Two Pastors caught buying sermons?

[LargeKingCat]

I THINK that maybe this is just a commentary on our culture, specifically, the lack of originaity and creativity. It is far easier to quote someone else or reference what someone else said as opposed to coming up with original material. Writing a good sermon probably takes time, and if a pastor is of the type that keeps his flock on a tight lease anyway, then who in the congregation would know the difference? or care?
It is not just happening in religion, but anywhere that people are encouraged to conform or choose to take the easy route and copy. Plagarism is not an admirable trait.

[RobinD69]

Originally Posted by Goodpasture

First, Robin, let me say that you are a good person. We are in substantial disagreement over many things, particularly religion and faith.....but I have nothing but respect and admiration for you.....now I know why.

I think it was Oral combined with Elmer Gantry that made me suspect of guys who show up at church in a car bigger and newer than anyone in the congregation drove. Perhaps that is why I have always been a small church person. I attended Willie George's Church on the Move for a while, and the ability to go to him and visit was impossible. The assistant pastor drove a Jag. I recall one Sunday morning that Willie was walking around the lobby of the church and I noticed to husky guys standing in the background. Then I noticed the wires running behind their ears. My thought was "Is this a shepherd? How does such a man know when someone in his congregation is hurting, or in need? When he finds out, does he visit himself or does he send an aide?" At that point I decided that should I ever attend a conventional church again (doubtful, but it could happen) I want one that can tell you off the top of his head the exact directions on how to get to the home of every member of his congregation. I want a pastor that can say "Go two miles down that street, turn right, go half a mile and it is the green house on the left." A pastor is a shepherd, not an entertainer (at least he should be). A pastor shouldn't have to yell or use a speaker system so loud that if you sit up front you need ear plugs.

I always went to Wednesday services when I could because I felt that that is where the core of the church is. I went to one one Wednesday and arrived a little late. They had roped off parts of the sanctuary so you had to sit close to everyone else. The ushers were so busy counting the offering, that I stood there for several minutes waiting to be seated before I turned and walked out. I might add, this church is prosperous, has an elementary school, a private summer camp, and a credit union in the lobby of the church for the church members. They even have an ATM machine in the foyer for cash withdrawals for offerings or after service meals or whatever. And if you like the sermon, if you wait about 15 minutes, you can pick up a tape or cd of the sermon along with a pack of gum and a new Bible and choose from several gift ideas at the bookstore that opens between services.

Thankfully I have a great relationship with God and we talk a lot, and He sent me to visit these churches to show me the end result of the gospel of prosperity.

I am glad you found your way home. I pray that you continue in your growth (I am not trying to be smug or superior or anything, it is just that I know that if one studies the scripture and prays a lot that you will continue to grow......I know I do) as a Christian and that you discover the joyful freedom that comes from being His. Bless you
Greg

Thank you for the blessings, we may not always agree but I do see your heart is in the right place so you of course have my respect as well.

I have seen much of the same over the years, my best friend who lives in Powder Springs Georgia, owns his own garbage company, used to pick up Creflo Dollars garbage. My buddy had started going to a local church and was feeling the pulling of the Holy Spirit but when he started picking up Creflos garbage it turned him off of Christianity. I have a real problem with the prosperity preachers, I prefer a smaller church where everybody knows everybody and the pastor isnt treated like the president. I am good friends with my pastor as well as all the deacons. As a matter of fact we go to my deacons house about once a month to play "apples to apples" and I do face painting with the pastors wife at our block parties. I do not go as regularly as I like but I do feel close to many there. Our church has a crowd of maybe 100 to 150 each sunday and everyone tries to help everyone else out as best we can, we arent quite like the book of acts but many of us want to be.

My relationship with God is much more important to me than any building and that is why I frequent sites like this one so I may express my love for the Lord and hear from some like minded people.

Keep up the good work and thank you for everything.

[Richio]

Originally Posted by Fundamentalist

This really is embarrassing experiencing the exact same story.


YouTube - Plagiarism Squared

That's so weird, because the same exact thing happened to me when I was 8 years old.