Interesting story about Joyce Meyer in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch today

[Diane 1611]

The story below is the summary of the front page article in today's St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Joyce Meyer, and it is the first story of a 4 day series. If you click on the link, you can reach the full story and other related stories. I thought this would be of interest.

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/News/St.+Louis+City+%2F+County/97AEDE4711CC509486256DDF0066B3F6?OpenDocument&Headline=Summary%3A+From+Fenton+to+fame

Summary: From Fenton to fame
By Carolyn Tuft and Bill Smith
Post-Dispatch
11/15/2003


Joyce Meyer says God has made her rich.

Everything she has came from Him: the $10 million corporate jet, her husband's $107,000 silver-gray Mercedes sedan, her $2 million home and houses worth another $2 million for her four children -- all blessings, she says, straight from the hand of God.

It's been an amazing run, nothing short of a miracle, says Meyer, a one-time bookkeeper who heads one of the world's largest television ministries. Her Life in the Word organization expects to take in $95 million this year.

Just look around, she told reporters last month from behind her desk on the third floor of the ministry's corporate offices in Jefferson County.

``Here I am, an ex-housewife from Fenton, with a 12th-grade education,'' she said. ``How could anybody look at this and see anything other than God?''
In many ways, Joyce Meyer is an American Cinderella.

Describing herself as sexually abused when she was a girl and neglected and abandoned as a young wife, Meyer has remade herself into one of the nation's best-known and best-paid TV preachers. She has taken her ``prosperity through faith'' message to millions.

``If you stay in your faith, you are going to get paid,'' Meyer told an audience in Detroit in September. ``I'm living now in my reward.''

Meyer, 60 and a grandmother, runs the ministry with her husband, Dave, and the couple's four children. All of the family, including the children's spouses, draw paychecks from the ministry.

But the way Meyer spends her ministry's money on herself and her family may violate federal law, legal and tax experts say. That law bars leaders of non-profits -- religious groups and other charities -- from privately benefiting from the tax-free money they raise.

Last month, Wall Watchers, a watchdog group that monitors the finances of large Christian groups, called on the Internal Revenue Service to investigate Meyer and six other TV preachers to find out whether their tax-exempt status should be revoked.

Meyer and her lawyer say she scrupulously abides by all federal laws.

Meyer's rise to prominence followed years of struggle. But by 1998, Charisma & Christian Life magazine was calling her ``America's most popular woman minister.''

Last year, Meyer was the keynote speaker at the Christian Coalition's Road to Victory tour, a gathering of some of the nation's most influential conservative leaders.

And today, her TV shows, regional conferences and fund raising from her Web site bring an average $8 million a month to her ministry. Of that, the ministry says it spends about 10 percent -- $880,000 a month -- on charitable works around the globe.

Her star has risen so high and so fast that it amazes even Meyer.

``Dave and I feel almost like, `Can this really be us?''` she said. ``We feel like we're the most blessed and honored people on the face of the Earth.''
Meyer's ministry stretches around the globe.

From a 15-minute St. Louis-area radio show in 1983, it has spread to virtually every corner of the civilized world, largely through the reach of satellite and cable transmissions and the Internet.

She says the ministry gets 15,000 letters a month from India alone.

In September, an Arabic language translation of her program began airing six times a day on the Life Channel network in the Middle East. Meyer hopes to use the network to bring the message of Christianity to 31 Islamic nations.

Meyer and her husband say the ministry has the potential to reach 2.5 billion people every weekday.

The couple's recent slogan, printed on posters in the ministry's headquarters and on banners at its conferences, sets out an ambitious goal for the future: ``Every nation, every city, every day.''

[Mrs. Hoppes]

:tape

[Geoff274544]

hmmmmm. I feel so sorry for people donating to her ministry. Given away your money so her kids can draw paychecks.:mad

[Morningstarlet]

Originally posted by Diane 1611
"If you stay in your faith, you are going to get paid,'' Meyer told an audience in Detroit in September. "I'm living now in my reward.''

Of this entire article the above paragraph is what annoys me the most. What gives her the right to think that because people aren't living in 2 million dollar houses that they aren't "staying in their faith"? She's gotten rich off of the poor people that want to believe her WOF lies. She'd better be enjoying her "reward" now, because she sure won't be getting any later on.

[Bondservant]

Revelation 3:17-18
You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.

