I’m sure everyone has heard or read about ‘Bishop Tamaki’ this week. NZ’s own self proclaimed King and Bishop cult leader has risen to the spotlight, and for good reason. While I will not hark on about his seriously misguided and laughable (not to mention unbiblical) oath he had 700 men of his church swear to, as that would merely be a waste of words, I would like to touch upon something else that is just as sinister, his blatant abuse of funds ‘freely’ given to him from his congregation during the ‘First Fruits’ offering at his services.

This is a ‘church’ based in south Auckland. It would naturally attract many people within the area from a lower socioeconomic background. As it stated in the NZ Herald, members sometimes come with a background of abuse or other problems. In general, we are not talking about rich people here.

Then comes the story from the NZ Herald this morning, detailing Brian Tamaki’s massive $350,000 – $500,000 NZD and up salary taken directly from church goers. These people are giving to him over and above the required 10% of their salary tithing to the church. This is repulsive abuse of his church goers. While many in his congregation work blue collar jobs, possibly struggle to pay bills each month, he owns expensive property, drives flash cars, has a wardrobe of seemingly endless suits, and lives a lavish lifestyle not seen by any within his church.

This ‘First Fruits’ offering given to Tamaki was initially brought to Destiny Church by Michael Pitts, from Cornerstone Church in Ohio. Take a look at their website – seem similar to Destiny Church? This man is also obsessed with his own image and is the prominent figurehead of that Church as well.

What is worse, is this offering is justified with scripture!?! When people lose sight of Christ and pursue their own ends it is tragic to watch. This is exactly what has happened with Bishop Tamaki.

I fully believe people should give generously of what is given to them by God. After all, we are merely caretakers of what is ultimately God’s, our money, possessions, any earthly good really. But, when this offering is warped into a profit seeking business, it has lost its original intention, to glorify God, and is merely supporting a sinful enterprise.

I hope and pray the people at Destiny Church are able to clearly see how they are being led astray by a leader who has turned his back on the Gospel, manipulating his flock to achieve his own ends.