Gifted for Leadership: Confessions of a Money Changer

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November 6, 2009

Confessions of a Money Changer

What would Jesus say about our cashing in on women's ministry?

by by Eileen Button

While visiting a very close friend, I agreed to help with her church’s women’s ministry event. I expected to prepare hospitality tables, fill vases with flowers and serve coffee and muffins. It’s what we often do in women’s ministry.

Instead, I was directed to the makeshift market that had been set up in the lobby. Eight-foot long, cloth-covered tables were fashioned into a large rectangle. The speaker’s collection of books, teachings, recordings and—most surprisingly—jewelry covered every inch of the tables. Eight volunteers, myself included, would sell the speaker’s wares after her talk.

The speaker shared her incredible testimony in a two-hour service. Her story was heartbreaking; she had endured abuse, depression, cancer and the loss of a child. She led us through worship and gave an altar call. Over 50 women made their way to the front and stood—with raised hands and tear-stained faces—for a half hour as she encouraged them and prayed over them.

By all appearances, it was a holy night. But despite the sacred nature of the service, the ladies poured out of the auditorium and immediately began to exercise the spiritual gift of shopping. The seven volunteers and I were absolutely slammed (and I think stunned) by the crowd.

Jewelry was the hottest seller. Cross necklaces made of multi-colored rhinestones filled one table while scripture bracelets were grouped together on another. Pins exclaiming “DADDY’S DAUGHTER” in fake diamonds were tied with gold ribbon to some of the speaker’s books.

“Oh look, it’s a fruits of the spirit bracelet!” a customer said, as she held up a silver bracelet with charms that read “love,” “joy,” “peace,” etc., dangling from the chain.

“Do you have anything in gold?” a customer asked me. “Um … let me check,” I said, as I reluctantly sorted through boxes.

I am an energetic woman who completes every task with enthusiasm, but I found myself going through the motions in a dream-like state. Something bizarre was happening before my eyes, but it appeared that I was the only one who was noticing. It was a Twilight Zone moment.

“How does this look?” a woman asked her friend as she held a gaudy three-inch cross to her neck. She was a thin, serious-looking woman in her 60s—the kind of woman who looked like she listened to NPR—so I kept searching her face for traces of a joke. She was serious.

“Ooohh, pretty,” her friend answered.
The NPR-looking woman bought the cross and wore it smiling out of the building.

There was a sign that advertised a free “Jesus is coming” bag with every $50 purchase. A very plain woman walked up to the table with her two teenage daughters and spent enough money on jewelry to earn her two “Jesus is coming” bags.

This broke my heart. It was obvious that she had very little money and, since she wore neither makeup nor earrings, jewelry hardly seemed a priority. A bedazzled cross on her neck would look as gaudy as an “I LOVE JESUS” pin on Mother Theresa. The woman was beautiful just the way she was.

When the crowds dwindled, the speaker breezed into the lobby. “Thank you for all your help, ladies,” she said. “Oh, and don’t forget to take a piece of jewelry and a book for yourselves. My treat. I highly recommend my newest book …”

But I just smiled weakly and looked away. As fellow workers carefully chose their gifts, I found myself nervously glancing at the door instead. I half expected Jesus to appear at any moment with a corded whip in his hands, yelling, “Get these out of here! How dare you turn my Father’s house into a market!” After all, he’s been known to do things like that.

I wondered if he would overturn our tables as he did in the temple courts. It would have created quite a mess. (Unlike the Bible story, however, coins would not have gone flying. Most of the transactions were made with Visa and MasterCard.)

The memory of this night turns my stomach and stabs at my soul. How did we get to this strange place in the American church? Why do we pin rhinestone JESUS baubles to our breasts, but fail to be Jesus to those who silently cry out to us? Why would we spend enough money to tote around a “Jesus is coming” bag, but repeatedly fail to find the resources to make sure our hungry are fed?

It took the volunteers and me a long time to repack all the unsold paraphernalia in cardboard and bubble wrap. I looked at the army of boxes piled at our feet knowing that tomorrow they would be shipped by UPS to the next market. (Uh, I mean church.)

Jesus never did appear in the lobby of the church that night. In retrospect, I can’t help but wonder if he showed up at all.

