nikki1 Posted November 6, 2009 Group: Diamond Member Followers: 0 Topic Count: 98 Topics Per Day: 0.02 Content Count: 1,260 Content Per Day: 0.23 Reputation: 55 Days Won: 0 Joined: 06/29/2009 Status: Offline Share Posted November 6, 2009 From Chicago Tribune At Lighthouse Church of All Nations in Alsip, the congregation can get more than just prayer at the Sunday worship services. If a lucky -- or "blessed and highly favored" -- churchgoer is in the right seat, they can also receive a cash prize. At each of the three Sunday services, the Rev. Dan Willis pulls a number of one seat from a bag and the worshiper in that seat wins a cash prize. Two of the churchgoers win $250 and the third gets $500. The church gives away $1,000 each Sunday, Willis said. The cash prize is part of Willis' recent focus on helping his congregation pay bills and begin a debt-free life, he said. "We've had soooo many of our people displaced from jobs, facing foreclosure," he said. "When people's faith was high, their debt was down. When their faith was down, their debt was high. I realized the two are connected." Willis concedes the cash prize is a gimmick to fill the pews. But he's unapologetic about the plan, because it's working. On a typical Sunday, his church draws about 1,600 people to its three Sunday services. But since the money giveaway started, about five weeks ago, the congregation has grown to about 2,500 each week, he said. The money for the giveaway comes from the church offering. Lighthouse is a non-denominational church. "If I can get someone in here and teach them and give them money, that's what I'm going to do," he said. As part of the lessons, Willis set up a shredder near the pulpit to encourage church members to shred their credit cards and commit to stop spending. He talks about budgeting, tackling past-due bills and saving. He encourages the prize winners to use the money to pay down their bills, rather than splurge on new items. One Sunday, he gave away 15 savings accounts with $25 already in them. And he had bank representatives at the service so church members could set up accounts. "The Bible says even an ant stores up in the summer so it can live in the winter," Willis said. "Even an ant can teach us. Even an ant knows how to save. We, with intellect, don't know how to do it. When people see that in Scripture, it takes on a whole different level." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CSLewis Posted November 6, 2009 Group: Diamond Member Followers: 1 Topic Count: 34 Topics Per Day: 0.01 Content Count: 828 Content Per Day: 0.13 Reputation: 20 Days Won: 0 Joined: 05/28/2006 Status: Offline Birthday: 12/28/1980 Share Posted November 6, 2009 Sick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MorningGlory Posted November 6, 2009 Group: Royal Member Followers: 0 Topic Count: 1,022 Topics Per Day: 0.16 Content Count: 39,193 Content Per Day: 6.10 Reputation: 9,977 Days Won: 78 Joined: 10/01/2006 Status: Offline Share Posted November 6, 2009 Sick Yep; I don't think God wants people to only come to worship because they want to be paid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OneLight Posted November 6, 2009 Group: Royal Member Followers: 22 Topic Count: 1,294 Topics Per Day: 0.21 Content Count: 31,762 Content Per Day: 5.23 Reputation: 9,762 Days Won: 115 Joined: 09/14/2007 Status: Offline Share Posted November 6, 2009 Is this what church is coming to? How true are the words that describe His feeling ... Jesus wept. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Elly Posted November 6, 2009 Group: Advanced Member Followers: 1 Topic Count: 9 Topics Per Day: 0.00 Content Count: 415 Content Per Day: 0.08 Reputation: 15 Days Won: 2 Joined: 07/31/2009 Status: Offline Birthday: 02/02/1945 Share Posted November 6, 2009 This pastor needs to be praying for the lost to come to his church for salvation, not a give-away party. Another example of a substution for the spirit of God. People in need projects should be completely separate from the worship service. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CSLewis Posted November 6, 2009 Group: Diamond Member Followers: 1 Topic Count: 34 Topics Per Day: 0.01 Content Count: 828 Content Per Day: 0.13 Reputation: 20 Days Won: 0 Joined: 05/28/2006 Status: Offline Birthday: 12/28/1980 Share Posted November 6, 2009 This pastor needs to be praying for the lost to come to his church for salvation, not a give-away party. Another example of a substution for the spirit of God. People in need projects should be completely separate from the worship service. I totally agree ! What a distraction - what happens if someone wins who us not in need? Or goes and buys an eight ball of cocaine with the winnings? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CSLewis Posted November 6, 2009 Group: Diamond Member Followers: 1 Topic Count: 34 Topics Per Day: 0.01 Content Count: 828 Content Per Day: 0.13 Reputation: 20 Days Won: 0 Joined: 05/28/2006 Status: Offline Birthday: 12/28/1980 Share Posted November 6, 2009 This pastor needs to be praying for the lost to come to his church for salvation, not a give-away party. Another example of a substution for the spirit of God. People in need projects should be completely separate from the worship service. I totally agree ! What a distraction - what happens if someone wins who us not in need? Or goes and buys an eight ball of cocaine with the winnings? You cannot serve two masters... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fez Posted November 6, 2009 Group: Royal Member Followers: 3 Topic Count: 683 Topics Per Day: 0.12 Content Count: 11,128 Content Per Day: 2.00 Reputation: 1,352 Days Won: 54 Joined: 02/03/2009 Status: Offline Birthday: 12/07/1952 Share Posted November 6, 2009 I really disagree with the gambling aspect of this idea! What's next, slot machines? But I do agree with the financial advice part, as long as it is just that, financial advice on how to budget and save. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest HIS girl Posted November 6, 2009 Share Posted November 6, 2009 This makes me ill.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JCISGD Posted November 6, 2009 Group: Diamond Member Followers: 0 Topic Count: 64 Topics Per Day: 0.01 Content Count: 1,345 Content Per Day: 0.24 Reputation: 30 Days Won: 1 Joined: 03/05/2009 Status: Offline Birthday: 04/10/1961 Share Posted November 6, 2009 hmm my first thoughts were that it was wrong like the money traders in the temple, but you know i actually dont think Jesus is annoyed but is pleased with this Pastor. I will be seeking God on it during this week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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