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Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Auctioning the Best Seats in Church to the Highest Bidder
No... it's not the latest idea from Ed Young. And Rick Warren has not started a purpose-driven seat campaign. This has great potential for all the growing churches with very limited seating! :)
This is from the Star Tribune...
Using Christmas Eve mass for fundraising purposes by selling front pews to the highest bidders is unorthodox, but it serves the "greater good" of sustaining a parish that is wonderfully close to God, the pastor at St. Paul's Nativity of Our Lord Church wrote in his congregation's Sunday bulletin.
"I have to admit that when I first came to Nativity six years ago, I thought the practice a bit odd," the Rev. Peter Christensen wrote. "But, upon learning that this item alone generated more than $6,000 for the school, I soon changed my mind."
The priest's letter to parishioners this Christmas was in response to a Star Tribune story one week ago about Nativity's approximately 10-year-old tradition of auctioning front pews to 4 p.m. mass on Christmas Eve. The story spread to other media outlets, including CNN.
This year's auction to reserve pews, held as part of an annual fall fundraiser for Nativity's 800-student elementary school, featured winning bids of about $1,000 per pew. Some religious scholars have commented that the auction for reserved seating to holy services on Christmas Eve is an improper mix of God and money.
In his first public remarks on the subject, Christensen wrote to his parishioners that those who bid for the pews "aren't offering hundreds of dollars to hear me preach." Nor are they expecting to "purchase Jesus' undivided attention," he said.
"Rather, these donors generously came forward to support our parish mission of providing a strong, affordable Catholic education for our youngest members and, ultimately, to help ensure a bright future for our parish and the larger community," the pastor wrote.
He noted that the pew auction is exclusive to the 4 p.m. Christmas Eve mass. There are six other Christmas liturgies at Nativity and 834 regularly scheduled services in a year, he said.
He also said in his letter that Nativity isn't a "well-heeled" parish. The "vast majority" of parishioners make financial sacrifices to support the church and its school, he wrote.
The pastor said that the tangible peace and closeness to God that people experience inside the walls of Nativity church make it "all the more difficult to understand the unfortunate and unexpected media coverage."
Any thoughts?
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December 28, 2005 in Trends in Today's Church | Permalink
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Comments
Sadly, many of our Catholic friends are convinced that we are only "close to God" when we are in near proximity to the Eucharist/Blessed Sacrament/Host.
If that's reality, then I must never be close to God.
Fortunately, it's not reality.
Posted by: Phil Hoover-Chicago | Dec 28, 2005 11:41:44 AM
I love the comment [The pastor said that the tangible peace and closeness to God that people experience inside the walls of Nativity church make it "all the more difficult to understand the unfortunate and unexpected media coverage."]
Oh, come on... What did you THINK was going to happen when you auctioned off church pews? What is this guy? NEW?
Peter
Posted by: Peter Hamm | Dec 28, 2005 11:43:26 AM
Do we get to take the pew home? lol.
I'll choose to sit (or stand) in the back and let the others bid for the "important seats".
BTW. I think allot of churches do this anyway when they pay closer attention to the big donors than they do to the woman with the mite.
I've seen a minister give "high praise" to the big donors and encourage us to be "more like" them and their "true desire to serve God". As though the little donations desire to serve God less.
Anyway, I guess it's better than a car wash with bikinis to raise money.
Posted by: BeHim | Dec 28, 2005 12:18:11 PM
Does this surprise anyone? Not me. Not coming from a denomination that has preached a salvation of works while watching parishioners leave and priests conduct themselves in shameful behaviors only to have the church cover it up until the media steps in. Why would auctioning a pew surprise us when cathedrals have been build by donations that absolve sins yet to be committed? Read church history. It's simply more of the same. These things happen when your focus is the church and not the Lord of the Church.
Posted by: Andy McAdams | Dec 28, 2005 12:20:14 PM
Yeah, I'm not so sure about this one. It makes me feel a little uneasy. I'd rather have those trying to find out what all this Christmas stuff is about to have those seats. I understand the concept being presented here and to some extent...there is some merit to it. But still...let those who wish to give give and let those who are seeking have the closer look.
Posted by: Matt | Dec 28, 2005 2:16:58 PM
But the Catholics are dead certain that "Christ" is in the "tabernacle" near the front of their sanctuaries. That is the very real and literal presence of Christ to them.