Comments

WOW!! What an enlightenment...how often we run too quickly to the "natural things",all in the "NAME OF JESUS" and we forget what is most important, that which is spiritual. I recently went to a woman's event. This article made me reflect on what could have been different. How much more service we could have been if we had stayed in the spirit instead of walking in the flesh.

Sure is an eye opener. Whatever we do in the name of Jesus is ok is the attitude the church has now. Why are the things kept for sale at all.? The fleshy nature of women loving Jewellery needs to the first nature that needsto be pinned to the cross.

The love of Jesus is like perfume. When we wear it, it should be suttle, like you helping your friend. Jesus would not want us to bathe in perfume, lie about whether or not something looks good just to make a sale. People who shout their message ( not matter what it is) scare me and make me run the other way.
2 seconds ago · Delete

This very same situation is one of the reasons we no longer attend a church, any church. Does no one read the Bible, or recall anything from it ? Jesus turned over all the tables where people had set up their wares to sell in the temple. Wasn't that a clear enough message, or do people consider that "ancient history" and not applicable to modern times ? If only I wrote as eloquently as you, Eileen, I could voice my opinion stronger & clearer. As usual, your words made me FEEL your emotions and they became my own.

great article! It really does make you think about the true meaning of events in our lives. Just like Christmas, it is all about the gifts we get and recieve, what happened to the true meaning and spirit? Just like at your seminar, was the true meaning to buy,buy,buy?

This type of thing has been going on for a long time and should be addressed. I was a Sale Associate in a Christian bookstore and my manager made a comment that the bookmarks, tie tacks, and things of that sort were "Jesus Junk." His feeling was the same about the lack of spriritual value to these items. It is "Madison Avenue selling" to make a dollar. The interest should have been toward those who went down front!

I totally agree, Eileen. Well conceived and written.

This raises questions the Christian community needs to discuss. Where do we draw the line? As a singer/songwriter/writer I get paid. And I have sold a lot of music in churches. Getting paid for ministry feels wierd. While the Bible says a worker is worthy their pay, we Christians need to constantly check our motives. Some very successful Christian authors do what's called reverse tithing-tithing 90% instead of 10%. This is a starting point to a solution...I wonder if your friend allocated a % of her proceeds toward missions this would help or did mail a mail order catalogue.

Although the scenario you describe is a bit over the top, let's not throw stones.
Even someone in ministry needs to earn a living, and I am not sure why you think that they don't have a right to make a living instead of doing what they do for free.
Would you all do what you do for free?? How would you survive? Our pastors, Christian authors, counselors, speakers, etc....all need to be paid in order to remain free to do the work of the ministry. If they have to get secular jobs alongside their ministries, their ministry time is greatly hindered (or prevented totally).
No one is forcing those women to buy the jewelry. Maybe they truly feel it would help that speaker to carry on in her ministry. We can't judge their hearts, nor can we judge the heart of that speaker who needs income to do her work....so let's be careful not to get too self-righteous here.

You have aptly described my leeriness of Christian stores, especially the non-book merchandise. And by way of personal confession, even purchasing “Christian books” causes me pause. I have to ask myself: “Am I seeking the Word himself by buying this, or simply succumbing to yet another snazzy diversion? And how about those credit card bills…?”

Great writing, it makes you think. But I am not sure I totally agree that persons should not make money off Christians or be able to sell products as long as it is not in the sanctuary. We all have children with their school fund raisers hawking their products, teens and adults with fund raisers for mission trips. I really see it as a person making a living in a free society, available yet for a year or so.

Ah, yes! What do we sell to make a sale? This is a thought-provoking article that speaks to the complexity of choices we make. I don't know whether the speaker was paid to come and give her testimony or whether her compensation amounted to the sale of books and jewelry (perhaps a combination of the two). And I don't know how many of the people who made "Jesus purchases" could ill-afford the cost. However, I am convinced that we ought to give more serious consideration to the questions implicit in Eileen's description of the heavily laden tables and to what we, ourselves, are willing to buy and sell "in Jesus name."

I think Woody Allen said it best. "If Jesus came back and saw what people were doing in his name, he'd never stop throwing up." I too have often been baffled by ostentatious cross-wearing. Deeds, not beads, I say.

