Pastor Josh McPherson of Grace City Church in Wenatchee, Washington, delivered a sermon titled "The Blinding Power of Damning Greed" in March 2025, where he made controversial statements regarding the obligation of Christians to tithe. He compared individuals who do not contribute financially to the church with homosexuals mentioned in biblical texts, specifically referencing 1 Corinthians 6. McPherson argued that both groups are viewed similarly by God concerning moral accountability.

During his sermon, he emphasized that withholding tithes is a serious issue for those who claim to follow Jesus and expressed concern for church members who give sporadically or not at all. He suggested that their actions reflect a lack of genuine faith and commitment. The pastor criticized men in his congregation, particularly those identifying as "alpha males," for looking down on others while failing to contribute financially themselves.

McPherson utilized shame as a tool during his message, highlighting examples of single mothers working multiple jobs who give more than affluent men. He warned that failure to give would result in spiritual consequences and indicated that non-contributors would be shunned by both Grace City Church members and other local churches.

His remarks have drawn criticism for their harsh tone and implications regarding financial obligations within the church community. The sermon has sparked discussions about the interpretation of biblical teachings related to giving and morality among congregants.

Original Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 (shame) (greed) (accountability)

The article regarding Pastor Josh McPherson's sermon presents several points that can be evaluated for their usefulness and relevance to readers.

First, in terms of actionable information, the article lacks clear steps or instructions that a reader can take. While it discusses the pastor's views on tithing and financial contributions to the church, it does not provide practical advice on how individuals might approach their own financial commitments or spiritual practices. There are no resources mentioned that would help someone navigate these issues effectively.

Regarding educational depth, the article touches on biblical references but does not delve deeply into the theological implications or historical context of tithing. It presents McPherson's views without exploring alternative perspectives or explaining why these teachings matter within a broader religious framework. This lack of depth means that readers may leave with only surface-level knowledge rather than a comprehensive understanding of the topic.

In terms of personal relevance, while some individuals may find this topic pertinent to their lives—especially those involved in church communities—the focus is primarily on a specific group and their obligations rather than broader implications for all readers. The message may resonate more with congregants at Grace City Church than with a general audience.

The public service function is minimal; while there are elements of accountability discussed, there are no warnings or guidance provided that serve to protect or inform the public about potential risks associated with such teachings. The sermon appears more focused on shaming non-contributors rather than fostering an inclusive dialogue about financial stewardship.

Practical advice is notably absent from this piece. Readers do not receive clear guidance on how they might assess their own giving practices or engage constructively with church leadership about financial contributions. Instead, they are left with vague notions of accountability without actionable steps to follow.

Looking at long-term impact, the article does not offer insights that would help individuals plan for future financial decisions related to charitable giving or community involvement. It focuses instead on immediate reactions to McPherson’s statements without considering how one might reflect upon these teachings over time.

Emotionally and psychologically, the tone conveyed through McPherson’s remarks could induce feelings of guilt among congregants who struggle financially yet wish to contribute meaningfully. This approach may create anxiety rather than clarity or constructive thinking around personal finances and faith commitments.

Finally, there is an element of sensationalism in how McPherson’s statements are presented; framing refusal to donate as equivalent to engaging in sin could be seen as an exaggerated claim aimed at provoking strong reactions rather than fostering thoughtful discussion about faith and finances.

To add value beyond what this article offers: individuals facing similar dilemmas regarding charitable giving should consider assessing their own financial situations realistically before making commitments based solely on external pressures from leaders within any organization. It can be beneficial for anyone involved in such discussions to seek diverse opinions from various sources within their community—whether through conversations with trusted friends outside church circles or by exploring different theological interpretations regarding giving practices found in literature beyond sermons alone. Furthermore, reflecting personally on one's values surrounding money can lead to healthier decision-making processes when it comes time for charitable contributions while ensuring alignment between one's beliefs and actions remains intact over time.

Pastor Josh McPherson uses strong language to create shame around not donating to the church. He calls non-contributors "tippers" and "takers," which implies they are less committed or even selfish. This choice of words pushes feelings of guilt and makes people feel bad for not giving money. It helps reinforce his authority as a pastor while making others feel inadequate.

