Senator Probes Televangelists' Finances

Regarding the television evangelists:

It is sad to me that there is seems to be that type of scrutiny about the lives of these people. What about the lifestyle of the rich and famous who live much more opulently and give nothing back but fodder for trash press. One of them, Joyce Meyers has written over 70 books. Others have developed programs to help others improve their life styles. What they all seem to have in common is that all were poor financially, took the Word of God literally, used it and are now financially secure. I guess the powers that be have a selected route by which financial security is to be obtained. I believe that if what they teach is true, then the God they serve will make sure that if they are lying on Him and it was what He did for them that made them rich, then He will get them back better than any mere mortal particularly an elected one. A Republican politician asking for an accounting, how ironic.

Sent by Virginia Cones | 1:04 PM | 11-7-2007

I do not see a problem. No one is above an audit. I find it disturbing that we can question everyone except for a minister. If anything, we should look forward to this audit, because we should receive a report about how these ministers are managing every dollar appropriately, and every financial debit and credit is impeccably clean. And if we find the opposite, then these leaders of the community should be publicly disciplined; for they would have been literally stealing from the church. Even they are not permitted to do that. If these ministers are not welcoming to an audit, then it makes one wonder what they are trying to keep in the dark.

Sent by Tam from Arlington | 1:13 PM | 11-7-2007

Maintaining financial accountability and operating within the parameters of the law might leave enough "wiggle room" for someone to justify a lavish expenditure. One can be financially transparent and still exercise extremely poor judgment. The big question leaders in any venue need to ask themselves is not, "Will the law (or a board of directors) allow this?" The $100,000 question is, "Does this decision demonstrate personal integrity, good judgment, and a genuine commitment to serving not taking?"

19th century evangelist D.L. Moody had audiences on two continents--without the help of television. Moody wisely noted, "If I take care of my character, my reputation will take care of itself."

Sent by Joe Jordan | 1:36 PM | 11-7-2007

Where are the Republican investigations into the $9 billion in cash that left the United States in crates on a plane to Iraq? The money is gone, there are no receipts for payment, and apparently no concern for this on the part of Republican lawmakers.

Sent by Pamela | 3:10 PM | 11-7-2007

There's an organization called Wall Watchers that runs ministrywatch.com (http://www.ministrywatch.com/). The site audits and grades various ministries on their handling of charitable donations and finances. There's a related article here: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1868989/posts

Sent by Richard | 3:55 PM | 11-7-2007

I find it ironic that the senate is looking into the spending habits of our churches instead of looking into the spending habits of our government. Who is looking into the lifestyles of our government officials who use our tax dollars for who knows what? We give our money freely to the church to do the will of God. God prospers his children including his pastors. The God we serve wants us to have everything we need to carry out his work on this earth. The Bible says that Jesus came so that we will have life and have it more abundantly. He wants us to enjoy our life here on this earth and he will provide the means in which to do so. Does anyone complain when the secular world spends a $1000 for a hair cut? No one seems to mind paying athletes millions of dollars to bounce a ball. Is this same scrutiny applied to Muslim mosque?

Sent by Valerie | 3:06 PM | 11-8-2007

Iam in agreement with the Senate member seeks financial records from these Mega Churches because God call them into the Ministers to be Honest and to do right by his people and yes hold them accountiable to what they are doing because if they are in wrong doing they need to be brought down!!!

Sent by Maxine | 3:16 PM | 11-8-2007

It's about time. It just sickens me see these televangelists in there high dollar churches, schools, homes, offices, cars, and salaries. Most of the pennies and dollars they get from God fearing seniors that don't take there medication and eat properly because of there belief in these telemarketers. Remember Jimmy Baker, Jimmy Swaggart, ect. Oh by the my preacher in our congregation of appx. 600 drives a Hummer. Yes he's overpaid too, along with the free home and benefits. Why shouldn't churches be taxed? If they make the big bucks they should pay there fair share taxes that the people are giving to avoid taxes. Make sense to me and sounds fair.

Sent by M. R. Larson North Dakota | 7:32 PM | 11-8-2007

These men and women apart from being pastors are also best selling authors who travel around the world and speak globally. They have also been the god send for speading hope and faith in a world that is discouraging to say the least. If they were not minister they would more than likely be doing well in any sort of business. They clearly have to work overtime to do what they do. Last have you not noticed that the majority of Tv host of any kind when there face & voice goes all over the world are paid very well by thir sponsors.