[Christine]

Originally posted by Diane 1611
"I'm living now in my reward.'' This is about the first biblical concept I can agree with her on.

:nod

But the way Meyer spends her ministry's money on herself and her family may violate federal law, legal and tax experts say. That law bars leaders of non-profits -- religious groups and other charities -- from privately benefiting from the tax-free money they raise.

Last month, Wall Watchers, a watchdog group that monitors the finances of large Christian groups, called on the Internal Revenue Service to investigate Meyer and six other TV preachers to find out whether their tax-exempt status should be revoked. Accountability? Not abusing the tax status? What novel concepts!

:clap

[heavenlierealm]

Everything she has came from Him: the $10 million corporate jet, her husband's $107,000 silver-gray Mercedes sedan, her $2 million home and houses worth another $2 million for her four children -- all blessings, she says, straight from the hand of God.

i believe the part about her children being from god but he doesnt really mean to bless us with worldly things but more of a spiritual way like peace.if not we would all have our own jetplanes,30 room mansions and money to travel whenever we want.....



If you stay in your faith, you are going to get paid,'' Meyer told an audience in Detroit in September. ``I'm living now in my reward.''

the true reward ly's in heaven not a pocketbook or in this life...being faithful doesnt mean your going to get paid

she sounds like shes alittle sidetracked and blinded by worldly pleasure than the future reward of heaven

[Teresa]

This is the one that got me:

Quote;
And today, her TV shows, regional conferences and fund raising from her Web site bring an average $8 million a month to her ministry. Of that, the ministry says it spends about 10 percent -- $880,000 a month -- on charitable works around the globe


When I watched Joyce and the others they always made it sound like if we did not give then the ministry could not continue. I've heard Joyce many times sound down right desperate for her partners to give their best gift. She always said that we should give into the ministry if we were fed spiritually by her. I used to feel so guilty because I already gave as much as I could to other ministries and felt bad that I watched her and gave her nothing.

Well except for the books I bought and have now sinced trashed.

Joyce also talks alot about helping charities, especially in the St. Louis area and other third world countries. Seems to me that they could live in a little bit of a cheaper house and maybe Dave doesn't really need a $107,000 silver-grey Mercedes Sedan to drive to the golf course in.

I would be embaressed if I were them. :tsk

[FaithnJesus]

Theresa, I threw all the books I had of hers in the trash too. A few of them I hadn't even read yet.

I think these WOF preachers missed where Jesus said it is better to store your riches in heaven then on earth.

[Morningstarlet]

So is that 10% of 8 million a month supposed to be a tithe back to God? It must be rough living on that 90%, poor... poor Joyce. :cry

[keysman]

:wof
Rev 3:17
(17) Because you say, I am rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing, and do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.
:wof :wof

[cindyw]

Originally posted by Diane 1611
``I'm living now in my reward.''



yes indeedy. Funny how this very statement stuck out to many of us..............;):

[zion]

Originally posted by Bondservant
Revelation 3:17-18
You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.

:wof :wof :wof

my thoughts exactly :nod

[Walter]

:confused Correct me if I`m wrong. I think I read somewhere that there is some sort of directory where people who want to donate money to a ministry can check to see how that particular ministry uses its funds before they donate. Is there any truth to this or did I imagine it.

[Changes]

The full article states this in reference to the new $20 million ministry headquarters:


Jefferson County assessor's list offers a glimpse into the value of many of the items: a $19,000 pair of Dresden vases, six French crystal vases bought for $18,500, an $8,000 Dresden porcelain depicting the Nativity, two $5,800 curio cabinets, a $5,700 porcelain of the Crucifixion, a pair of German porcelain vases bought for $5,200.

The decor includes a $30,000 malachite round table, a $23,000 marble-topped antique commode, a $14,000 custom office bookcase, a $7,000 Stations of the Cross in Dresden porcelain, a $6,300 eagle sculpture on a pedestal, another eagle made of silver bought for $5,000, and numerous paintings purchased for $1,000 to $4,000 each.

Inside Meyer's private office suite sit a conference table and 18 chairs bought for $49,000. The woodwork in the offices of Meyer and her husband cost the ministry $44,000.

In all, assessor's records of the ministry's personal property show that nearly $5.7 million worth of furniture, artwork, glassware, and the latest equipment and machinery fill the 158,000-square-foot building.

