After reading what you wrote it made me think that there is a new generation of Christian leaders, it seems, who have begun to be obsessed with writing books, doing speaking engagements, and overall promoting themselves (often making large sums of money in the process). I think that many of these guys have conformed too much to the “Rock Star” image, from which they draw much of their inspiration.

We have too few contemplative theologian-pastors and far too many Tony Robbins-style, surface-level, motivational speakers in Christian pulpits.

Now, I know that speaking tours cost money. I helped organize many events when I worked for Every Church a Peace Church. And when I was invited by churches to come speak, I always let them pay my travel expenses and, depending on size and wealth of the church, I’d let them take up a love offering or give me a small speaker’s fee. (Usually, I turned this right over to my own church as extra donation above the tithe.)

In organizing peace conferences with major speakers, I have found that, if one asks, most will come with only a small speaker’s fee or even with just expenses covered. I remember the great Will D. Campbell returning a check to the Baptist Peace Fellowship with the words, “there are too few of us to go around paying each other.”

This is frankly absurd.

Anyway, I agree with you that this is way too much, especially given that the events are taking place in churches, not very expensive venues. And there is no suggestion that you get a free book (though I am sure they will be on sale there) or anything else. Oh, and on his site, he notes that if you register after December 15th, then it jumps to $109. Heck for only about $15 more you can have three days of preaching from Benny Hinn, Morris Cerullo, Paula White, and Myles Munroe in Nashvegas at the Gaylord Opryland Convention Center!