Pastor Loran Livingston Caution for Young Pastors – “THE MONEY TEST”

In an era when church growth is often measured by attendance numbers, social media reach, and financial success, veteran pastor Loran Livingston has issued a sobering warning to young ministers: every pastor will eventually face what he calls “the money test.”

The message has gained renewed attention after a clip circulated online featuring Nigerian pastor Poju Oyemade discussing one of the most difficult challenges in ministry. According to Oyemade, many pastors will encounter a situation where a major financial supporter of the church behaves in a way that requires correction. The pastor must then decide whether to confront the issue and risk losing a significant donor or remain silent to protect the church’s finances.

“The money test,” he explained, is ultimately a test of whether a minister values truth more than financial security.

Livingston’s remarks echo that same concern. Drawing from biblical examples, he warned that people often seek spiritual affirmation for decisions they have already made rather than genuine guidance from God. Referencing King Ahab and the 400 prophets who supported his desires, Livingston noted that many individuals search for voices that confirm their choices instead of voices that challenge them with truth.

According to Livingston, the danger is not limited to church members. It also extends to pastors who become dependent on influential donors, wealthy families, or prominent community leaders. The more a minister seeks approval from powerful individuals, he argued, the more difficult it becomes to preach uncomfortable truths.

“The more you spend trying to curry the favor of people with money or influence, the less you will hear from God,” Livingston said during his sermon. He warned that pastors can gradually become reluctant to correct, instruct, or confront those whose financial support appears vital to the church’s survival.

To illustrate the point, Livingston shared a personal story from the early days of his ministry. At the time, the church had little money and was unable to provide him with a salary. A successful businessman in the congregation approached him with an offer: work a few hours a day for his company and receive financial support while continuing to pastor the church.

On the surface, the proposal seemed like an answer to prayer. However, Livingston recalled sensing a strong conviction from the Holy Spirit. He declined the offer and explained why.

“I can’t work for you because there might be a day when I’ll have to preach to you,” he said. “And if you are paying me, I might struggle to tell you what God has told me to tell you.”

For Livingston, preserving the independence of the pulpit was more important than securing a paycheck. He believed that a pastor must remain free to speak the truth without financial obligations influencing his message.

Another story highlighted the same principle. Livingston recounted meeting a man who offered a $200,000 donation to the church. However, the donor wanted public recognition and requested the opportunity to present the gift on stage before the congregation.

Livingston declined the request, insisting that genuine generosity did not require public attention. According to him, giving should be an act of worship rather than a performance. The man left, and Livingston never saw him again.

The pastor also reflected on experiences during the height of the PTL ministry years. After delivering a message at a conference, he was informed that a recording of his sermon would not be released because some of his comments might offend a group that contributed significant financial support to the organization.

The explanation left a lasting impression on him.

“You don’t want me to tell the truth because it might offend somebody who is giving you money,” Livingston recalled thinking. In that moment, he said, he gained a deeper understanding of how financial concerns can shape religious institutions and influence what is allowed to be preached.

Throughout the sermon, Livingston repeatedly emphasized that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is not a business. While churches require resources to operate, he argued that ministry cannot be reduced to financial strategies, marketing campaigns, or attendance statistics.

“If we think that having money and big crowds is what this is about, then we have become adjusted to the darkness,” he declared.

Instead, Livingston maintained that the mission of the church is straightforward: proclaim the Word of God, help believers grow spiritually, encourage holy living, and shine the light of Christ. Success, in his view, is not determined by the size of a congregation but by faithfulness to biblical truth.

He also expressed concern about churches relying heavily on entertainment, promotions, and celebrity-style attraction methods to draw crowds. While such approaches may increase attendance, he argued that they cannot replace the transforming power of Scripture faithfully preached under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

For young pastors entering ministry today, Livingston’s message serves as both a warning and a challenge. Financial pressures are real, and the temptation to compromise can appear in subtle ways. Yet he believes every minister must eventually answer a crucial question: What happens when truth and money pull in opposite directions?

The answer to that question, Livingston suggests, may determine not only the integrity of a pastor’s ministry but also the spiritual health of the congregation entrusted to his care.

In the end, the “money test” is not merely about finances. It is a test of character, conviction, and faithfulness. For Livingston, the calling of a pastor is clear: never allow financial dependence, public approval, or personal gain to silence the truth. When faced with the choice between preserving income and preserving integrity, he believes the faithful minister must always choose integrity.