And the Catholics are also dead wrong on this one.
But why should we be surprised?
Posted by: Phil Hoover-Chicago | Dec 28, 2005 3:07:24 PM
In my church (United Methodist) the only way we would make any money is if we auctioned off the back pews.
Come to think of it that might not be a bad idea after all.
Posted by: sid | Dec 28, 2005 3:18:04 PM
Hmmmm... though I agree that the practice is suspect (at best), I am more surprised by the obvious under-tone of anti-Catholicism here in the comments. I'm not Catholic but I am tired of (and offended at) the rampant anti-Catholicism that I hear from proclaimed evangelicals. This kind of thing (1) compromised our witness; (2) hurts the Body of Christ; and (3) gives all evangelicals a bad name. We can criticize specific practices without bigotry.
Posted by: Ben Dubow | Dec 28, 2005 3:18:45 PM
This comment from the article explains it all:
""I have to admit that when I first came to Nativity six years ago, I thought the practice a bit odd," the Rev. Peter Christensen wrote. "But, upon learning that this item alone generated more than $6,000 for the school, I soon changed my mind.""
Remind me... why was it that Jesus over-turned the tables in the Temple area and drove out the money-changers?
I wonder what Ed Young would think of this. Wouldn't be surprised if he thought it was a good idea... curious...
I was raised Catholic... and don't understand why this would appeal to anyone. But I guess it's the same as paying for your name on a brick or something... many Protestants do that too...
Posted by: Bernie Dehler | Dec 28, 2005 3:39:05 PM
Sid,
You took the words right out of my mouth!
WallyGator
Posted by: Richard L Wallsmith | Dec 28, 2005 3:44:34 PM
I live about a half an hour from this church and I saw the story the day it hit the papers. I was a bit shocked. What got me most is that CNN picked up on the story and they did a posting on their website to get viewer opinions. One viewer emailed in "...this just goes to show, the church is just another business" (paraphrased) Not to mention that we're talking about the one time of the year that people are most open to seeking the "free" gift of God. So, hey, lets charge admission!
This was a very poor decission.
Posted by: Kurt Fuhrman | Dec 28, 2005 6:02:19 PM
Have you heard the one about the lady who went to her local priest and asked if he would perform a memorial service for her dog? The priest said no. The lady said that's too bad, I was going to donate $10,000 to the church. The priest thought a minute and then said hey, you didn't tell me he was Catholic! Or have you heard the one about the couple who were visiting a church for the first time when they were approached by regular members and told that those particular seats were saved and the visitors replied, hey, so are we!
Posted by: ld | Dec 28, 2005 11:28:11 PM
It warrants repeating...
Hmmmm... though I agree that the practice is suspect (at best), I am more surprised by the obvious under-tone of anti-Catholicism here in the comments. I'm not Catholic but I am tired of (and offended at) the rampant anti-Catholicism that I hear from proclaimed evangelicals. This kind of thing (1) compromised our witness; (2) hurts the Body of Christ; and (3) gives all evangelicals a bad name. We can criticize specific practices without bigotry.
Posted by: Ben Dubow | Dec 29, 2005 1:14:47 PM
Ben,
You're absolutely right. It's a stupid idea no matter who came up with it!
So... did you hear the one about the Minister, the Rabbi, and the Priest who went to...
Oh, never mind! Happy new year!
Posted by: Peter Hamm | Dec 30, 2005 8:42:57 AM
LOL... thanks Peter. I have no problem with humor, but some of the comments weren't about humor but simple bigotry.
Happy New Year.
Posted by: Ben Dubow | Dec 30, 2005 11:57:42 AM
Ben D.
I agree totally with what you are saying. I'm sorry if the jokes offended you. I come from a Catholic background and have numerous times been in evangical churches and was glad I hadn't invited any of my Catholic friends to attend. Instead of hearing the good news they would've been torn apart and highly insulted. I agree that bashing anyone from the pulpit is never beneficial but could alienate and tear down those who are attending. I believe when Bill Bright was asked how he had such success with his campus ministry with students coming from various backgrounds he said, "You just love them." That's the key. God bless you.