Thanks for such an honest portrayal of one of the aspects that has me struggling with church. I love how the writer in you was able to stop and take notice of what was really going on, few people take the time to do that anymore. I wonder if others there were thinking the same, but just didn't have an avenue to express their feelings. Lucky for us readers- you do!

Thank you Eileen for once again challenging your readers to think differently.

Having resources available for purchase is common at any Christian conference or special speaking event. I think at women's events--and I've witnessed this personally--there is tendency to fulfill the sterotype of women's ministry and make all the feminine trinkets available. I saw this happen where a national level speaker was a keynote and available for purchase were women's shoes, purses, and jewelry to the obvious delight of most of the women present. To be fair, there was a book table. I like purses, shoes and jewelry, but you can't buy powertools at a men's conference.

Is this a form of taking Jesus' name in vain? I guess each of us must answer to Him for our choices. Eileen, you've given us much to think about.

Eileen - I always have problems whenever I go to a spiritual teaching or nurturing event and the speaker(s) have books or other wares to sell. Now I understand why. You've articulated the problem perfectly and sensitively. Well done.

Eileen, If the Lord is resurrecting the voice of the prophet for the contemporary church, you are one of the first to have heard the call.
Gerald

A thought-provoking article...

After reading the Scripture in question, I'm wondering if Jesus overturned the tables simply because they were buying and selling, or was it because they were robbing people?

12Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 13"It is written," he said to them, " 'My house will be called a house of prayer,'but you are making it a 'den of robbers'.---Matthew 21:12-13

Eileen, once again your insight into what's happening in the soul of your surroundings astounds me. You were right to question the coexistence of mass marketing under the guise of spiritual guidance. How can you trust the latter if it appears to be a vehicle for hocking ones wares?

As usual, Eileen Button's keen insights and candid observations invoke a powerful response in her readers. She is brave, she is wise, and she keeps her readers coming back for more. I always look forward to reading her.

It takes guts to challenge the status quo, to say, "Hey, what's wrong with this picture?" Way to go, Eileen.

Eileen.....thank you again for always challenging and making me think.

Great articulating in your writing- i love the way you do that...It does sound like the Lord moved in the service!

Very thought provoking article. Thank you, Eileen, for sharing this with us.

Eileen, you always are right on target. I'm embarrassed to say that I actually bought a bracelet at just such an event.
I will think twice if faced with a product table again.

Every writing holds a truth . Keep it up. What lesson will be next>

One of Merle Haggard's songs has a line addressing those that would selfishly mix ministry with money. It goes something like this" They ask you to send your money to Jesus but they give you their address!"

Eileen, your article captured the very feelings of disappointment and betrayal I have experienced at similar events. I remember being at a "Pistons" basketball day camp for kids, and running back in 10 minutes after the end to get the jacket my son had forgotten.Like the guest speaker in your article, I was surprised with the sales of bobbleheads and jerseys at the end of camp. But what hurt was the comment I heard on my return:"how much money did we make?? Hurry up and pack up for...".Needless to say, I never sent my son to another Pistons basketball camp. Your article was emotional and compelling. Thanks for pointing out that some of us seek genuine experiences and don't need the jewelry (or bobbleheads) to prove our participation and belief.

I am grateful that you take the time to share your insights about such important issues, Eileen. Thank you for making a difference with your gift with words. You have to wonder about one who appeals to emotion so well and then opens shop to sell souvenir trinkets of the event

Eileen, I am so amazed how you point out truths in such a relevant pointed way! You are an incredible writer whom I'm blessed to know! Thank you for pointing out truth.

Like so many things in life, I think this is about balance. It sounds like the speaker had great things to say and really touched a lot of women's lives. Perhaps some of those listeners benefited by wearing a physical and tangible reminder of her message in the bracelets/jewelry. But where is the balance? You're right, Eileen, something about that scene rubs us the wrong way.