As of this summer, the ministry also owned a fleet of vehicles with an estimated value of $440,000. The Jefferson County assessor has been trying to get the complex and its contents added to the tax rolls but has failed.



:eek :eek

And there's more ~ obscenely more....


Here. (http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/News/St.+Louis+City+%2F+County/B87B7846FF30683D86256DDF006367FA?OpenDocument&Headline=From+Fenton+to+fortune+in+the+name+of+God)

[tractsforchrist]

Usually I defend people who are rich (for valid reasons) but this makes me so mad!!!

She is a preacher so she is held to higher standards

:wof

:wof indeed

[Morningstarlet]

Any one of us could easily be corrupted by money as we all have sin natures. What makes me mad about this is she seems to think she deserves this stuff!! And they are spending so little on the ministry, yet spending the majority on their own selfish wants!! That is what makes me want to gag, not the money itself. The people that are giving the money are being greedy themselves because they think they can GET from God by giving to this ministry. The whole thing is twisted.

[Bondservant]

Originally posted by keysman
:wof
Rev 3:17
(17) Because you say, I am rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing, and do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.
:wof :wof ~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
is there an echo in here?

[Rebecki]

Meyer makes no excuses for hawking her books and tapes and for relentlessly pleading for donations on her Web site, on her TV show and at her conferences.

"They don't let me on that television for free," she said at the Atlanta conference. "The gospel is free, but the pipeline that carries it is not."

That is from the article also and it makes me sick. I guess that Peter, Paul and John were doing it the wrong way. Poor Paul... wasting his time as a tent maker and spreading the gospel when he could have been writing scrolls and hawking them in the market place. :puke

"Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Matthew 19:24

[David Mark]

Originally posted by Mrs. Hoppes
:tape

Very well said Mrs. Hoppes!


Dave

:tape

[Patty T]

I am choosing to abstain from comments since the media can not be trusted to report the truth, and I personally can not see Joyce's heart.


Patty
:tape

[KrispyKritter]

Originally posted by Patty T
I am choosing to abstain from comments since the media can not be trusted to report the truth, and I personally can not see Joyce's heart.


Patty
:tape

Granted, but if the story and quotes are not true, then the newpaper has opened itself up to a HUGE lawsuit. I tend to think there is some validity to this story. And since Joyce is WOF big time, none of this surprises me.

[watching57]

From the article:

"She said that federal tax law allows ministries to buy parsonages for their employees, so the arrangement does not violate any prohibitions against personal benefit."


:pound Parsonages! :pound

[pilgrimgal]

What struck me was the initial paragraph- God gave her a corporate jet, a 2 million dollar home, etc. I hate to break it to her but God didn't. The people who sent in their donations provided those- and who knows what they sacrificed to be able to send in those donation.

[cindyw]

I don't agree with Marilyn Hickey on some things, but I do admire the fact that she has not profited off of the gospel of Christ. I heard her once say that someone asked why she didn't go out and buy a nice big house..........she said something to the effect of this: I'm perfectly happy in the house I'm in (which from her description was very modest).......and I'd rather spend the money that comes in on taking the gospel of Jesus Christ to the World that needs to hear it........

I am NOT into the poverty gospel......I believe that those whose JOB it is to be in FULL time ministry (they truly do live and breathe the gospel and surrender their lives for Christ's sake and the building of the kingdom)......deserve to be taken care of reasonably, but claiming God made you RICH off the tithes and offerings of others..........sorry, sounds like "for filthy lucre's sake" to me. I would be hopping mad to know that I sent money to a ministry believing that it was being used to feed the poor, take the gospel to the hungry of the world.........and it was used to buy a piece of art for someone's office........:mad

[Geoff274544]

Originally posted by Walter
:confused Correct me if I`m wrong. I think I read somewhere that there is some sort of directory where people who want to donate money to a ministry can check to see how that particular ministry uses its funds before they donate. Is there any truth to this or did I imagine it.

I was impressed to find out that Sid Roth and Gospelcom.net Publish a sheet each month that tells you what happened with your donations.

But so many ministries don't. I hate the way many try to make it out as if your a partner, so your part of the family. But don't even tell you were your money has went.

[Geoff274544]

This morning the latest Joyce Meyers mag arrived. It includes a 2 page article on getting back what the devil has stolen. This mag left a bad taste in my mouth.

