Cult leader Melissa Witmer preaches "Prosperity Gospel"
Melissa Witmer, a Generations-cult pastor and wife of head pastor Rich Witmer, skews Scripture to support the cult's demand for large tithes and offerings. The cult teaches "prosperity gospel" to ensure followers give more then they can afford.
In the early church there was a council held in Jerusalem to deal with the issue of how much of the law Christians should care about and the result was a simple four issues... Acts 15:28-29 (NIV) "[28]It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements: [29]You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. Farewell." Now nowhere in there do I see anything about tithing, do you?
I understand why a church would want to keep practicing this outdated Old Testament Israelite law... The financial benefits a church would receive from tithing enables buildings to be financed, vehicles to be provided, minister’s salaries to be paid and other special projects to be funded. Generations church is doing nothing but dipping into the Old Covenant Law and selecting, whatever unaltered verses they may desire to apply and using them as a scare tactic to loosen the church member's pockets. The members of Generations, which are persuaded to provide a regular payment of a tenth of their pre-taxed income, are bullied into payment under this out dated law! There are MANY other ways for a church to go about raising money. ALL the churches I've been to took "donations" never tithes. We were taught that the bible ENCOURAGED people to DONATE 10% of the REMAINDER of their income AFTER taxes and even after bills were paid... We were told that if we couldn't afford to donate money we could help the church out in other ways, such as becoming a youth leader, going on missions trips and working part time in the administration or custodial departments. I believe THAT is the right way to go about doing things. Additionally, our church members would have monthly meetings and were informed of the church's financial situation and we would vote on where the money would go... We'd vote on everything from buying a playground set for the daycare to the pastors' salary.
Furthermore the full complexity and workings of the Old Covenant Levitical financial support systems aren't explained or fully understood by the congregation. I recently spoke to a member of the "Church" who explained to me that I wouldn't be allowed in Heaven because I don't go to Church or give. I reminded her of John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." I told her I was saved and that was the only ticket I needed to get into heaven... She flat out said "No, you cant go to Heaven unless you tithe" Now Mr. Witmer says, "I wasn't trying to say that there is any other way to heaven... but I just wanted to clarify that we do not teach that giving gets anyone to heaven." If they don't teach that tithing gets you into heaven, then why did his wife stand in front of the congregation and say "Giving your tithe guarantees an open heaven" Show me where in the Bible it says that! I’ve looked and looked.
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It has been suggested.. have the faith to tithe on the income you want rather than the income you have...
Want to tripple your income, give 30%.
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How could you possibly triple your income by giving 30%? Does generations play the Powerball with some of your benevolence? When are you going to wake up and realize that this isn't about religion and prosperity, but about robbing you of your money and creating a false hope. Do some simple research about cults and churches. This IS NOT A CHURCH. Soon they will be telling you that the only way to heaven is by a large flying saucer piloted by Elvis.
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Reality-
I'm giving this as an example of the crap I've actually heard from the pulput and cell leaders. Believe me, I don't buy into it. Long gone from that place.
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yeah, it gives me a sick, wrenching feeling in my guts when i hear this nonesense. i've witnessed worse from this church, though...
never going back either!
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Melissa and the church have misinterpreted the bible. When Jesus says to "Give" and you shall recieve great gifts, he means to put your faith and trust in him, and you'll recieve his love and security, what would GOD, our father really do with money? God created us to love each other, he didn't want us to give him our, in all reality, worthless paper, he wants us to care for one another by actions of helping with others with our own two hands, not with the actions of money.
God created man, not money, he has no use for it, he is the creator of man, he has his children and his son who has saved us...all he wants in return is to know that we believe he exists...honestly, what would the creator of man, the one who could encourage the rapture and shake the world at a ready whim, really do with our money? He doesn't need something we created as a trade currency, he simply needs our love...
may we be blessed and may the lost find their way, what rich and melissa has done is wrong, but like the lost sheep of their congregation, may they find that religion, church, is not the answer, christ is...