I have unsaved family members that have left church service the moment the speaker mentions that there are DVDs, CDs, or books for sale in the lobby. It is a turn-off to the unchurched and sometimes to us regular attenders. The Lord God knows the motives of our heart. He knows the motives of the speaker. After reading all the comments, I'm stuck in the middle with my opinion. Those in the ministry do need to make a living and I'm thankful for books and recordings I've purchased along the my journey. But maybe speakers shouldn't advertise during the message or sell "Jesus junk", as one commented. I think church leaders need to set up parameters about sales. Thank you, Eileen, for bringing this to our attention. The Holy Spirit is working through you and your writing abilities. The imagery of Jesus flipping the tables and seeing our credit card receipts fly in the air is outstanding! Amen, sister, amen. Thanks for using your gift and getting us to wake up!

As usual Eileen, you view situations through custom lenses, designed solely for you and then destroyed. Most of us who attend these kinds of events fall prey to these carefully crafted marketing tactics, because the amazing stories that are shared touch our hearts and then touch our wallets on the way out. As an inspirational speaker and singer, I am saddened by these kinds of finales to such incredible moving personal presentations. While it is true, speakers do have expenses and need funding, I believe a love gift from the heart, left quietly in an envelope preserves the spirit of the gathering in a far more meaningful way than the rush of shopping as if we were at a Clearance Sale at Kohls.

Your writing continues to challenge us to examine our values in new and different ways. By the way, where "did" you get your lenses? I want some! Onward!

I found myself very uncomfortable with what seemed like a critical spirit in this article, making fun of those who were commenting on the jewelry, etc. I don't like the jewelry-selling, but I do think offering books for sale could be very helpful.

Also, Jesus overturned the tables because the money-changers were cheating the people with bogus exchange rates.

It sounds to me like Jesus did "show up" at this event, even though we might not like the "after" sales tables.

Well, someone finally said what I have been thinking for years. I am a speaker and when invited, invariably the question about whether I have tapes, books, CDs or anything else for sale comes up. I simply say, you said that you felt led of the Lord to invite me for your conference, tea, workshop, etc. because of the Holy Spirit or the call on my life. That's all I have for the people is the Word of God and the anointing. If more is needed then, I may not be the speaker for the event. Unfortunately, we have been deceived to think that the Spirit of God is not enough theses days, that marketing, sales, etc. is needed in order for God to work. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Amen!

I don't normally comment on these types of articles but I couldn't let this one go by. I agree that we need to be careful that we honour God with our intentions, but this article seems to take things too far and examine hearts in a way that is not possible.

It is interesting to me that we criticize people for buying items after an event but would think nothing of walking into a bookstore or surfing the net to buy the exact same merchandise. Does the pairing of a CD with a concert somehow make its purchase less acceptable than putting it on a shelf in Walmart for us to buy the next day? Can I buy a cross necklace at an upscale jewelery store or will that still be "Jesus junk"? I would think that if I can buy a bookmark, I should be able to buy one with a scripture verse on it - or is that making a buck off of Jesus? Maybe I should just stick to kittens? Is it not really personal taste that says my selection is gaudy and/or unnecessary? What kind of car do you drive? Maybe that's unnecessary because, as the author stated, people are going hungry while we shop. We can't segment this kind of stuff. Challenge it, yes, but do it across the board.

I find it disconcerting that the comments here suggest that we can't have a spiritual experience where we "meet with Jesus" and then purchase items without somehow negating that spiritual time. We'll have to do some serious finger-pointing at all those who go out to lunch after church if that's the case! I regularly buy books at conferences - because I love to learn, because the most relevant resources have been selected, and because they are available. It would seem that many people reading this article would take issue with that. Or is it okay because it's a book and not a cross pin...? Maybe if I go home and order through Amazon...?

The saddest thing about this article is that it is inferred that we can't trust the motives for the presenter's two hour ministry or the experience of those who were ministered to. The "by all appearances, it was a holy night" line is a precursor to many paragrahps showing why we should question that, concluding with the presenter breezing into the room and graciously offering trinkets to her help. Maybe Jesus didn't show up at all??? Dangerous ground.

This is a well-written, thought-provoking article. The author has stepped on sacred toes (or was it cows? They seem to large to step on). She writes of things we don’t talk about, but she is right.

