Springs Church Calgary is a Scam?
Springs Church is the latest in non-denominational charismatic churches to branch out. Billed as one of the 'fastest growing churches' in Canada (which they aren't, not sure why they'd irresponsibly throw that term around) people are wondering what they're about. They are certainly popular, flashy, and appealing. Do they teach sound doctrine? From what I've heard and what people have said it's hit and miss with a slight skew to the 'hit' side.
One thing's for sure, they are hardcore prosperity gospel. Even in one of the messages from Winnipeg import preacher Leon proclaimed:
Some people have labeled this a prosperity gospel--well it ain't a poverty gospel!
Well I'd say it's more poverty than prosperity. Humanity is spiritually bankrupt, there's nothing prosperous about that. (And BTW, more wealth does not = successful people.)
Many people have wondered outloud and even gone so far as to chastise the new church that meets in the classy and expensive Rosza Center at the U of C. Rumor has it the church planted in Calgary from Winnipeg and actually fly their pastors and entourage to and from every Sunday. Sounds like quite the expense.
However, browsing what they're doing and having touched based with many who've attended, there's alot of good happening. yes they are about the money and wealth, but that comes at the cost of building people up to be responsible (and wealthy) with their talents (and money).
Jury is still out on this church. Are they a scam? Doubt it, let Christ cast judgment, not you. Do they blow money for the sake of extravagance? Check their annual reports if they're public and decide for yourself. Do I want to learn how to preach like the prosperity spinners?! HECK YA!
I also want to be featured front and center on my web site and promo materials as the patriarch of MY church organization. Heck, more face time means more money in the bank YO! I guess some people do this Christian thing differently, and baring actually walking in the door and looking at financial statements I'll have to refrain from casting the entire church movement out the window.
Approach with an open mind, but if you get drawn in you're sure to love the production they put on (just keep an eye on your pocket book).
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tak said,
November 28, 2007 @ 10:16 pm
come on, it's a satellite church pretty much doing great things for the community and spreading the message of jesus. sounds ok to me.
Springs Member said,
December 28, 2007 @ 2:31 pm
As a member of springs church, I'd like to know who on earth you are that has written this ridiculous article. Have you even ever stepped foot in our church to be able to make a proper judgement? Springs is helping more people on a daily basis then your average everyday church. And what's it to you that we fly our senior pastor to Calgary to preach? Ministering is about branching out and helping more people, not about just looking after your own little community. Watching on a tv screen definitely doesn't impact the same as listening to your pastor in person..that's why leon is flying back and forth. And as for the expense of it, that's none of your business, neither is it any of mine. As for your comment on it being a "prosperity church"..yes that's correct. Would you want a to attend a church that teaches you to be poor and emotional unwell? Properity does not just mean money, it means that plus abundance in family, relationships, spiritual well being, health and all the other aspects of life. In order to help others, you need to be prosperous yourself. I am behind Springs Church 100%. It's a fantastic church but not the only good one out there. If you'd attend you'd know that Leon constantly says that there are many great churches, not just his and you should go to the one that is best suited to you.
ro said,
January 5, 2008 @ 11:39 pm
I didn't actually come out and condemn the church, I said they do good for the community and thus can't be written off. From the people I've spoken to about the church they enjoy it and tell about their good work. What I don't like is connecting prosperity with obedience to God.
Fair enough, bash the talking head that's cool (satellite churches). But I wonder what that expense is and how many thousands could be better spent elsewhere.....
Actually, as a charitable organization it IS your business as a member to know where the money goes. Any church reveals this info to their members.
No I wouldn't, but being poor is not a sign of an unhealthy church or you'd write off 95% of all Christians in the world. Christianity is not a message of prosperity, nor does it call one out to be poor. But to connect prosperity to the blessings of God is a dangerous slope to travel. What happens if you give the cash, do all the things to be 'prosperous' yet don't have 'abundance'? You're a bad bad Christian obviously.