Also whats a joke is that after the article, there is a slip to buy a cassette on the topic and also add a extra donation.

So each month this mag arrives and usally 2 seperate short letters asking for your plegdes and prayer requests.:(:

[ddlewis86]

Well when you start changing the message of the Gospel into "See how rich God can make you!" Satan will makE SURE you get paid! :nod :tsk

[Hyssop]

:yuck :sigh What a bummer. I've watched her program and parts of it- a few times anyway, and I did like to hear her speak, I guess I tuned out the WOF slant...... I even picked up one of her books at Costco (but strangely never read it) maybe the HS was trying to tell me something....

Does anybody know which ministries are the best to support? I know that we support Greg Lauries Harvest and Jews For Jesus.
My husband has felt led to give freely to those two.... I'm assuming they are on the up and up. How about orgs. like the ABS?

[Geoff274544]

www.istandwithisrael.com

They donate your money to help the people of Israel. Also money goes into translating books into Hebrew.

They also have major support from WOF Teachers and True Teachers

Also Jerry Golden, who his the website "The Goldenreport"

The is also the International Christain Embassy Jerusalem www.icej.org


There is many other ministries out there that need your support. And your looking @ one. Rapture Ready.

Just don't buy into WOF Ministries, false teachers who store up their riches.

[Geoff274544]

Originally posted by Geoff274544
www.istandwithisrael.com

They donate your money to help the people of Israel. Also money goes into translating books into Hebrew.

They also have major support from WOF Teachers and True Teachers

Also Jerry Golden, who his the website "The Goldenreport"

The is also the International Christain Embassy Jerusalem www.icej.org


There is many other ministries out there that need your support. And your looking @ one. Rapture Ready.

Just don't buy into WOF Ministries, false teachers who store up their riches.

P.S You'll notice my e-mail address contains ISTANDWITHISRAEL

They hand out e-mail address when u first donate over 25$. Which is great now you can show that not everyone hates the people of Israel in these times, with every e-mail you send.

Plus the web-mail service is second to none.

[MarkD]

by Walter:
" Correct me if I`m wrong. I think I read somewhere that there is some sort of directory where people who want to donate money to a ministry can check to see how that particular ministry uses its funds before they donate. Is there any truth to this or did I imagine it. "
==



You can utilize both of these:

www.charitynavigator.org

and

the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability at www.ecfa.org.

[Christine]

Summary: Money pitch is a hit with followers
By Carolyn Tuft and Bill Smith
Post-Dispatch
11/16/2003

The spray on Joyce Meyer's hair and the sequins on her tailor-made pink suit sparkled in the bright stage lights before 8,000 people in the arena where the Buffalo Sabres play hockey.

Meyer's rough, homespun south St. Louis drawl thundered out to her audience, which suddenly had become silent and still.

To give is godly, she said. Never fear giving too much in the name of God, even if it means sacrificing dinners out during the three-day conference. Fear, she said, is the work of the devil.

She lectured for nearly an hour before ending with the same plea she'd been delivering for a decade: ``Make your checks payable to Joyce Meyer Ministries/Life in the Word. And million is spelled M-I-L-L-I-O-N.''

Many in the crowd flipped open their wallets or pulled out their checkbooks.

No one came forth with a million dollars that day in June. But in September, the ministry says, an East Coast woman gave stock worth that amount. Meyer then asked for more.

``I didn't have that thing for five minutes and I said, `OK, God. Next I'll take $5 million,''' Meyer later told an audience in Tampa.

It is that kind of hard-edged audacity that has made Meyer one of the biggest names in big-name TV evangelism and has endeared the Fento grandmother to millions of faithful supporters worldwide. At 60, she shows no signs of slowing down as she stretches herself further.

In St. Louis last month, Meyer asked for a $7 million check. "That would really bless me,'' she said. My note: Bless WHO, Joyce?

Meyer's 20 or so conferences each year, where followers usually have their only opportunity to see and hear her live, are part old-fashioned tent revival, part motivational rally and part unrelenting sales pitch.

Meyer attracts her fans to her gatherings with promises of a free conference. The only conference with an entrance fee is her annual St. Louis women's conference, which charges $50 per person. Yet, from the moment followers enter one of her free conferences, Meyer pushes for their money.

"God does not need our money. The giving thing is not for Him, it's for us,'' Meyer told her Detroit audience in September. "I should not have to work to try to support myself.'' Ahh -- well, that answers that "bless who" question...