I don’t hear her minimizing what happened during worship. I don’t hear her saying that Christian people in ministry should not have income that allows them to live with dignity. I hear a prophet’s voice. She has courageously put a mirror in front of us, the Church, and we don’t look so good: I do hear her saying that we have crossed a huge line and she is calling us to stop and reflect. She is rightly asking us to think what The Church is and how we “package” the message, especially but not exclusively to women. I can’t wait to read more from this writer.

I'm amazed how many of the commenters here draw such a careful distinction between what happened inside the auditorium and what happened at the sales table.

It's precisely the connection between touching our emotions and spiritual longings in the auditorium that makes us so eager to respond by buying something that (we assume) will extend that feeling.

That's what makes this whole thing feel so manipulative.

I have stopped going to conferences pretty much altogether for many reasons. One-for the most part these diminish the local church and the power of community. The older I get, the more I encouraged by people I know personally-their real struggles, their faithfulness, their transparency. I am not impressed by people on stage-I justdon't really know them or the truth. Second, I do not like the whole scene of someone being asuperstar in the church. Third, I do believe our gifts are just that gifts-for the building up of the church. We so idolize the gifted speakers that we miss the saint whose gift is serving or teaching toddlers. Would it be too much to ask that everyone committed their time and money to the local church and its ministry? No conventions, no Women of Faith, no Promise Keepers, etc? Maybe all that money would feed a heck of a lot of poor families.

I was stunned when I read your article. I guess I haven't been to an event like that for awhile and had no idea that the idea of selling the speaker's books/CD's...., typically on a small table "in the back" had turned into such a business venture. I probably would not mind so much if all the proceeds went to a charity, but evidently that is not the norm. It's also a big disconnect from the apparent genuine message and the worship environment during the presentation. Thanks for giving me something to think about, Eileen. I hope that presenters will read this and take a look at their ministry through your fresh eyes.

How was the money from sales being used? Was it to help pay her travel expenses,does she give proceeds to help with missions or is it ONLY self serving? These are also things to think about.

Wow. Ladies, we shouldn't be so fast to judge. Two thoughts...

1) I bring many unchurched friends to Christian events such as these so that they can see Christians in a different light. (Most of my unchurched friends think that most Christians are judgemental.) If they are touched by the event and purchase a book or a piece of jewelery to help them remember or to dig in more, then God is using that to get to them. Isn't that what we are supposed to be doing? Leading others to God using the means that He has given us?

2) If I buy a book, a CD, a piece of jewelry or whatever, that is between ME and God... not you, me, the speaker, the sales person, the volunteer, the ticket taker, whoever and GOD. We need to focus more on our own hearts and quit worrying about Christian Jane's or Christians Judy's. The unchurched need us to focus on them... after all... THEY ARE DYING AND GOING TO HELL WHILE YOU ARE JUDGING A SPEAKER OR A GUEST FOR THEIR MOTIVES.

This is why these sales tables bother me: it's a distraction from hearing the Holy Spirit's voice.

My understanding about Jesus overturning the money changers tables was due to the fact that it was a requirement that worshippers purchase animals for sin offerings and were
being overcharged - it was the dishonesty of the money changers and the heavy burden placed on the people who genuinely wanted to worship but could not afford to do so that angered him. This is a long way from people voluntarily purchasing something that has nothing to do with the forgiveness of sins. Also for you to judge whether 'Jesus never showed up' especially when people gave their lives to Christ at the event is wrong - remember 'where two or three gather together in my Name, i am with them'
I bet also that most people who commented against the tables are also the ones that struggle with tithing.
Food for thought.

I have had similar thoughts about buying Christian goods because I know people are making money off of them. I remember a passage in the bible about how ministers should be given something for their work from what is grown or raised (i.e. on the farms of Jesus' time) I can't remember exactly how it was said, but it had to do with giving the workers part of the harvest but in reference to workers for God. I'm not saying retailers are ministers, but they are in part workers for God. When I buy a piece of wall art that has a quote from the bible on it, I'm not doing it just for me, but for the people who come to my house so they will know who I am and what I believe. The same is true for a cross I wear. I don't just wear it because I love the person and God who died for me, but so others will know I do, so they will feel comfortable with asking me about Him. As for the gaudy necklace for the plain lady, I hope someone tells her she is beautiful without it, but she could be buying it for someone else, someone for whom it is perfect. Her buying it for someone else is her way of showing love and how important it is to live your faith. You know women enjoy a good deal and I could not afford many of the Christian items I have purchased had I not gotten them on sale or as presents. Consumerism is rampant in the U.S. and many are aware of it, but I think your article brings attention to that fact and to the need for buying not for the sake of buying, but for the sake of others and for Jesus.