Posted by: ld | Dec 31, 2005 12:35:07 AM
This is just one of the latest efforts to free up some operating capitol from the traditionally buck-a-week crowd. Churches have always had to fund ministry programs and have often reverted to ingenious or boarderline methods to get the job done. For a long time,the only legal organized gambling outside Nevada was in the local RC Parish facility. Lets also not forget the reason that the Free Methodist Church exists. People can be pretty demanding and yet tight fisted when it comes to their church. I suppose in settings where tithing is theologically unacceptable or remains an untaught mystery, the bills still have to get paid. If we reject God's economic plan, then I suppose we are compelled to come up with one of our own. Hence, raffles, annual budget committee contacts, renting pews, ect.
Posted by: William Blair | Dec 31, 2005 10:53:16 AM
William Blair said:
"I suppose in settings where tithing is theologically unacceptable or remains an untaught mystery, the bills still have to get paid."
Why do you think the unbiblical practice of mandatory "Christian tithing to the local church" has to be taught in order to finance a church? Look into how Jews finance their synagogues... you may wonder why they don't teach tithing...? Talk to some Jews and find out. I and many others have. Tithing teaching today is unbiblical, and it's a grave error to twist scripture for the sole purpose of getting income for the local church. We need reformation in this area, just as we did with Indulgences in the Catholic system (re: Martin Luther).
FYI Free book download about tithing, from Dr. Russell Kelly:
http://www.freegoodnews.com/REK-Tithing2.pdf
...Bernie
Posted by: Bernie Dehler | Dec 31, 2005 4:08:30 PM
Bernie,
I knew you were gonna say all that! ;-D
Some of the Jews I've known and talked to about this very issue over the past few years couldn't EVEN be members of their synagogue unless they paid the requisite dues, and if they were in arrears, they couldn't be married or have their kid bar-mitzvah-ed, et cetera. Surely you're not lifting THAT up as an example.
And I'm STILL gonna tithe!
Peter
Posted by: Peter Hamm | Dec 31, 2005 4:46:12 PM
Peter, you are a hoot!
Granted this is a repulsive and sick thing to be happening, but the Roman Church ain't got nothin on us Evangelicals when it comes to packaging "UP FRONT DEALS" as special "perks" in the name of raising money or to parade the grandeur of the powerful and famous among us!
We keep "RESERVED SEATS" up front all the time and even have hired henchmen to make sure no "GOD SEEKER" dares to sit in them. We also have private "RESERVED PARKING" for the big men on our Church campuses. In fact, the vast majority of the MEGA-Churches as well as small Churches (hundreds of them) I've been in over the years have seats or pews or rooms or other parts of their buildings with big placks on them praising the people who paid for it.
As far as I'm concerned it's not too distant from Simon the Wizard's attempt to buy the Apostle's "magic secrets", and although I wouldn't likely preach from "The Message" Bible, I think the way it translates Peter's response to Simon in Acts 8 ought to resound to anyone who plays these rediculous games of buying and selling "UP FRONT" stuff in the Church. It goes like this: 20Peter said, "To hell with your money! And you along with it. Why, that's unthinkable--trying to buy God's gift! 21You'll never be part of what God is doing by striking bargains and offering bribes. 22Change your ways--and now! Ask the Master to forgive you for trying to use God to make money."
Posted by: JIM EATON | Jan 1, 2006 9:01:10 PM
Jim, that is so true. In our church we just added a page to our bylaws PROHIBITING such a thing as a "in memory of" or "in honor of" plaque on a pew or something. We basically won't take any gifts with those kinds of strings attatched.
Oh, and on Saturday night and Sunday morning, we do have special parking places reserved for pastors, staff, et cetera. They are the WORST spaces the furthest from the building. (One of my fellow pastors always parks on the unfinished gravel area beyond the parking lot to make room for guests.) The spaces right up front are reserved for first time guests! Try that one on for size!
Posted by: Peter Hamm | Jan 2, 2006 8:22:29 AM
I am currently fighting this in my Catholic Church. Please, send me some Biblical and or Catechism quotes to help me!
I am very discourage with the money, money, money attitude.
Christ would walk in with a whip and overturn our pews if we do this.
Posted by: Marcus | Jan 2, 2006 7:15:03 PM
I am not surprised by this, but I do believe that it is time to say as Harry Truman said, "The buck stops here." This is getting rediculous.
Posted by: Evagelist Jeff | Jan 3, 2006 12:13:14 PM
