G'day Bustopher,

Its fair for you to have concerns generally, but monetary losses is of very little importance in the grand scheme of things.  I was a RF member from '83 til about 10 years ago in another state.  They may have many faults but not generally money grabbing.  As far as I know, they only pass a bag around for collections they call 'tithes and offerings'.  Members are not monitored to see that they pay or not.  But they subtley suggest that payiong a tithe (tenth of income) to "the Lord" is appropriate.  Its kind of a subtle thing they lay on the conscience of members, but its up to them if/how much they actually pay.

Of much greater concern is the isolation that your wife may experience, being part of an insular sect such as the RF.  They are mind-conditioned to believe that their way of seeing is THE way and that the only place of safety is within the fellowship.  This itself is a most destructive and unhealthy mindset.  So best of wishes for you in dealing with this.  I would suggest that trying to directly intervene and stop her from going is counter-productive.  Be a good husband and be as REAL and OPEN as possible.  Do your utmost to keep communication with your wife open.  Hopefully, she will start to see the cracks in the nonsense they teach, and realise that you have been a real and supportive partner, despite her being drawn into that cult.  Wish ya well!

Dogmafree.

Hi there, it's Pete.

They won't ask for money directly, as Dogmafree said, but they'll start guilting members into it 'here and there a little'. People will give testimonies about 'testing' god with cheerful giving so as to be rewarded ten-fold, and crap like that. They don't feel like it's forcing their members' hands, and they're very subtle with it so they don't scare anyone off.

Pastors generally drive very nice cars.

The following website is fairly comprehensive in all matters 'tithing' and the New Testament.

http://www.bible-truths.com/tithing.html

I just think that the money issue is not worth making much of an issue about.  Yes there is a subtle coersion to contribute to the coffers, but noones hand is forced.  I don't even see any real evidence of intended fleecing of people.  Pastors I have known have had very modest personal living standards.  The Pastor at Perth for many years lived in Balga, (one of the lowliest areas).  Another Pastor was a M/D of a leading international company on a high salary, which he gave up to live on a modest income and be full time pastor.  Really, there was no agenda of the assembly to get rich at members' expense. 

But any group with regular activities will have costs to cover the facilities etc, so I guess most members will be contributing to some extent.  Thing is, there seems to be this assertion that the group has a sinister agenda to fleece members.  I don't think this is at all true.  Perhaps in some isolated cases, but not that I've seen.  Generally, members and pastors etc mean well.  They are all pretty deluded in believing the rubbish they do, but they are not overtly trying to do anything sinister.

Dog.

Ten percent IS expected, and that's a huge chunk out of anyone's paycheck. Heck, we were told that was the minimum amount due 'before' the offering, and I often felt guilty and condemned because of my lack of faith to cough up the 10%, especially when people boasted about it during their testimonies.

We were often reminded about Ananias and Saphira, and what happened to them for holding back (in the 'New' Testament).

We weren't guilted as much as we were when in an AOG church - Sheesh - but it was there, and regularly.

I can't believe I did give up to $50 dollars a week at times. Blind stupid faith, huh?

 My family member (gosford ) has to give a 6th of his income. I'm unsure whether this is calculable before or after tax