Free BBQ and the promise of change.

April 2026- “There will be free barbecue Monday through Wednesday night. Join us as we bring change to the West Side of ———.”

Thus spoke the pastor and his wife in a social media post. It sounded too good to be true so I decided to check it out.

I arrived 30 minutes into the event and I could see a room full of people obviously there for the same reason as me- Jesus and barbecue. I parked directly in front of the business and exited my car. I could already here the worship happening- nice piano work with a great voice, hands raised, eyes closed, and the Holy Spirit was at work… or so I thought. I made my way through the slightly cramped space, happy to see the turnout. A nice lady shook my hand and smiled. I returned the gesture. A nice man turned and smiled at me. I returned the gesture. It was a diverse crowd- mixed race, young, old, married, single. I made my way to an opening near the back of the venue and had a seat near the barbecue- first dibs (not really: I had already ate).

I counted about 25 people. The worship concluded and the preacher took the makeshift pulpit. The first few utterances were a bit hazy to me. Might have been the fact that I was looking at the little toddler running around, reminding of when my kid was that young. Then my attention was honed. “Yes I’m going to speak about prosperity and that might offend some Christians!” (PLEASE NOTE THAT THE QUOTES ARE APPROXIMATE BUT THE GENERAL IDEAS ARE ACCURATE). Of course I began to text my wife a play-by-play.

“The devil put poverty in this neighborhood.” Well, one can make a stretched argument concerning this idea. We were designed to live off the land and it seems as if the systems of industry might have torn us away from that purpose. We see huge factories, corporate offices, smog, monumental concrete goliaths that hinder on the growth of native plants, slums, and over populated cities with households that require the sustenance of multiple incomes. For the most part, I’ve made my peace with this condition, but I most definitely prefer to be surrounded by God’s creation (i.e. nature).

In contrast, we see the Israelites in the Old Testament caring for their entire population by cultivating the land and making allotments based on the size of each tribe. A God given design that we, of course, ruined by failing to dutifully follow His commands. Could this have caused the income disparities we see today? I have no clue. And blaming the devil doesn’t seem to satisfy the reason for poverty.

At this point I decided to do what my pastors recommend I do when I need assistance- pray. Under my breath I uttered the name of Jesus. I couldn’t get any other words out. Was this some type oppression? I focused and said, “I demand you show your true intentions, in the name of Jesus.” At that precise moment the preacher proclaimed, “I don’t have money and I want it now!” The context of this phrase escaped me, but the timing did not. The center of my forehead began to ache as it has done before in high stress situations and in situations where there is heavy demonic influence. I buckled up for the spiritual ride. I continued to pray, “Heavenly Father, turn the preacher’s gaze towards you and help him submit to your will. Have him reevaluate his intentions with the West Side so that he may get back on the right track- in Jesus’ name.”

The preacher continued by quoting 1 Timothy 4:8. Specifically the phrase “godliness has value for all things.” He emphasized “ALL THINGS…including money.” Therefore, if you are godly, you will receive value on your financial life and you will see your income grow! Hallelujah!…maybe. I was holding off on judgment until I heard definitive proof that he was trying to mine the bleak pockets of the neighborhood we were in. And finally it came: “When I moved to — I wasn’t wearing these fine linen suits! So many churches in this area are keeping you poor. We want to save 20,000 souls. That’s 20,000 souls that also have money!” And the final straw: “Your success is not in God’s hands, it’s in your hands!”

YOU CAN KEEP YOUR CURSED BARBECUE! “I’m leaving soon,” I texted my wife. “Get me a rib!” she responded. I did not get her a rib. I, instead, stopped by the local taco truck and brought home some authentic Mexican cuisine.