McPherson claims that those who do not give their "first fruits" will face spiritual consequences similar to sin. This statement creates fear and suggests that financial contributions are directly tied to one's moral standing with God. By framing it this way, he pressures members into giving, which may not reflect their true beliefs or financial situations.

The pastor emphasizes accountability among men in his group called the “Strongermen.” This focus on gender creates a bias that suggests only men should be responsible for financial contributions. It excludes women from this conversation about accountability, reinforcing traditional gender roles within the church community.

He highlights examples of single mothers working multiple jobs who give more than affluent men, using this contrast to shame wealthier individuals into contributing more. This tactic can mislead people into thinking that all wealthy individuals are greedy and unwilling to help others, while ignoring the complexities of individual circumstances. It simplifies a nuanced issue into a binary of good versus bad based solely on financial contribution.

McPherson warns that non-contributors will be shunned by both Grace City Church members and other local churches. This statement implies social isolation as a consequence for not donating, which can manipulate members' decisions out of fear of exclusion rather than genuine belief or ability to contribute. The wording suggests an ultimatum rather than encouraging voluntary support based on faith or community values.

The sermon references biblical texts from 1 Corinthians and Matthew to support his views on tithing but does so without providing context about differing interpretations within Christianity regarding giving money to churches. By selectively using scripture in this way, he presents his interpretation as absolute truth while dismissing other perspectives that may exist within the broader religious community. This approach can mislead congregants about what is considered acceptable practice in their faith tradition.

Overall, McPherson's remarks utilize emotional manipulation through shame and fear-based tactics related to money and spirituality, creating an environment where financial contribution is equated with moral worthiness in the eyes of both God and the church community.

The text conveys a range of emotions that significantly shape the message delivered by Pastor Josh McPherson. One prominent emotion is anger, which is evident in McPherson's harsh labeling of non-contributors as "tippers" and "takers." This strong language serves to express his frustration with church members who do not meet his expectations for financial contributions. The intensity of this anger aims to provoke a reaction from the congregation, pushing them towards feelings of guilt or shame for not giving adequately. By framing financial commitment as a moral obligation, he seeks to inspire action among his listeners, compelling them to either contribute or reconsider their place within the church community.

Another emotion present is disappointment, particularly when McPherson notes that only one-third of church members are contributing despite increased attendance. This disappointment underscores a sense of betrayal and urgency, suggesting that many members are failing in their spiritual duties. The emotional weight here serves to create sympathy for those who do give sacrificially, such as single mothers working multiple jobs, while simultaneously shaming those who do not contribute enough. This contrast amplifies the call for accountability and encourages others to reflect on their own giving.

Fear also permeates McPherson's sermon through warnings about spiritual consequences and social ostracism for non-contributors. He states that failure to give could lead individuals to be shunned by both Grace City Church and other local churches. This fear tactic is designed to instill anxiety about one's standing within both the church community and their relationship with God, motivating individuals toward compliance out of concern for their spiritual well-being.

The use of shame is another critical emotional tool employed throughout the sermon. By highlighting examples of less affluent individuals who give more than wealthier men, McPherson invokes feelings of inadequacy among those who do not tithe appropriately. This shame serves a dual purpose: it elevates the moral status of contributors while diminishing that of non-contributors, thereby fostering an environment where giving becomes synonymous with virtue.

McPherson’s reliance on biblical texts adds an element of authority, which can evoke trust among congregants who value scriptural backing in matters concerning faith and finances. However, this authority can also create pressure; when scripture is used as justification for financial demands, it may lead some listeners to feel compelled to act against their better judgment due to perceived divine expectations.

In summary, these emotions—anger, disappointment, fear, shame—are intricately woven into McPherson's message with specific purposes: they aim to inspire action among congregants while shaping opinions about financial contributions as essential elements of faithfulness within the church community. The emotional language chosen throughout enhances its persuasive power; phrases like “spiritual consequences” or “shunned” evoke strong reactions that encourage readers or listeners not only to reflect but also potentially change their behaviors regarding tithing and involvement in Grace City Church.