Money preaches in Protestant Church

Cathcon translation of Pastor verteilt mehr als 1.000 Euro im Gottesdienst -Pastor distributed more than 1,000 euros during worship.

Collinghorst / Kr. Leer (epd). The Protestant Lutheran Pastor Burkhard Westphal on Sunday gave to all churchgoers in East Collinghorst each a five-euro note. "With the event, we want to reenact a biblical parable," Westphal told the epd (Protestant Press Service) . Altogether, he had distributed nearly 250 tickets. The money come from reserves for missionary work and not from donations. The Parochial Council supports the event.

The event was not a mere stunt in order to attract people into the church, said Westphal. In his sermon, he had interpreted the parable of the entrusted talents from the Gospel of Luke. The biblical message clearly says: "Profit from what God has given you." The people can do with the money what they want, says the pastor. On 6 April, the topic will again be a theme in the service. Those who are involved in the event, could then give back the money earned.

Because of the media interest in the event, there were almost four times as many churchgoers as on a normal Sunday, Westphal said: "This is a great success." Many onlookers appeared who would otherwise not attended the church service. A group of young people had even bicycled despite the pouring rain.

That it is a lot of money does not disturb him, according to Westphal. Even the attendees (says confirmands but he gave it to anyone attending) spend the five euros on French fries and cola, they will still always remember this special worship. In addition, Bible studies and church meetings always cost money: "And no one asks where the money comes from and where it goes."

The action has caused a nationwide stir. Numerous journalists and two camera teams visited the church service, reported Westphal. On Tuesday, he will be a guest and be presenting the idea in the TV show "Johannes B. Kerner" at around 11 pm on ZDF (last Tuesday!)