Jul 5, 2023·edited Jul 5, 2023Liked by David Farrier
$7 a month is bargain compared to the $213 that the average arise attendee gives to arise according to the figures that you quote.
($9.9M / (3136 + 738) / 12 = 213.25)
Edit: reading the report in detail, one number that stuck out was "Consultant fees", which has jumped from $90K in 2021 to $684K in 2022 - an extra $594K con-insulting fees.
It's amazing how the message of Jesus has been lost in these churches who will do anything to benefit financially from the meek and downtrodden. Jesus taught a message of hope and compassion, that love was the greatest of all the commandments, and yet, these houses of worship, ran by the corrupted hearts of greed, make tithing seem to be an express of love?
In my narrow sense of thinking, I believed that exposing these churches would help usher in a wave of change to the church. Yet, the evil that lurks in greedy peoples hearts is so deceitful that they can make accountability sound like an attack. That they're the victim and it's the devil and the nonbelievers of this world, that this is all some kind of divine hurdle that must be overcame with more donations, prayers and submission.
It's fantastic to read this news. You shared it a bit ago and I was happy to see this. Tony's wonderful article was followed up by news of Arise getting raked over the coals by taking a loss. My heart only aches for those who have suffered and have been hurt by the abuses of this church and many others. We still have a lot of work to do.
If Jesus were to walk the Earth now, He wouldn't be in a church asking for donations. He wouldn't be wearing expensive clothes or being driven in the nicest car. He would be on the street with the poor, the sick, and the hurt. He would be feeding the hungry and healing the lame. That is true love, when you give without selfish gain, to only see others around you find comfort in a world that can be so cruel to the less fortunate. That's the true message of Christ. You and the other Webworms care, and it's nice to be a part of this and be a part of flipping the table of the money changers. Thanks for the hard work. I'm proud that my money does this.
Also, enjoy the movie to everyone there. Much love from NC!
Arggghh I wish I wasn't working next Thursday so I could come along!! But what a wonderful Matariki celebration for you and the worms, I hope you have the best time. Well done everyone!! But especially well done David for doing such good work with Webworm. Worms are the resource but you're the one with the courage, empathy and dogged determination to put it to such good use.
A case of he who lives by the tithe dies by the tithe. The only thing these cults understand is money so I am so happy they have been kicked where it hurts. I wonder how long until they are sued by their victims which will put them in the cactus for millions more.
Just want to say thanks for acknowledging that your gift to readers does indeed suck if you don't live in Auckland (not being sarcastic or facetious, it's actually nice that this is acknowledged, so many places at all "look how awesome we are for doing this thing!").
For those in Auckland, remember that Friday 14th is Matariki/public holiday, so late night Thursday on the cards?
Awesome idea for the movie theatre! Not even envious I'm not in Auckland, it's been a pretty rough year for them, whether etc. Hope they can all make it to see the film 😊
Great work on the Arise stuff, and that’s a really generous gesture putting on a free movie screening for subscribers.
Horror movies really aren’t my thing, so I’ll pass on putting my name down for tickets in favour of those Webwormers who’ll enjoy shitting their pants in a room full of strangers 😁
Sadly, this picture is the same in churches that are not people-exploiting mega churches. The pandemic and lockdowns have resulted in a massive disconnect between people and very good churches too. The people who’ve returned are glad they have, but many haven’t. The pastors and church leaders i speak with all report that attendance and giving are down, and have had to adjust expenditure as a result. I don’t share this in any way to minimise the work that David and Webworm has done in exposing the dreadful abuse that occurs within toxic church systems, but purely to add to the conversation from someone in leadership in a healthy church.
That really just is a fabulous set of financials isn't it! I feel delighted for you, your hard, hard work, your courage, and for all those people who walked away. It's like you just got an A+!
Wish I wasn't terrified by horror movies. Hope you all have a wonderful time.
As always, thank you for your service David Farrier. You rock.
Most of that report makes me quite happy. I do find the increase in hours spent in high schools... troubling. Have they traded in targeting vulnerable university students for those even younger? I hope high schools are familiar with their “work”.
They've always targeted all ages unfortunately. Luckily all of that is on the decline. And NZ is a lot more aware of Arise. The brand ain't what it used to be.
Mate, you don't need to hug us. We're hugging you. Keep up the stellar work.
$7 a month is bargain compared to the $213 that the average arise attendee gives to arise according to the figures that you quote.
($9.9M / (3136 + 738) / 12 = 213.25)
Edit: reading the report in detail, one number that stuck out was "Consultant fees", which has jumped from $90K in 2021 to $684K in 2022 - an extra $594K con-insulting fees.
A bunch of consultants who barely improved a Goddamn thing.
