It matters how movements handle money
Disturbing allegations have been raised in the Australian parliament concerning the use of money by the leadership of Hillsong.
Thousands of documents obtained by a whistleblower show a disturbing pattern of spending.
Hillsong’s former global senior pastor, Brian Houston has denied the allegations. It’s now up to the Australian charity watchdog to investigate.
It matters how movements handle money.
When Jesus walked away from his trade as a carpenter, he left his mother in the care of his brothers and sisters.
Jesus called his first disciples away from their usual occupations to follow him while he trained them to fish for people.
Sometimes God’s provision was miraculous—the feeding of the crowds, the coin to pay the temple tax, the miraculous catch of fish—but not always. Jesus relied on the financial support of some wealthy women who sometimes traveled with him. He relied on the hospitality of people like Zacchaeus. When Jesus sent his disciples on mission, he taught them to trust God for the provision of food and lodging through the people who welcomed them and their message.
Sacrifice and generosity fuel movements, but greed stifles them. The Gospels give just one reason for Judas’s betrayal—greed. Jesus warned that worry, riches, and pleasures choke the Word and prevent it from producing a crop.
Jesus urged his disciples to give generously, trusting that their heavenly Father knew their needs and would provide.
There were no luxury watches or business class flights for Jesus’ disciples. No green rooms to cater to their needs. No designer sneakers to wear on stage.
Movements of disciples and churches rise and fall as they move towards, or away from, the life and ministry of Jesus. That’s why money matters.
