Churches: Flourishing Businesses

I used to think Kenya government was over reacting to put a levy on churches and other God worshipping facilities, now I do understand much better!

Back in school (a Christian College), a friend of mine once told me, “If my profession does not succeed, I would do anything to make it in life.” He went ahead and revealed his plans, “…I will be forced to start a church.” Thinking of blasphemy and sort of things I believed might happen if someone uses pretence in worshipping God, his words did not ring a bell in my mind.

Nearly three years from then, churches have become a source of income for many fraudulent pastors. Some coming up with miracles that do not exist -healing miracles, prayer meetings and upfront paid for miracle services.

Drama is unfolding slowly, as mushrooming churches -mostly Pentecostal churches- becoming the target for con men and con-women stealing from unknowing believers through the name of God.

Sowing The Seed.

This is the term fraudulent church ministers like using, targeting those believers who need blessings. Even though these are true words from the Bible, they have become the sweetest words draw in more cash from the flock.

It has become evident that, con pastors and bishops are using whatever means to enrich themselves through these simple words. Mostly claiming that, when one gives more money through tithing or any other form of church contribution, then one is expected to receive more blessings in return . This goes contrary to real Biblical teachings.

False Testimonies.

Just like in business, having people who approve the quality of the company’s products is essential for growth of business. The so-called men of God are making up the scenes of miracles-in the name of God’s gift- to have their churches filled up to the brim. This involves hiring unknown people to pretend as having sickness, deformities, or just complicated lifestyles -marriage problems, education, lack of money, poverty et cetera.

During miracle time as they call it, people, hired ones receives instant healing, others are prayed for and promised to receive their miracle in the soonest time possible.

Giving false testimonies for miraculous healing that was actually never was is just part of this drama. This goes beyond the pulpit, as some doing it in media through video, audio and text.

Insisting on Money.

These fraudulent ministers have a way of loosening believer’s pockets. It is not a wonder to hear them telling people to deposit money in church Bank accounts, send money through the phone, and mostly having more than necessary number of church service sessions in a week. It is not that they want to draw many people to God, but it is just a way of gaining more money in a week’s time.

In conclusion, most churches are untrustworthy. People should be very conscious about where they worship the Lord, as many churches have turned into family businesses.