Why did you stay and help? It's OKAY to walk away when something feels wrong to us.
Now, with that said---I am someone who enjoys jewelry, clothing, home decor items, music and literature. If I choose an item with a Christian theme, am I to be judged? Is someone saying "she could of fed a lot people for what she spent on that bracelet." How do you know I haven't been feeding the hungry, giving drinks to the thirsty, inviting strangers into my home, clothing the needy, caring for the sick and visiting the prisoners? Matthew 25:31-46.
Of course people are judging me.
Judgement is in the eye of the beholder.

I have been to many events and purchased books and CD's that were valued tools to help me in my walk with the Lord . I feel that these things enhanced my time spent at the event . People that do not agree with purchasing these things can certainly walk away from the tables and spend their money in other places.

Your writing always strikes me because your point of view is usually the unexpected. Agree or disagree, you have a knack for starting conversations on everyday topics we take for granted or don't consciously think about . You put into words the silliness and seriousness of life

I truly appreciate your sincerity in expressing a want to keep the church a holy and sacred place as opposed to making it a place of business and commerce. I truly agree that we as the body of Christ have begun to capitalize on church through using a business model as a strategy to become more appealing and attractive in terms of numbers and financial success.
However, I was a little put off by the analogy used (of Jesus cleansing the temple) in association to this particular instance. If we take a closer look at the text and the historical context behind it, the moral of the Biblical story is not at all the same as what was happening at the women’s conference. I believe this for two reasons… (continued in the next text box)

(continued from the last text box)
1) In the text, Jesus was outraged because the merchants were selling their merchandise within the gentiles court (the place that was set aside for the gentiles to worship God). That would be translated in terms of today, as selling goods within the sanctuary during service, thus inhibiting and taking the place that has be designated for worship……It doesn’t seem that the woman was doing this at all through selling goods after the service.
2) Jesus was also outraged because the merchants were making a profit on what was to be used as sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins….The selling of jewelry and books can hardly be compared to that of sacrificial offerings. There was no claim of forgiveness through the purchase of these trinkets. The closest we have gotten to this was the selling of indulgences many years ago.
So, needless to say, although I do agree with you that the church needs to look at how we have begun to capitalize on the sacred; I do not however think that this particular instance can be compared to the story of the Jesus cleansing the temple. I think we must also stay true to the original intention of the story, before we can make bold statements on others behavior based on a moral that is not the same as the Biblical text we are comparing it to.

I once purchased a prayer journal after a women's event that has been the tool that God has used to deepen my walk with Him. My father owned a Christian bookstore, and ordered items people were asking for that encouraged them in their walk with Christ. Although we need to be careful not to substitute books, etc from reading the Word of God, many of these items are life changing. In our ministry with veterans, we purchase and give out many "forgiven" dog tags....we tell those we give the tags, there is nothing magic about the dog tag, but it is the message of the gospel in one word that is so powerful. So, be careful in rushing to judgment....God uses many ways to reach people....

I was so saddened by the attitude of the writer of this article.

I am a firm believer that so often we see just what we are looking for! She certainly did. The author goes to a friend's women's ministry which means she doesn't personally know these women, and she observes in 50 women being ministered to, she then goes on to judge "the merchandising" that she labels equivalent to Jesus and the Money Changers (Matt. 12, Mark 11 and John 2).

First of all, the money changers were cheating the foreigners who had to exchange the money from their own lands to purchase required animals for sacrifice needed to establish their standing with God. The animal sellers were also cheating the people who needed the animal for sacrifice. So to use that example is totally unfair.

The writer says, "I half expected Jesus to appear at any moment with a corded whip in his hands". Sadly, her expectation reveals her judgment of the speaker and the women who bought items.