Cool.
anonymous said,
February 7, 2008 @ 6:19 pm
A member of Springs says "And as for the expense of it, that's none of your business, neither is it any of mine."
That is completely RIDICULOUS.
anonymous said,
February 7, 2008 @ 6:21 pm
haha, hit enter too soon. Got a little excited.
I'm a member as well. Leon preaches about being a good steward of your money.
We aren't suppose to be BLIND to where our tithes are going, we're suppose to be wise.
I do think there should be more clarity as to what all of the money is being spent on. But overall, they do impact a lot of people.
I didn't find the article offensive in any way. A critical eye is crucial.
Cheers
ro said,
February 8, 2008 @ 8:14 am
You should ask. I'd love to have people like you in my congregation
Assuming I had one of course.
Laurie Oulette said,
May 1, 2008 @ 12:17 pm
Springs rock
SOCIAL WORK WAS STARTED BY CHURCHS AND tHAN THE GOVERNMENT STEPPED IN
DO AN ACCOUNTABILITY STUDY ON THEIR SPENDING, IE ONE SENATE PERSON WENT TO China for a week and spent 18 grand. wow
Too bad Church was not funded by the government there is more success with the down and out people turned around 360 intheir healing of body, mind and spirit, the governemnt puts people in a box and labels them, and has a bandaid approach in healing, and does nothing with the spiriutal and that is where the word is and that is it needs to be fixed by the best Godly counsel not FREUD AND THE BOYS
mATHEW 33:16 STATES SEEKS GOD'S KINGDOM AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS AND ABAUNDANCE WILL BE GIVEN UNTO YOU..poverty sucks, Maslows hierarchy of needs even states that if basic needs are nto met than one does not self actualize, there are many suicides due to lost jobs etc, I listen to Springs on TV I love that guy he is an instrument of Gods word, he backs up the bible, so don't shoot the messenger and so what if he gets a limo instead of pony express you figure out all the work he does, and he should be treated well, he seeked Gods kingdom and his righteousness, so why not , I know that some people do abuse spending , ie governemtn officals etc, can we look at thier books. anyhow got ot get back to work , one question why don't you sign your name brother.
word said,
May 5, 2008 @ 10:29 pm
there is annual budget meeting that are free for any member to find out where the money is going
natasha goffard said,
May 18, 2008 @ 10:55 am
yeah who would write such a stupid thing like that i'd to know who did it and i will find out who ever did it.springs chruch rocks who ever wrote that will deal with not only me but the internet server 2 so who ever did but speak up right now
Sinner Saved by Grace said,
May 20, 2008 @ 2:04 am
Springs used to be my home church for years. God has pulled me out of the fire. It's a mix of the prosperity gospel, happy gospel, and word faith movement. It's just a feel good, non-confrontational, seeker friendly happy message that's preached there, which would lead me to believe that the vast majority of people in springs are lost. I say that without the slightest fear of contradiction. I "prayed the prayer" seven years ago, but was never truly converted. I was "truly" Born again a little over a year ago when I was confronted with a clear gospel presentation about sin, righteousness and judgment. Leon doesn't preach Biblically. He doesn't preach against sin, or about hell. If people are not convicted in their heart of their sin, they won't come to Jesus with the right motives with a repentant heart, and they won't be truly saved. I can go on for hours about the errors in springs, but I just don't have the time. Check out this message, I think you will have a better understanding about what I mean. God Bless! http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=52906154239
clinic said,
May 23, 2008 @ 3:22 pm
I always smile at the people who are very generous with thier negative words regarding money in the church (whatever church that is) yet if you were to convert thier words into the amount of dollars that they have given to the Lord's work in
ANY capacity you may find that for some people TALK IS CHEAP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
have a great day, get busy for GOD in a church somewhere, don't be stingy with God's money, trust him when you give it. He see's what you do in private and will reward your kindness towards him and his work on this planet.
please remember that the DEVIL is your enemy and not some pastor or church
anywhere on this planet. lift up Jesus in your life..not your tongue to cut someone
down.
thank you for your time
ro said,
June 2, 2008 @ 8:36 pm
Agreed with your comments of the who the real 'enemy' is. I wouldn't call Springs the 'enemy' by any means.