Is where the legal fees sit?
It's amazing how the message of Jesus has been lost in these churches who will do anything to benefit financially from the meek and downtrodden. Jesus taught a message of hope and compassion, that love was the greatest of all the commandments, and yet, these houses of worship, ran by the corrupted hearts of greed, make tithing seem to be an express of love?
In my narrow sense of thinking, I believed that exposing these churches would help usher in a wave of change to the church. Yet, the evil that lurks in greedy peoples hearts is so deceitful that they can make accountability sound like an attack. That they're the victim and it's the devil and the nonbelievers of this world, that this is all some kind of divine hurdle that must be overcame with more donations, prayers and submission.
It's fantastic to read this news. You shared it a bit ago and I was happy to see this. Tony's wonderful article was followed up by news of Arise getting raked over the coals by taking a loss. My heart only aches for those who have suffered and have been hurt by the abuses of this church and many others. We still have a lot of work to do.
If Jesus were to walk the Earth now, He wouldn't be in a church asking for donations. He wouldn't be wearing expensive clothes or being driven in the nicest car. He would be on the street with the poor, the sick, and the hurt. He would be feeding the hungry and healing the lame. That is true love, when you give without selfish gain, to only see others around you find comfort in a world that can be so cruel to the less fortunate. That's the true message of Christ. You and the other Webworms care, and it's nice to be a part of this and be a part of flipping the table of the money changers. Thanks for the hard work. I'm proud that my money does this.
Also, enjoy the movie to everyone there. Much love from NC!
Well if that isn't just the most satisfying thing I've seen in ages, I don't know what is. Ka pai David, you did an amazing thing
That's life!
I will grant you this one callback!
Obrigado
Best comment 😅😅😅👏👏👏👏
Arggghh I wish I wasn't working next Thursday so I could come along!! But what a wonderful Matariki celebration for you and the worms, I hope you have the best time. Well done everyone!! But especially well done David for doing such good work with Webworm. Worms are the resource but you're the one with the courage, empathy and dogged determination to put it to such good use.
Hear, hear!
A case of he who lives by the tithe dies by the tithe. The only thing these cults understand is money so I am so happy they have been kicked where it hurts. I wonder how long until they are sued by their victims which will put them in the cactus for millions more.
Just want to say thanks for acknowledging that your gift to readers does indeed suck if you don't live in Auckland (not being sarcastic or facetious, it's actually nice that this is acknowledged, so many places at all "look how awesome we are for doing this thing!").
For those in Auckland, remember that Friday 14th is Matariki/public holiday, so late night Thursday on the cards?
I'd say it'll be an 8.30pm start. Just locking in details now. Also - so glad I am back for my first official Matariki!
Beautiful, just beautiful. I love it when there's concrete auto-petard-hoistng going on, that drop in event revenue especially!
Talk to Me looks neat but I'm very much not a horror aficionado, so I'll leave that kind of thing to the ones who are ;)
Argh, hoisting*!
Awesome idea for the movie theatre! Not even envious I'm not in Auckland, it's been a pretty rough year for them, whether etc. Hope they can all make it to see the film 😊
Haha, imagine! (sorry to miss you)
Your work is changing the world. Thank you, it means more than you know.
Great work on the Arise stuff, and that’s a really generous gesture putting on a free movie screening for subscribers.
Horror movies really aren’t my thing, so I’ll pass on putting my name down for tickets in favour of those Webwormers who’ll enjoy shitting their pants in a room full of strangers 😁
They definitely aren't for everyone! I am one of those freaks that find them cathartic!
Sadly, this picture is the same in churches that are not people-exploiting mega churches. The pandemic and lockdowns have resulted in a massive disconnect between people and very good churches too. The people who’ve returned are glad they have, but many haven’t. The pastors and church leaders i speak with all report that attendance and giving are down, and have had to adjust expenditure as a result. I don’t share this in any way to minimise the work that David and Webworm has done in exposing the dreadful abuse that occurs within toxic church systems, but purely to add to the conversation from someone in leadership in a healthy church.
That really just is a fabulous set of financials isn't it! I feel delighted for you, your hard, hard work, your courage, and for all those people who walked away. It's like you just got an A+!
Wish I wasn't terrified by horror movies. Hope you all have a wonderful time.
As always, thank you for your service David Farrier. You rock.
Most of that report makes me quite happy. I do find the increase in hours spent in high schools... troubling. Have they traded in targeting vulnerable university students for those even younger? I hope high schools are familiar with their “work”.
They've always targeted all ages unfortunately. Luckily all of that is on the decline. And NZ is a lot more aware of Arise. The brand ain't what it used to be.
Love your work.