Sent by a | 9:49 PM | 11-8-2007

Paula White? Joyce Meyer? Eddie Long? Creflo Dollar?!! Never have I seen so much diversity in one place--where the heck is Rick Warren? Why is it when these jackleg senators look for wrongdoing--they never look at their own crooked circles?! There are many mega-church ministers who visited the White House--especially during the election periods. Senator Grassley--WHERE ARE THEY?

Sent by vrob | 11:57 PM | 11-8-2007

I find the lifestyles of these leaders troubling. Considering they are Christians, at least in name, one would think they would follow the example set forth by their messiah. Jesus Christ did not live in luxury. While I do understand that these leaders may have enacted programs that promote the greater good, we have to wonder what the money spent on their lavish homes and wardrobes may have done for children living in poverty.
I am not sure if this is a matter that requires a Congressional investigation, I do believe that people should take a closer look at the 1099s of these church leaders. Far too often ministers in the poorest areas drive to church in Cadillacs, while their congregations arrive on foot or by city bus. This is a disgrace. Maybe it's time that we treat these mega churches as business, and tax them accordingly.

Sent by Shawn | 8:06 AM | 11-9-2007

Fiscal accountability and Good financial stewardship are both dear and essential elements of the Christian ethic. Non-Profit Organizations do need to abide by the law. The problem here as it has been so clearly and powerfully stated by other blog commentators is that the Republican Party and this Senator in particular have 0 & I mean Zero credibility when it comes to financial integrity. The audacity of any Republican, or any person who has championed the practices, zeal & devastating missiology of this administration, to say anything about how money is spent is absolutley beffudling to me. What are the Senator's real motives. What about all of the money that is being spent in Iraq? What about the millions upon millions of fictitious charges pressed upon the tax payers from Military contractors?

Sent by Chaplain Aaron L. Wilson | 6:07 PM | 11-9-2007

In my judgment, people who attain wealth through the teachings of Jesus are charlatans. Several passages in the bible make it clear that having great wealth (while others are starving) will prevent one from entering heaven.

This investigation is far too narrow, especially considering how politicized popular religion has become. Ironically, the party that these mega-church ministers link to is the party most dominated by big-money and most expert at winning through divisiveness and character assassinations.

A large investigation into the politicization of religions that escape taxes, especially those that under Bush cumulatively received billions of tax dollars under a veil of secrecy would be most welcomed. Churches should be taxed as the businesses that they are today.

Sent by Bill O'Brien | 1:46 AM | 11-10-2007

These are con men and woman who manipulate people through guilt and fear. Many are involved in political activities and should be taxed as any other money making business. The IRS along with Congress must take action against the abusers of the tax laws. When other religious leader are silent about this type of activity they are just as guilty. They should loose all their "special" tax benefits. It is unfortunate and truly disgusting.

Sent by Mike Amato | 4:26 PM | 11-10-2007

It's a shame that with all of the pressing problems facing our nation the Senate wants to focus on the lifestyles of ministers: people who are actually helping people around the nation and and around the world. The fact of the matter is that no matter how well these ministers live, if they are not breaking the law by misusing church funds or the tax exempt status then Sentate has no business questioning them about how many cars, homes, airplanes, and foreign bank accounts they own. It's no one's business but their own. One good thing that has come out of this is that attention has been called to the men and women of God and prayerfully people will seek to learn more about these ministers and as a by-product learn of the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and receive salvation through Him.

Sent by Nkemdilim Ogunye | 8:27 PM | 11-28-2007

Churches should be taxed just like any other business. Or, if there is a non-profit status, net earnings should be taxable. Or, how about defining how the money is spent (humanitarian efforts)? Planes, foreign bank accounts? These people are con artists.

Sent by Jon | 1:09 PM | 12-4-2007

I thinkd if people would read their Bible more, they would have an understanding of the riches God will give his people. Why is it that the nation is hurt so much by what a preacher have. No one is forcing people to give to those ministries, but people are obeying God's word about giving and receiving. I am not saying they are all right , but I am not saying that it is wrong either. If they were getting their money from the state , federal or government agencies, then they should be taxed, but if people are freeing giving it . Then it belongs to God. Give God what belongs to him and the state what belongs to them. Render until God what is owned to GOD THAT IS Tithes and Offering and to Ceaser what's his, that mean pay tax on state owned, federal owned, and government owned . Churches are considered charitable organizations and should not be taxed , unless they are running it like a business. It is sad to see a ministy so wealthy but yet want give to the needy sitting in their own church. Most of them will say I do not want the member to become dependent of me instead of God. I say if thats why you claim God blessed you then give to the ones that need it right there in your own church.