The Post-Dispatch attended four of Meyer's conferences: Buffalo in June, Atlanta in August, Detroit in September and St. Louis in October.

The newspaper found virtually identical elements at each conference -- heavy doses of modern religious music, unwavering religious faith and a strong, focused effort to bring in money.

Joyce Meyer Ministries is, without question, a well-oiled moneymaking machine.

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/special/joycemeyer.nsf/0/27C0B7A0B6E1509386256DDD00824AA1?OpenDocument

I want to be sick...

[Christine]

I chopped this up as it was one HUGE photo -- original can be found here:

http://graphics.stltoday.com/infographics/joycemeyer/joycemeyer4.html

Joyce's Compound (their words, not mine):

http://www.bereanfaith.com/heresy/images/joycemeyercompound1.jpg


http://www.bereanfaith.com/heresy/images/joycemeyercompound2.jpg


http://www.bereanfaith.com/heresy/images/joycemeyercompound3.jpg

[blitzkreig]

Originally posted by Christine
Her compound:
http://www.bereanfaith.com/heresy/images/joycemeyercompound1.jpg I hope she doesn't break a nail mowing all that lawn.:rolleyes

EDIT to note that she has gardeners:doh



Blitz -- I modified your quote of my post to get rid of that monster picture!

[glorymj]

:mad

[Singlesis]

Billy and Ruth Graham still live in the same log cabin they built 50+ years ago in the mountains of North Carolina. His ministry www.bgea.org (http://www.bgea.org) gives away so much FREE material (books & magazines, etc.), I wonder how they don't go in the hole each month.
If you want to give to a great evangelistic organization, give to them. They do far more than his crusades, and will continue to do so long after he goes to be with Lord. :thumb

[blitzkreig]

Blitz -- I modified your quote of my post to get rid of that monster picture! [/B] thanks I never notice these things as I have graphics turned off unless I click :):

[tractsforchrist]

I know I know... this is horrible but...... I'm pulling a ...............

hijack!

This opens a big can of worms for me. I understand that ministers should live a modest living (but not in complete poverty because of neglect) and not like the uh... mentioned above compound.

My question is, this makes me think... should I feel guilty for having some money? Should I be giving a lot more than I should [Every time I am in church I am giving my 10%] Should I not be spending it on stuff I don't need? My parents completely pay for my living and they give me a considerable sum for NOT working [as an incentive to not work]. I have started to feel like to start donating to one of those feed a child a day kind of things [any good suggestions of christian ones would be nice] But other than that, is that not enough? Its not a sin to be rich [because it is the LOVE of money] but where do we draw the line. Like I love hello kitty everything and I try to add to my collection. I don't feel like I am in love with money but I do feel that I do like it when I have hello kitty stuff. How do we handle the blessing of money?
Ok

[/hijack

[Christine]

tractsforchrist,

There is nothing wrong with having money -- the point is in the motive. Many people make an honest living and are quite wealthy.

The problem that I have with Joyce is in her motives.

Note the following from that article: In St. Louis last month, Meyer asked for a $7 million check. "That would really bless me,'' she said.

{snip}

"God does not need our money. The giving thing is not for Him, it's for us,'' Meyer told her Detroit audience in September. "I should not have to work to try to support myself.''

As I said on the other thread, She is nothing but a two bit con-artist. It sickens me to think what her followers are sacrificing in order to give her their hard earned cash so that she can maintain those grounds, tax exempt no less.

You want a definition for taking the Lord's name in vain? How about abusing it to milk the last dime out of an elderly widow in order to maintain this lifestyle.

I hope the IRS follows through on the complaint and throws the book at her like they did Jim Bakker -- and that she loses everything, repents and realizes what the REAL meaning of using her skills to spread the gospel is all about.

I bet the Apostle Paul is spinning in his grave like a centrifuge right now.

</rant>

[jenniofYahushua]

Well I praise the Lord who knows all things!!! Very shortly after the Lord saved me He told me never to watch or listen to joyce meyers again for two reasons 1) she is a woman and is usurping authroity by preaching and 2) because she is carnal and always talks about her clothes and jewelry and makeup etc... Well I thank the Lord for that and as time goes on and i read more about her i see that those two things are really just the beginning of why to flee from her and cling to the Lord.


and truly she spoke hugely when she said she is living in her reward now. :doh

[FaithnJesus]

The line that really gets to me is "I should not have to work to try to support myself.'' :mad So is she saying we're supposed to support her.

