners would rather believe that nothing can possibly be the church leader’s fault. I have come to the conclusion that many parishioners that find their own identity and self worth in being affiliated with a thriving and or popular mega-church. Many will believe any lie they are told. Many parishioners tithe knowing the pastors and first ladies live lavish lifestyles because deep down they live vicariously through them.
Let’s take it a step further. There are widows and children who are hungry and lonely in church congregations all across America. How many parishioners are completely oblivious to exactly who and where these people are in the church sanctuaries? How many people will pay top dollar to be at an exclusive banquet with that pastor? I have watched people stepped over, removed from prime sanctuary seats and not given benevolence during trying times. During these same times I have watch pastors and church leaders walk through hallways only to be fawned over like celebrities.
If parishioners don’t want to feel like or be treated like second class citizens then why treat the person who can’t sing and or doesn’t have a lot of money like a second class citizen? No one is perfect but it would be nice if more so-called Christians would do to others what they would like done to them.
Is the Golden Rule dead?