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haha "but if you can picture giving so much money you'll reap a field! You harves a field Amen!?! hahahaha dumb lady. I always have called churches like this cults since 2002! I think you forgot to mention that the River Church place is a cult too. These people just want their faces on billboards going down 4th ave of Yuma. I wonder if they even have actually been ordained ministers.
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Why are people so weak and ignorant?
She's not even the slightest bit convincing.
And why does she say "Amen" as if she is asking a question?
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The following is a MySpace conversation between me and Richard Witmer..........
My first email to him said something like,
I'm so glad there are pastors like you who shine as examples off humility in this time. You live in a $60,000 home in a lower income neighborhood and insist on driving dependable used cars.......
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From: Rich Witmer
Date: Oct 4, 2008 8:02 PM
Hi Rebecca,
I actually don't own a second-hand car. I drive a 2008 BMW. I also don't live in a home that is worth $60,000. I own three homes (well, the bank owns them... i rent 2 of them out and live in one... and make payments). I do believe in prosperity, but I do not believe in greed. I try to give 25% of my income to the church and to missions yearly. I believe that we are blessed to be a blessing.
I also don't think there is any comparison between Obama and McCain. Obama is demonic. It doesnt' matter what he says about the environment as compared to abortion. A human life is more important than the environment. It is important that our world view is dictated by the bible, not the liberal media. Obama also supports the homosexual agenda. He is a socialist and believes in redistribution of wealth. This takes away the biblical notion of individual responsibility.
I just didn't want you to think that I am someone that I am not. Blessings to you and your family,
Ps Rich
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From: Rebecca
Date: Oct 4, 2008 8:33 PM
Thank you, I don't believe you are someone you are not.
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From: Rich Witmer
Date: Oct 5, 2008 1:27 AM
Thank you :)
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From: Rebecca
Date: Oct 4, 2008 11:03 PM
Wouldn't a real successive open dialog on your comment section be an amazing ministering tool?
Just editing for the positive comes off as kinda unreal. Well, okay, I'll say it... self glorification. Checking out all that's on there, it's beyond obvious. Being objective here. I just wanted to continue making color copies of that article and passing them out. I just can't do that anymore... a profound affect I am having to get over and move on from.
The one thing I do give you credit for is you are still reachable.
My identity label in Christ Jesus is a subcultural socialist Christian, like the apostles' time when the church members were all helped out and excessive materialism was not justified.
Please don't think I need a reply.
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Continued......
From: Rich Witmer
Date: Oct 5, 2008 2:33 AM
I don't have my myspace page as a forum for people who don't like me or disagree with me (not saying you are either). but you dont' see negative comments on other people's pages, why would you expect to see them on mine? that's not self glorification, it is a myspace page :)
I edit the comments because i dont' want people putting weird things on there. I didnt' want your comment on my page because it was wrong (that's why i wrote you back to clarify).
Look up the classic study that connects capitalism and protestantism. I dont' believe in a forced redistribution of wealth. That is legalized theft. I believe in generosity, giving by choice.
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From: Rebecca
Date: Oct 5, 2008 6:56 AM
Justification for living fat when the poor and needy do not have the savvy (for many many reasons the 'successful' are sincerely clueless to) to do the same thing.... wow.
Jesus was the clear example of how the first must put themselves last. Don't you realize how many people you are offending, and, therefore not leading to Christ by such justification?
So, it's okay for people in your church to struggle while you live it up? I can see investment in real estate as a means of income... and this 'conversation' could go on forever because you are soooo in your groove it would take a miracle from God for you to realize YOU ARE the world in 'Christianity' packaging.
If you are a representative of Jesus Christ then why is your template one of a 'wealth is yours' motivational speaker? Same song, different arrangement.
There's so much I could bring up here but I only wish to try to get you to see you are NOT reaching the volume you could be if only you were a genuine example.
And... going to be Socratic here... why haven't there been any further articles about you and/or your church in Charisma Magazine? When I check the archives there's nothing.
CHALLENGE....
CAN you live within noble means (the criteria I set in the first email of all this exchange, I live below that BTW)?
Do you have the spiritual balls to put the lost ahead of such self-centered materialism?