No, I don't think there is anything wrong with having money. It's how you got the money.

[Lonewolf7]

Originally posted by Diane 1611
Joyce Meyer says God has made her rich.

Everything she has came from Him: the $10 million corporate jet, her husband's $107,000 silver-gray Mercedes sedan, her $2 million home and houses worth another $2 million for her four children -- all blessings, she says, straight from the hand of God.
She has taken her ``prosperity through faith'' message to millions.

``If you stay in your faith, you are going to get paid,'' Meyer told an audience in Detroit in September. ``I'm living now in my reward.''



Acts 3:6
Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk."

[The Bearen]

man this is so shocking.

many christians I know that wacth her on the God channel and read her books.

Looking at her compound , this sickens me and when people in the world se this , no wonder christians are continually mocked.

:frusty :frusty :frusty :frusty

I was in Minnisotta a few years ago and while I was there our host drove us down to Tulsa which is about a 9 hour drive.

We visited the Oral Roberts University' and I was shocked to see the money they had put in this building.

It was like something out of a fairy tale.:frusty :frusty

[RJs here]

Originally posted by Christine

Meyer's 20 or so conferences each year, where followers usually have their only opportunity to see and hear her live, are part old-fashioned tent revival, part motivational rally and part unrelenting sales pitch.




hmmm.... as I've never been to one of her conferences.... it leaves me to ONLY wonder.... is the GOSPEL of HOW TO BE SAVED (basic fundamentals ~ if you ask me!!) even SHARED AT ALL????


:confused



wow ~ that compound is *something else*..... and I'll admit (ol' dummy me! :rolleyes) ~ I was duped at one time -- used to send in my $ each month *religiously*!! ha.... :tsk It wasn't *much* ~ but yet it WAS a sacrificial offering.


Well ~ tsk!! You live & learn, I guess.


Joyce & fam are living high off the hog ~ and I've still got a MOUNTAIN of debt..... :freaked :wacko

[thornrose]

In today's paper was the story of where her money goes to. I think if everyone took an interest in what Joyce is spending her money on they might want to have a look at what ministries she supports. I didn't know about this particular one personally, it is relatively new and I have been across the river out of St. Louis for 7 years. I am interested because of the homeless and street people that are being helped. I was involved with the Jefferson County Rescue Mission, fine Christians. I also am interested in Larry Rice's street missions, and 26 years ago, he first blessed me.

I also know that God does bless when we tithe, He has never failed me, ever, when I put my 10% in, anywhere. (By His leading)

I've watched Joyce on and off, I've been to some services where she's been in attendance. I am thinking about her deeply right now, I don't think she got into this to rip off God (impossible) or people. Ministry is hard, although unbelievably wonderful to be part of. People in ministry have much to be accountable to God for.

I have seen several ministries mentioned on here that I may have a problem with, but my spirit goes into check before I open my mouth.

If this is a judgement on Joyce, then it will come forth from God's hand. Maybe or maybe not this is it but it pains me to see our Love be cast in the wrong direction towards a sister in Christ.

And what bothers me further is that I would for one minute listen to a reporter who was scooping a ministry, I have prayed for those individuals. (I kept thinking 'I went to Benny Hinn and Carmen and they were free). Oh how we love our money, and that secular, ungodly paper is going to make sure to blast the Christians for giving it and spending it. God owns the cattle on a 1000 hills. That's why today's article blessed me because I asked God why were none of the positives being brought out, as I know that they are there. Again, the world against Christ, Christ wins.

[thornrose]

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/News/Jefferson+County/6910ED9668CB322286256DE2001E63D9?OpenDocument&Headline=Summary%3A+Meyer's+charity+work+begins+a+home

This is just the net version of the article, it was quite extensive in the paper.

[Christine]

According to that article, Joyce donates $8 million of her $95 million annual intake to charities.

I don't think that this is what the Lord had in mind when he wrote of pastors "serving" the congregation.....

:):

[RJs here]

thornrose ~ or is it that the paper is getting DANGEROUSLY *CLOSE* to the TRUTH!!? :nod

I mean ~ after all, they cannot report lies & heresey ~ unless they want to be held liable ~ and find themselves under HEAVY FIRE and lawsuits flying left & right.