Templar Knight said,
June 23, 2008 @ 11:58 am
You never hear the so called church help people in the inner city. Never hear them help the poor and the needy. Granted that most religions in their early state did many bad things but they evolve to help those who are in need. To be one with God is to be charitable to those who are in need.
One must volunteer and only gives money if it is needed. There should never be a fee for prayers and words of encouragement. There is only one God and may ways to worship God. Be weary of false prophets, especially ones who benefits the most from the congregation.
Violet Allain said,
July 2, 2008 @ 11:20 pm
My concern is telling people about Jesus, not what, or how much money, churches have. I am not God to point fault on anyone, neither are you, because we are not perfect, and God is not a respecter of person. repent ask God to forgive you, move on, remember, whats important is SOULS, SOULS SOULS. HALELUHIA! I LOVE THIS CHURCH, I'VE SEEN THEIR WALK FOR GOD, FOR YEARS. THEY HAVE A PASSION FOR PEOPLE. THEY HAVE SUCH A LOVE FOR GOD. IF anything, we need to keep praying for churches that are growing, just the heavy persecution shows that Springs and many other fast growing Churches are doing great things for God. I pray, I brake and cancel the assignment of the enemy away from Springs and all the other fast growing churches for God in Jesus Name Amen.
Blessings.
rob umbrella said,
August 15, 2008 @ 10:14 pm
i have attended springs for 6 years.i have given over $82 000 to our wonderful organization.i say our because my pastor leon says that if we give we are owners and if we dont give than we are owned.Leon and Sally are the best christians in the world and i truly beleive they will have a huge palace or castle in heaven.but not a castle with a moat.a castle that will welcome anyone at anytime,even the people in heaven who are not the best christians.like the ones that live in sheds.i could see my pastor leon sitting beside god in heaven and sally will probly sit beside Gabriel.if you are a christian and you dont have money you must be doing something wrong.when i became a part of springs i got a$100 000 raise at my job.if leon asks i am happy to give.maybe if all you naysayers gave my pastor leon all your money you would experience true happiness and love.i mean come on people give your heads a shake, just like my pastor leon says its not about how nice a house you have or how many suvs you have or how many pools you have or whether you take 1st class or not its about giving your money to my pastor leon so he can spend it on cool stuff.its more important for pastor leon to have an suv than you!also pastor leon is awsome at karate and i have never seen someone use a bowstaff like him.he and sally are probly the most in love couple in canada. i would die right now for my pastor leon.i think i speak for the whole congragatiion when i say i love you and sally and i wish you all the gold in the world cause you deserve it.one time i came to church and my yougest was hungry.did pastor leon turn him away ,no, he took us into the kitchen and gave my son a peice of cheese.that is the measure of a good soul.i will add ,this was real cheese not the cheap slice or whiz that poor people eat.to me poor means poor christian.
by the way pastor leon did not write this.
ro said,
August 16, 2008 @ 9:02 am
I seriously question the authenticity of the above poster..... But having said that, if it is true, here's a prime example why there are huge problems with Springs. Poor = non-christian?! Hahaha, wrong gospel friend.
Springs Member said,
August 16, 2008 @ 10:22 am
I also question the authenticty of the message posted stating that poor people are poor christians. That is absolutely not how it works nor is that a message that has ever been portrayed by Leon at Springs. This poster is placing far to much importance on Leon as the pastor rather than on God. Leon always states that it is not about him, he has the ability to do/change nothing, but that he is just a messenger for the Lord helping the rest of us to learn what the word says. The word does say that if you give towards the work of the lord you will be blessed. But being blessed comes in many different forms, not just financially.