OR
Will you turn away like the rich young man Jesus put on the spot too?
Seriously, by the power of the Holy Spirit and by the Blood of Jesus I challenge you to put the rubber to the road..... yes, you've proven you can do otherwise.
Boy, wouldn't that debunk all the long existing negative media slam against you!
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Continued.....
From: Rich Witmer
Date: Oct 5, 2008 11:18 AM
wow...
well, if you read your message to me you may have a little insight as to why the leadership in your church, or any other, doesn't take you seriously. I am not attacking you. I feel very sorry for you. You need inner healing. The question isn't really how much money I make, or how much I have. The question is why it bothers you so much?
I really don't have time or the energy to argue with you. I am far from home and miss my family. I guess "living it up" has a price. You don't know the burden I carry for the Body of Christ, for other pastors, for the lost, and for the nations.
I stand or fall before Christ. Be blessed. I pray that you find all that you are looking for in your life.
Ps Rich
Mark 9:23
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From: Rebecca
Date: Oct 5, 2008 10:18 AM
Yes, I'm hurting for all the people out there who aren't being reached because they throw the baby out with the bath water due to those who claim to represent Jesus. And it gets busy busy.... It's really thoughtful you feel sorry for me. Unnecessary though.
I'm very educated and have chosen to not live in ways that could/would ultimately cloud me.
When I prayed earlier about you I was lead to Philippians 1:27-30. But then I read on past, chapter 2.
So, I am sure God has directed me to be bold in my communication to you.
The Challenge is still being presented.
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From: Rich Witmer
Date: Oct 6, 2008 2:23 AM
Dear Rebecca,
Please do not mistake patience and grace for weakness. If you look on the list of people that can contact you on Myspace, it is titled, "Friends." You are not a friend so I am going to delete you. I am not mad, I just don't have time for "foolish disputations."
Be blessed (and I mean that).
Ps Rich Witmer
Mark 9:23
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From: Rebecca
Date: Oct 6, 2008 7:32 AM
Predictable. God bless you!
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Continued......
From: Richard
Date: Oct 6, 2008 11:35 AM
wow... i am really amazed. I took a quick look at your page and, what do you know, its all about arguing with people. That is a big surprise!
If you go to our website you can see what I preach about. I have preached more than 12 messages in my church this year on the Blood of Jesus. Keep in mind that I have been out of the country (Philippines, Indonesia, and Colombia) for almost 4 months. When I am not preaching about the blood, I am almost always preaching about the cross. I recently preached a message that would be great for you. It is called, "If I change, everything changes." It cuts right across your crybaby, socialist, give-me-a-hand-out Christianity. The reason you are who you are, where you are, have what you have, and are in the situations you are in is because of WHO YOU ARE, not because of everyone else. Stop blaming the church for you problem and make a difference.
You have to vote for Obama. He represents the same brand of "Christian" that you are. All religious and "churchy" without the character and lifestyle to back it up. I guess you believe in abortion and gay marriage? Or do you put them on the same level as the environment? Thanks for being religious and not having a Christian world view.
According to your ridiculous socialist views, you need rich people like me. Who would you steal from to give the money to lazy people who wont work? Stealing is wrong, whether from the rich or the poor. Wealth distribution is stealing. It is taking money from someone against their will. Robin Hood was no hero.. he was a thief.
I bet I could guess your testimony! I think you need the blood of Jesus so you can continue to change. Stop arguing with everyone, trying to find someone to listen to you. Seriously, how arrogant is it for you to write to a pastor and try to tell him what you think?
Get busy about the kingdom, not bugging everyone in it.
Ps Rich
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Just as my initial email, I gave a reply but it expired on my site before retreiving it.
It basically said I realized he couldn't understand at his level of spiritual maturity so how could I be upset with a child?
At this point he deleted my friendship.
Now I wanted to stick to the issues, if I'd sunk some I'd have pointed out his iqnorance of punctuation on the conjunctive words, such as doesn't, don't. Doesnt', Dont'.
On educational listing he apparently only attended high school. I find his argument about hand outs in his last note ironic.
Any questions......Rebouel@gmail.com
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