Examining the concept of church ‘partners’

13 Nov, 2016 - 00:11 0 Views
Examining the concept of church ‘partners’ Prophet Magaya kneels in prayer at the platform of Batlokwa Development Trust Stadium in Gaborone where the crusade will be held

The Sunday Mail

Brian Chitemba —
The rise of charismatic preachers and prophets has brought a new phenomenon referred to in the new Pentecostal churches as “partnering”. Partners make monthly payments to the church in addition to the usual tithes and offerings. Because of their benevolence, they are given elevated status in the church depending on how much they give monthly.

That elevated status is usually seen in the seating arrangement during services, with those who pay more finding themselves closer to the pulpit, attending exclusive services, having direct contact with the church leader, and getting other benefits such as VIP parking Partners who pay anything above US$1 000 are often grouped in the platinum zone; while those paying between US$500 and US$999 are gold partners.

They are followed by silver partners, who pay between US$100 and US$499. Those who guarantee up to US$99 monthly are categorised under bronze. Pastor Paul Timothy Reynolds of the First Baptist Church, Cayman Islands had no kind words for the partnership concept, which he described as “horrifyingly ungodly and anti-scriptural”.

He argued that God’s love, blessing, forgiveness and Holy Spirit were equally available to all people regardless of income and what they gave to the church. Pr Reynolds quoted James 2:2-4, which says, “Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in.

If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, ‘Here’s a good seat for you,’ but say to the poor man, ‘You stand there’ or ‘Sit on the floor by my feet,’ have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?”

He went on: “What are those ‘evil thoughts’? For one thing, the idea that one person is more deserving of blessing or access to God than another person, and the idea that access to God can be bought. This abomination is also addressed in Acts 8:18-23, which says ‘When Simon saw that the (Holy) Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them (Peter and John) money and said, ‘Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit’.

“’Peter answered: ‘May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin’.”

The following is what some churches say about partnerships.

UFIC – Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa
Partnership is like entering into a covenant. It is a strong contractual agreement or relationship between two or more persons bringing their energy and resources together to achieve one common objective or goal. Remember that a covenant is spiritual and as such your partnership with the UFI is spiritual.

It means you are partaking of the calling and commissioning of the Man of God, Prophet E Makandiwa by God to Zimbabwe, Africa, and to all nations and people of the world.

Prophet E Makandiwa loves and cherishes your commitment and your partnership won’t go without a reward. There are many benefits you are going to enjoy as a partner.

Prophet Makandiwa says “The church must do more than just preaching the gospel but must subdue kingdoms and to take over”. This means that your substance goes to achieve this.

Partners will enjoy special conferences with Prophet Makandiwa and the opportunity to interact with the Man of God based on their level of contribution.

SCOAN – TB Joshua
As an Emmanuel TV (run by Prophet TB Joshua) partner you will receive the following:
A personal partner number;
News and updates from the Emmanuel TV team;
Notice of upcoming crusades and events; and
A dedicated prayer and counselling telephone line;
Where does my gift go?

We always want the best from God, therefore when you give, you should plant the best seed you have. When you give, you are planting seeds that will be multiplied back unto you. Partnership is the decision to give God your best.

Your monthly gift of US$50.00 (€40/£30/R400/N5 000) or more will support Emmanuel TV as a whole, including both broadcast and humanitarian aspects of the ministry.

Spirit Embassy/Good News Church – Ubert Angel
BeBe (Beverly Angel) and I are so thankful for your consideration of partnering with The Good News Church and The Uebert Angel Foundation. We do not take such a covenant relationship lightly.

It is our partners’ commitment and donations that ensure we’re able to take the Good News of God’s Grace to the utmost parts of the world. We are most grateful for our relationship with these pillars, supporters, and friends of the ministry.

Partnership isn’t a one-time event. It’s a growing, thriving commitment where we both share in the benefits promised to us when we come together and spread the cause of Christ and further God’s Kingdom.

PHD Ministries – Prophet Magaya
Partnering with Yadah-Tv means partnering with us as Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries (PHD Ministries). Partnering is the act of giving to the house of God for the support of God’s ministry.

Being a partner means you are equally concerned with the spreading of God’s Word to all places. You understand the vision and mission of the visionary or leader of the Ministry.

A partner becomes a very important person of the ministry who is different from other ordinary congregants.  You commit yourself with the resources that you have (be it time, financial or material) in order for God’s word to progress. Just like a cheerful giver to the house of God, a partner is abundantly blessed by the Almighty for supporting His work.

PHD Ministries has a lot of activities which demand financial resources including infrastructure development and humanitarian support. PHD Ministries like any other God’s Ministry is a non-profit making organisation which relies on Partners and donors for the success of all its projects which are meant to spread God’s gospel.

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