SHREVEPORT, La. -- White worshipers have an opportunity to pick up some extra cash by attending a black church, according to a news story in The Times.

Greenwood Acres Full Gospel Baptist Church will pay white people $5 per hour to attend Sunday services and $10 an hour for the Thursday service. Bishop Fred Caldwell said he wants to increase the diversity of his congregation.

"Our churches are too segregated, and the Lord never intended for that to happen," he said. "It's time for something radical."

Caldwell is basing the initiative on a parable from Matthew 20:1-16, the story of workers in the vineyard, the newspaper reported. A landowner hired men to work in his fields for the day, adding more as the day went on. They made the same pay, no matter how long they worked.

Caldwell said he has had several positive responses from the white community and expects to put extra chairs out Aug. 3. Church members say the move is bold, but they do not have a problem with it.

"I don't see it as any different than a lot of the churches that have different social functions to attract visitors," said Criss Williams, one of a handful of white people who attend the church. "Bishop just kind of cut to the chase and went to the money."

To get their money, white visitors will have to register when they attend. Caldwell will pay them from his pocket and enlist the help of the congregation if needed.

"I just wanted the kingdom of God to look like it's supposed to," he said. "There ain't going to be ghettos in heaven."