Pastors With Millions Stir Debate

A recent article on Huffington Post featuring 10 pastors who have made hundreds of thousands, or even millions of dollars, includes Lake Forest's own Rick Warren, pastor at .

The article, "Best Paid Pastors Make Hundreds Of Thousands To Millions Of Dollars Annually," has drawn more than 4,500 comments.

It's important to note that Warren differs from some of the other spiritual leaders in the slideshow. In 2005, he returned 25 years of salary to the church and stopped accepting paychecks.

According to Warren's website, he and his wife, Kay, give away 90 percent of their income through three foundations: Acts of Mercy, which serves those infected and affected by AIDS; Equipping the Church, which trains church leaders in developing countries; and The Global PEACE Fund, which fights poverty, disease and illiteracy.

Part of that income comes from sales of Warren's books, including his bestselling Christian advice book The Purpose Driven Life.

Some commenters said spiritual leaders are hypocrites for drawing huge salaries while preaching the gospel of helping others.

One reader wrote: "People, WAKE UP. The pastor has the mansion, the Rolls Royce, the jet aircraft, etc. And you have NOTHING. ... The givers are out of work, living pay cheque to pay cheque, and doing without, so that the pastor can live the high life."

Conversely, others said rich pastors should not be castigated for their wealth.

"Frankly if you have issue with what your pastor makes then you can certianly [sic] opt out of tithes and offerings. If you feel good about that decision so does the good Lord who is only interested in cheerful givers ... Running a large church is like running a large company and as such the CEO should be compensate­d well," another HuffPo reader opined.

What do you think? Should pastors pull in big paychecks? Why or why not? TELL US IN THE COMMENTS