When Ministry Becomes a Business
We Lose the Mission
Welcome friend,
I’m Mark, and this space is for the wanderers, the worn out, and the ones still wrestling with God at 2 a.m. I don’t have all the answers, but I know the One who does—and I’m learning to trust Him more.
If this message meets you where you are, stick around. Subscribe, share, or simply pray with me as we walk this narrow road together.
And, if you feel lead to support my ministry, be sure to buy the next coffee! God Bless!
Let me just say it straight: when you slap a paywall on a sermon, devotional, or Bible study—you're not protecting your "content," you're peddling the Gospel like it's a ticketed event.
I know that sounds harsh, but it needs to be said.
The Gospel Isn’t a Subscription Service
Jesus didn’t charge admission to the Sermon on the Mount. Paul didn’t pass a basket before preaching in Athens. Peter didn’t sell copies of his letters at the temple gate. And yet, here we are in 2025, with ministries acting like Spotify playlists. You want to hear that latest “exclusive teaching”? Fork over $9.99/month.
Sorry, but that’s not ministry. That’s marketing.
“Freely You Have Received…”
Jesus said it plainly: “Freely you have received; freely give” (Matthew 10:8). You didn’t pay to receive grace. You didn’t earn the Holy Spirit. So why are we selling what we were given for free?
Yes, workers deserve wages (1 Timothy 5:18). But there's a difference between a church accepting donations to keep the lights on and hiding the Word behind a digital toll booth. Paul worked with his own hands making tents so he wouldn't be a burden to others (Acts 20:33–35). That's the model. Not "Click here to unlock the rest of this message."
Truth Shouldn’t Be Paywalled
We’re in a world where false gospels are broadcast for free 24/7, but the true Gospel often gets hidden behind logins, membership portals, or monthly partners' clubs.
I get it—ministries have bills. But we’ve crossed a dangerous line when we start acting more like content creators than Christ followers.
The Word of God is not a brand. It’s a sword, a seed, a fire, and a hammer (Hebrews 4:12, Luke 8:11, Jeremiah 23:29). And nobody should have to tiptoe through a checkout screen to touch it.
We’ve all seen it. A good message... with a price tag.
That one sermon you really needed? “Members only.”
The full version of the Bible study? “Sign up for our monthly plan.”
The devotional that could change someone’s eternity? “Only available to supporters.”
That’s not ministry. That’s monetization.
I’m not saying it’s wrong to have books or resources. But if the core message—the saving Gospel—isn’t accessible to everyone, we’ve missed the whole point. Jesus flipped tables for less.
Let's Not Be Merchants in the Temple
The first thing Jesus did when He started His ministry? He stormed the temple and drove out the ones selling access to God (John 2:13–16).
Let that sink in.
We say we’re building God’s Kingdom, but sometimes we’re just building a business in His name.
Let’s stop pretending that locking truth behind paywalls is “good stewardship.” It’s not. It’s just a softer version of what Jesus came to destroy.
Conclusion
God’s Word was never meant to be peddled. It was meant to be preached. Shared. Lived. If we start treating the Gospel like a product, don’t be surprised when the world treats it like a scam.
Let’s be different. Let’s be faithful. Let’s be free with what was freely given.
Call to Repentance
If you’ve been trying to earn your way into heaven, it’s time to stop striving and start surrendering. Today can be the day everything changes. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 6:2, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” Don’t wait for a better moment. Turn from your sin, believe in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross, and receive the gift of eternal life. He is calling—respond to Him today.
Call to Action
If this message spoke to your heart, don’t keep it to yourself. Share it with someone you love—and make sure to subscribe so you never miss more biblical truth, encouragement, and hope. Let’s walk this journey of faith together.
Support Our Ministry
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