The Dorean Principle: A Biblical Response to the Commercialization of Christianity

Billions of dollars change hands in the name of Christ.Is the gospel at stake?Many rightly condemn the wealth amassed by false teachers, but at a fundamentallevel, little differentiates their practices from those of legitimateministries. Seminaries, Christian publishers, and oth­er church and para­churchorganizations all engage in the commerce of exchanging religious instruction formoney. Now, more than ever, the church must turn to the word of God to findwisdom on these matters.The Dorean Principle offers a fresh look at the Bible’s guidance on ministryfundraising and exposes common practices that run afoul of its instruction.Conley Owens presents a robust synthesis of Jesus and the apostle Paul’stheology, concluding that “ministry should be supported, not sold.” Drawing fromhis experience as both a pastor and an engineer, he provides practical solutionsto the challenges that lie at the intersection of money and ministry.Conley Owens (MDiv, The Log College & Seminary) is