Jesus was our sacrifice and whatever we do in the gathering of His Body is NOT related to the situation of Jesus driving out the money changers! Can I say, "Hallelujah!"? Do you know that you and I are now the temple? We are the "Father's House" and the holy of holies is within us! We are indwelt by the Spirit of God! The building where the church meets together is not the Lord's House! We are! So worrying over the desecration of the building is invalid also.

May I remind the writer that the Proverbs 31 woman is described as a 'seller' in verse 24. So selling is not wrong. The women she mentions did not HAVE to purchase anything in order to worship or to approach God for forgiveness as were the Jews in these scriptures.

There were 50 women she says received ministry but the writer ends with the statement, "Jesus never did appear in the lobby of the church that night. In retrospect, I can't help but wonder if he showed up at all." Just what does that say of her view of the ministry the women did receive personally between them and the Lord? Doesn't the Lord Jesus live inside us and don't we carry Him wherever we go?

Now regarding a similar event, let me give you my view as a seller. There were 20 vendors at a Faith Ministries International Network Women's conference. After three days of hearing the Good News Gospel and being a vendor myself, I observed women buying each other gifts of all the beautiful things women love! I gave to those who could not afford things! The Network gave free books away and there were door prizes as well as a joyful jewelry exchange! Extra jewelry was given for the event by many just so that if someone had nothing to give, there was plenty and hearts were blessed! International women from Africa, Costa Rica and France, as well as those from the US, looked lovely in their gifts and no one that I saw condemned us as money changers. I suggest the writer rethink her attitude and don't judge how Jesus views our sisters in Christ.

Romans 3:22 "We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ." And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.

I was so saddened by the attitude of the writer of this article.

The writer says, "I half expected Jesus to appear at any moment with a corded whip in his hands". Sadly, her expectation reveals her judgment of the speaker and the women who bought items.

Romans 3:22 "We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ." And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.

I am a speaker, and I am in a network of over 300 women speakers and musicians. These women all sacrifice, especially financially, to be in ministry full time. These talented, smart, deeply spirtual and authentic women all have families to provide for, kids in braces, college, and some are even are the sole provider. Myself and many in my friendship circle have sacrificed often to come to an event, missing ball games, baby showers, weddings, award ceremonies, etc because God's Word proclaimed, helping people, and bringing individuals to know Jesus is our heart beat. The work of the Lord has to be funded somehow. Churches take offerings to pay salaries,missionaries raise support, however often times communicators are provided for, meet the needs of their ministry, pay thier staff,( all with families) with a combination of a love offering or honoria and product sales of helpful resources to further people's growth. Most of my Christian communicator friends all tithe and support missions as well from their earnings-- often at a higher percentage than the average church goer. Sometimes, I and many of my friends have needed God to provide through the women buying books, etc so we can have gas money to get home, pay the baby sitter who wtched the kids so we could speak, or pay the mortgage that month-- or even eat the next meal.
The mentor I had in ministry wisely said, "When the Spirit moves in a message, the audience will want to take home something, a book to grow deeper, a piece of jewelry to be reminded of an important decision, a magnet to challenge them to daily apply the message he or she heard." These things are much like the stones of rememberance of the OT -- so we never forget the good things the Lord has done. Walk a mile in my shoes, speaking is not glamourous, it is just another form of service to Jesus. It is my prayer it all will help people come to Jesus, and grow with Jesus, and remember all the great things the Lord has done and will do.

I can totally understand your point from one perspective but I agree with the one lady who says that the speaker does have to make a living. I as a pastors wife can understand the feelings that you have but I do feel that you are judging the women who are shopping a bit harshly. It is a known fact that if someone has an experience, they like to have a momento to take with them. Quite possibly you are judging a women who bought a sparkly Jesus pin based on your opinion and not the fact that she was delivered that night and wants to declare Him as her Lord and Savior. Be careful not to be judge and jury. I think that the temple that day is that the priests and everyone was involved in corruption. Prayer and relationship had ceased. It all comes down to the Heart!

I read this, and my question the moneychanger, I think that we should have christian stores and places to buy things that are of the lord, but church isn't the place for buying and selling. God has giving people the gift of writting or making of nice things, I don;t think he would be happy with this taking place in a place where we all are gathering for worship. Just my feelings. I have been thinking of this since I read it in the bible about money changers.

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