I went to new frontiers international in London. The leader said if we weren’t giving 10% of our money to the church we were robbing god. It was inferred god would be angry with us. If we give money then we will be blessed. This is the prosperity gospel.
A couple were presented on stage who gave their tithe and said they couldn’t afford to pay it as that would mean not paying their rent. After paying their tithe - their friends put money in their account to pay their rent. The message is to give your tithe even if you can’t pay your rent. It is irresponsible and manipulative.
I was a full time student and asked my home group what I should do as I had a part time admin job and I was self financed and I would go into my overdraft if I paid 10%. The home group leader was upset with me and told me in front of the group I had to pay 10% and I was treated like a criminal.
That is not love. A lot of people are well off there. They can afford to tithe. Jesus didn’t demand money from people. In the bible it says be wary of leaders trying to get money from you.
Do not give under compulsion.
At a leaders conference in Brighton, we had to pay for the tickets and at the end, the founder of the church said we have to get up row by row and dance in a train and give money to the front. He said the band would play music and we have to dance as God loves a cheerful giver. I felt it was cultish. I had no choice but to give as everyone was watching, dancing and we had to get up row by row and I was young and vulnerable. There was a big bag of money and cheques at the front.
Their pastor salaries are high. You can check on Charities Commission.
I think the founder has 5 children. It looks like the leader in London is on £80k-£90k from the accounts.
The poor are exploited and manipulated to feel guilty and to give more than they can afford. That is not what Jesus taught. That is not love.