State Support

One reason that churches in Europe get government financial support is so that the clergy do not have to rely on being "popular" with the congregation in order to survive financially.  Clergy want to be   able to preach the gospel even if people are uncomfortable hearing "truth."  Nice idea but it did not allow for ineptitude and laziness.  The churches are empty in Europe.  People are open to hearing the gospel.  They are not open to stupidity, laziness in preparation, lack of talent, out of touch with the culture, and need I go on?  

In this country, where the state does not support the churches, many a clergy do not mind being unpopular.  They do their thing, their "vision" of church.  People leave.  Collections go down.  These clergy think that they are suffering with Christ, being crucified by a godless culture.  Hello?  I thought gospel meant good news.