Contrary to popular belief, Casey Treat does not own a helicopter. He rents one like a taxi, which he has only done twice in over a year.
New and better technology allows the Treats to be able to minister to both Christian Faith Center campuses (Federal Way and Mill Creek) at the same time, making a helicopter unnecessary for the most part. Christian Faith Center applied for the helistop permit to be in compliance in case the need should arise in the future. There is no immediate plan to utilize a helicopter.
Critics often question Pastor Treat’s activities and behavior compared to those of Jesus. “What would Jesus have done?” they wonder. “Does Jesus approve of a pastor riding a helicopter or a Harley?” It is doubtful that Jesus cares what mode of transportation Casey Treat utilizes. What Jesus cares about is: Are people being ministered to, are they being taught, are the people who attend CFC learning how to have a better life? Is the church helping teenagers make positive life decisions? I am sure Jesus smiled at every one of the nearly 6,000 people who responded to our alter calls in 2008.
Religious people of Jesus’ time were outraged at some of the things he did. Jesus spent his entire earthly life breaking religious traditions. Jesus really did not care what religious people thought. In that sense, Jesus and Casey Treat are a lot alike. Religious tradition has little to do with a true relationship with the Lord, Jesus Christ.
The bias of some against a large church is curious. CFC is filled with everyday people, with everyday jobs, from all different walks of life. Some are prosperous, some are not. People are not coerced into attending CFC. They visit, they like it or they don’t, they stay or they leave. If a church is offering what people are looking for or need, it will naturally grow. Most of our membership comes from word of mouth.
A large church can make a positive difference in the moral atmosphere of the community. There is surely room enough in Federal Way for all kinds of churches, large or small. CFC moved to Federal Way because of growth and the need for more space, even with multiple services. But, maybe we should have turned people away at the door because there was no room for them.
People assume Casey Treat is rich. He might have more money than you, but he is not rich. He and his wife earn a salary that is decided upon by a committee consisting primarily of business owners. The committee hires researchers to help determine what is fair and reasonable. The Treats do not dictate their own salary. Their other income comes from their speaking engagements around the world and book royalties. The church is audited every year and always receives an excellent report.
Compared to Heaven, Jesus was not rich, but compared to earthly standards of his time, Jesus was not poor. He had a trust fund provided to him by the Magi (Kings) who brought him gold and other gifts when he was a young child in honor of his birth. Jesus had a treasurer. The love of money is a problem, but having money is not. The best way to help poor people is to not be poor yourself. God wants us to prosper, but prosperity is not all about money. It includes quality of life in family, health, relationships (including a personal relationship with God), happiness, career and more.
Even though CFC is larger than most, we assume other churches do what they can to help beyond their own congregations. Every church needs to do their part. In addition to ministering to the 10,000 people who currently attend CFC, our church gives outside our own walls. It is not just about us and ours. With our ministry resources, we have been able to support numerous non-profit organizations that help the people of Federal Way, the state, the nation, the world with many, many thousands of dollars. It is our responsibility and our privilege.
While we do not highly advertise our donations, among the charities we have given to include: Multi-Service Center with multiple tons of food and cash, Federal Way Chamber of Commerce, Community in Schools, Boys and Girls Club, FUSION, Union Gospel Mission, World Vision, Tel-Ed International (an education mission founding schools in developing and communist nations). This year we will add a donation to Reach Out, an outreach to homeless men in Federal Way.
When natural catastrophic disasters have occurred, we respond. We have generously given to local flood victims, Hurricane Katrina victims, and tsunami victims abroad. We support nursing homes, an orphanage, a counseling center. CFC has helped the elderly, cutting their grass, performing home maintenance, helping them move when needed. Our church has been honored to host numerous memorial services for fallen police officers and firefighters at little or no cost to the departments. Some CFC staff members volunteer their time in the community during office hours with Treat’s blessing. Congregation members serve the community, as well.
Christian Faith Center is both a local church and an international ministry. We serve our congregation, our community and beyond.
Debbie Willis
Board member, Christian Faith Center, Federal Way
