[svcw]

Tithing is for supporting the Shepard IE pastor/lead elder, the idea being they lead and not have to worry about everyday living.
Offerings support meeting places, out reach.
Alms for missions.
Church groups can not function with out funds, its that simple.
I have never attended a church group where the pastor/lead elder lived a lavish life style or where finances were not open to all attendees (summaries monthly, fully disclosed quarterly) or missions were not active in the community (local, state, national or world wide)

Because people are flawed people stray, it is unreasonable to say all.

I really wonder where you observed.

[AEMILIUS PAULUS]

Perhaps you have, without noting it, pinpointed the very problem with churches; the need for endless streams of cash to support social and building programs. To get cash one must FOLLOW current trends-gay marriage-rather than lead or stand against such trends. For if a pastor offends a donor the latter will not give cash. Read the financial statements-if you can trust them-and rejoice at the large overhead and expense ledger.

In this day and age it is probably better to enter into lay groups for prayer and study.

[AEMILIUS PAULUS]

Perhaps you have, without noting it, pinpointed the very problem with churches; the need for endless streams of cash to support social and building programs. To get cash one must FOLLOW current trends-gay marriage-rather than lead or stand against such trends. For if a pastor offends a donor the latter will not give cash. Read the financial statements-if you can trust them-and rejoice at the large overhead and expense ledger.

In this day and age it is probably better to enter into lay groups for prayer and study.