Scripture says we are the Called, ekklesia. The English word ‘church’ is not a translation of the Greek word ekklesia, it comes from a completely different word and replaces what scripture actually says.
Why is this important? Because ekklesia has a specific identity, ‘church’ is just a word that can be placed at the end of a specific doctrinal position- such as, Baptist Church. Its meaning is rendered useless by the divisional monikers we associate with it.
I’ve seen the irony when these churches bless America for religious freedom… until you enter the church and have to hide some of your scriptural insights and sign documents stating you agree to believe their interpretation of the Bible.
Religious Freedom is most often interpreted as, ‘we can do and say whatever we want, God said so in our Constitution!’ (…yes, these types exist)
I would venture to guess, based on what I’ve heard (& experienced) over the years, anyone can build a building or lease a space, call it a church, invite church-goers as a source of income, and know little about the Word of God.
Church marketing strategists are prompting pastors to earn up to 60% of your tithes, which they, themselves, instruct you is your duty to God to give to this non-profit charitable organization. [so, a church of 100 faithful tithers who make as little as $25,000/yr might have a pastor who makes $150,000/yr.— it’s a performance-based income. It’s bound to attract those with the gift of entrepreneurship and ‘new product, new service’ strategies.]
