This question will probaly generate a strong reaction on both sides but I think it is time we talked about it. What do you think of the StoreHouse that is being promoted by the Dept of Employee Security website? I have some serious concerns of this type of fundraising promotion. It reminds me of the Long Distance plan of about 10 years ago. I believe that the church should be supported by the Tithe and offerings of its members.

Be Blessed,

-- Anonymous, September 08, 2003

Answers

I will be writing an article about Dr. Harris' Storehouse vision for the AME Herald soon. Stay tuned. QED

-- Anonymous, September 08, 2003

I believe the Storehouse is beneficial. We shop at many of the participating retailers any way so why not make it worth while. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity is doing a similar project with GM. For every GM bought by a member of KAPsi, a portion is returned to the fraternity. Cooperate investments and partnerships is necessary in the success of a non-profit business. This allows some small percentage of return to the consumer.

-- Anonymous, September 09, 2003

The church as a non-profit business...? As far as the government is concerned the church is a non-profit corporation but God's church is not a business. For example, we as the church will invest any amout to save one soul. Business wil not do that.

Be Blessed

-- Anonymous, September 09, 2003

"I believe that the church should be supported by the Tithe and offerings of its members."

I do to, but to put it bluntly, the people aren't tithing.

Church giving across the planet is below 3%. Considering that Mormons (who were included in this study) tithe a minimum of 10% (And a church official comes to your home looking for your W-2s), the rest of us are sorely lacking.

Again I say, we need to get our own stuff. Why don't we have a black- owned long distance company? The startup costs could be funded by the economic development funds of the church. Once in place, the profits are astronomical (The long distance cost to a provider is aroung 3/10 of a cent...when you are getting 5 cents a minute, but paying 5 dollars a month for that privilege, MCI and company have just made $60 from you, PLUS 4 cents per minute). If we got 1 million subscribers, that would generate over $60 million dollars per year for the church.

Think of it: New churches....new evangelism programs for Africa, Asia, and South America....no scrambling for budget money for Annual/General Conferences...new schools.....MORE HOSPITALS.....

I do not know if I am comfortable with this StoreHouse project (I am always leary of projects where the people who do the most work get the least amount of money in return), but unless we do something, we will run out of money withing the next 10 years (my opinion).

-- Anonymous, September 16, 2003