Sent by Mary Jean | 10:21 AM | 2-12-2008

I've been there, that's why I am here.
Exactly who does have a right to question Copeland about where the money goes? Copeland put on a excellent performance at his latest ministers conference, visible at http://www.wittenburgdoor.com/copelandclips , in which has now gotten the attention of people all across the USA, and abroad. If I didn't personally know better, one would actually think he cares about the protection of all his followers (partners),that pour money into his ministry. Requesting a summery of my mothers (Bonnie Parker) contributions, a long time partner of KCM, we like Grassley got little or no response. (Request viewable at http://sis359.blogspot.com/ ). If their partners aren't entitled to this privileged information, even though they are funding this lavish lifestyle KCM has grown very accustom to, nor is the Senate entitled either, then who is? The IRS perhaps? Are the teachings of the Prosperity Gospel message being misconstrued? Do we, any of us, have a valid argument, or the right to ask for these records ? I believe with all my heart, we should let the ones affected most by this money making scam have a say in determining the answer to those questions..
??? I had a home???, ???I had a life???, ???I had faith???, ???I had a family???, ???I lost a loved one???, ???I have no clue what the truth is anymore!??? ???I will never trust any form of religion.??? these are merely a handful of endless testimonies coming to light nationwide. Ranging from all walks of life, their heartbreaking testimonies can be found throughout the web, yet inconceivably, victims are being labeled as fools, ignorant, and basically downright blind for not seeing the truth behind the Prosperity Gospels falsehoods. ??? Being only human, our quest for health and wealth, regrettably does lead some in the wrong direction. Promises and guaranties, made by the Prosperity Gospel ministers, give people that have not obtained these blessings on their own, a second chance at achieving their goals in life. An important discovery I made while reviewing testimonies, revealed the fact numerous victims had very little knowledge of the Prosperity Gospels dark side. These unfortunate victims, appear to be equipped with only a small portion of the web of deceit these ministers weave . Picture yourself being raised in a small country town, with a population of only a few hundred, the closest city, only a population of only a few thousand. Computers, internet, cable, satellite TV, and other high tech gadgets are not needed or desired. You are living a simple , solemn life you wouldn???t trade for any amount of cash. After your working day is done, you gladly remove your shoes, kick back in your easy chair, and relax without a care in the world for a while. After flipping on the TV to view the local evening news broadcast, you are reminded to give thanks that you don???t have the worries that accompany life outside the safe haven of your home, and your community. Religion is your safeguard, your faith is strong, and you have no doubts about the truth behind your sacred beliefs. This was my life, before KCM.
Prosperity Gospel ministers enter the homes of many victims though a thirty minute Sunday morning worship service on a local broadcast station. Growing up in Jigger La., truly located in the middle of nowhere, I can testify to the fact that we only received on a clear day about three or four channels at most. Warnings of dangers associated with Prosperity Gospel ministries, made by critics, ministers, and victims go unheard, therefore tragically for many, when the realization of this scam is discovered it is already to late. Family???s have lost their homes, lifesavings, and some even their lives due to the Prosperity Gospels misleading doctrines. Unfortunately my mother was not one of the lucky ones, her confidence, and faith in this false Gospel, ultimately cost her, her life. After more than a decade of programming her mind to believe and think the Prosperity Gospel way of life, she lost her battle with cancer. By refusing medical attention, she sealed her fate, but the programming she had acquired from Kenneth and Gloria Copeland proved strong all the way to her last breath. A diary she left behind revealed the horrific tale of her life from 1992-2002, the top of each page titled with Kenneth Copeland, Gloria Copeland, or BVOV. Some mistakes in life we can not undo, and good intentions don???t always go as planed, these victims are simply following misleading promises of health and wealth. The use of miraculous healing confessions, and newly found wealth testimonies, are their sales pitch, sadly my mom among many other are proof that their sale pitch works. The possibility these Mega churches were misusing finances for personal luxuries is what brought this scam to the publics attention, not the loss of life, the financially bankrupt, and numerous homeless victims they have been left in the wake of this devastating hoax. So, do we continue blaming the victims, or do we stand up beside them, learn from there mistakes, and put an end to these senseless tragedies? Even I being a victims daughter have many lingering questions, such as follows, ???How is it that some see the truth, and others do not???? ??? What leads these victim to believe the unbelievable???? ??? Are some more vulnerable to these sort of money making scams than others When all is said and done, perhaps they will be tagged, not as the Prosperity Gospel, but the false gospel. One Quote from Copelands mouth should erases any doubts of KCM innocence,
???It???s not yours, it???s God???s and you???re not going to get it and that???s something I???ll go to prison over. So, just get over it!???

Sent by Kristy Beach | 11:35 AM | 2-12-2008