And oh boy -- is the Meyer team ever *sue happy*!! ..... just ask Christine. She had a fun interlude emailing back & forth with the webmaster.... who was threatening to sue merely for using Meyer's picture online!! It's all very well documented if you care to see it.


Hey, I know some ppl learn a lot from Joyce Meyer. I'm happy for them. I did, too, at one point. I can esp. recommend her video on Depression. Really hits the button for some ppl.


*BUT* ~ even so, I can no longer support her ministry. And this is not *judgment* against her.


You know -- all the fancy designer suits -- funny how 1 Timothy 2:9 says: in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing,


Hmm..... $8,000. designer suits -- not exactly *moderate* I be a thinkin'!! :freaked


I have nothing personal against Joyce, but I would never send another nickel ~ to further embellish their ELABORATE lifestyle, and know that I was helping pay for the cleaning chemicals for the pool!! :twitch

[Bondservant]

Originally posted by thornrose
If this is a judgement on Joyce, then it will come forth from God's hand. Maybe or maybe not this is it but it pains me to see our Love be cast in the wrong direction towards a sister in Christ.
And what bothers me further is that I would for one minute listen to a reporter who was scooping a ministry, I have prayed for those individuals. (I kept thinking 'I went to Benny Hinn and Carmen and they were free). Oh how we love our money, and that secular, ungodly paper is going to make sure to blast the Christians for giving it and spending it. God owns the cattle on a 1000 hills. That's why today's article blessed me because I asked God why were none of the positives being brought out, as I know that they are there.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The unbelieving world knows hypocrisy when they see it, they are not ignorant to the fact that some "preachers" are not living by the standards God has layed out in His Word. If one's ministry is following the standards set by God's Word it will be beyond reproach. We are told to judge them by thier fruit. This is just one more incident for unbelievers to look at and shake thier heads...they equate it with Jesus...they see the hypocrisy and it defames His name in thier minds. They want no part of the hypocrisy when they see stuff like this. It does more to hurt the kingdom of God then the good those who laud her think it does. And for that, there will be judgement. And your sins always find you out.

[Bondservant]

edit...double post

[aboundingjoy]

I like Dr. Phil and Oprah better than I like Joyce Meyers.

I am offended by her message of prosperity because it is harmful to the body of Christ.

Just like Dr. Phil and Oprah, she should get off the tv.

Would Christianity have gotten anywhere if Jesus had lived and acted like this?

One of my co-workers is totally taken with Joyce. It makes me sad--and angry.

Years ago, the WOF message threw me off track--Don't let the half-truths of this style of preaching deceive you, as it did me.

[thornrose]

I don't follow any ministry, I follow Jesus, The Heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit through their Word. At my home church as well as the one I just began I listen and absorb, but I also have discernment. My post was misread. I watch her on and off, as I do many ministries. I keep my opinion to myself and am careful what I say about them because scripture tells me that also. I was trying to show the side of her ministry that is offering hope to our local area. I am not God and I have to watch my judgement of others every day, leaving that up to Him.

Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were not poor, Jesus was not poor...He came from and returned to His Father. Jesus ministered to the poor, the sinners. Jesus said to go out without anything and let others care for your needs while you feed them with the Word. If you enter a house and they reject you, shake the dust off your feet.

Again, God will prevail in this no matter what the secular world or His people thinks about it. Your opinion and my opinion differ, that's okay too.

[DJHere]

Originally posted by Geoff274544
hmmmmm. I feel so sorry for people donating to her ministry. Given away your money so her kids can draw paychecks.:mad

The question that comes to my mind is are her children working in the ministry for the paychecks they receive? I believe they are from what I have heard. If so what is your problem?

[cindyw]

Originally posted by Bondservant
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The unbelieving world knows hypocrisy when they see it, they are not ignorant to the fact that some "preachers" are not living by the standards God has layed out in His Word. If one's ministry is following the standards set by God's Word it will be beyond reproach. We are told to judge them by thier fruit. This is just one more incident for unbelievers to look at and shake thier heads...they equate it with Jesus...they see the hypocrisy and it defames His name in thier minds. They want no part of the hypocrisy when they see stuff like this. It does more to hurt the kingdom of God then the good those who laud her think it does. And for that, there will be judgement. And your sins always find you out.


:nod :nod :thumb