Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Who Wants Another Black Eye?
Sigh. Here we go again.
As if the charismatic/Pentecostal community hadn't taken enough hits this year, it's now bracing for a few more black eyes. Following the ongoing sagas involving Paula and Randy White, Juanita Bynum, Richard and Lindsay Roberts and Oral Roberts University, Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) delivered a 12th-round blow to the gut for five more high-profile charismatic leaders. The ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, Grassley announced today (Tuesday) that he's investigating the ministries of the Whites, Benny Hinn, Joyce Meyer, Kenneth Copeland, Eddie Long and Creflo Dollar. The allegations, while unique to each ministry, involve a common thread of "possible misuse of donations" and abusing the tax-exempt status those ministries have as church organizations. At the core are questions about the leaders' lavish lifestyles that include private jets, multimillion-dollar mansions, cosmetic surgeries, fancy cars and CEO-like salaries. In letters faxed to the ministries Monday, Grassley requested various documentation regarding both personal and organizational finances, due by Dec. 6. (For extensive coverage on the story, click here or here.)
So many thoughts, so many angles on this developing story. And yet in the midst of what's sure to be a wildfire-like response amidst bloggers, ministers and talking heads alike, let me take a personal step back for a moment. I have been affected in some way over the years by these ministries, and I'm guessing that if you're reading this, you probably have too. Maybe your connection has been as simple as gleaning an invaluable nugget of truth from one of their TV broadcasts. Or maybe you were, in fact, a faithful donor who supported—maybe still supports—them. So I begin by emphasizing that certain aspects of these ministries have done outstanding works for the cause of Christ. I have dear friends who work closely with one of the aforementioned ministries, and they receive a substantial donation each month to support their own work with orphanages and underprivileged children. I am sure they are not an isolated case.
Yet even if that ministry comes through this investigation unscathed, it still saddens me. Because for all the wonderful things the organization has done in the name of Christ over the years, I have to wonder how its leaders—and those of all the ministries questioned—slowly ventured into territory that made them targets for scrutiny in the first place. While Paul talks about leaders living "above reproach" (Titus 1:7 NAS), Jesus' standard for both leadership and accountability is equally as explicit: "For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more" (Luke 12:48).
Unfortunately, the "given" and "committed" parts of this equation have become a mangled concept within various Spirit-filled streams. We've preached a prosperity gospel that has no connection to building the Kingdom, only to enlarging personal portions, tents and thrones. And when, for example, a $100 million-a-year ministry has given away 90 percent of that to other ministries, we've apparently had no qualms buying into the idea that since God has blessed its leaders with the remaining $10 million, they're therefore entitled to do whatever they want with it. We're the children of God, joint heirs to the throne ... we deserve it, right? And (here's my favorite line) isn't God the god of "the cattle on a thousand hills" (Ps. 50:10)? Surely He wants us to enjoy the riches He's given us.
Sigh (again). The truth is, He does. And I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that our God—who, yes, owns everything in the entire universe—is a lavish God who has a habit of dousing us in unimaginable riches. But I have a hunch that means something different on this side of heaven, that wealth and riches aren't necessarily what we think they are in terms of the Kingdom that Jesus spoke about so often. My reasoning for that comes from what I believe is a pretty good source: God's Word. Somehow I still can't seem to find any examples in the Bible of a believer being called to lavish God's gifts and riches upon himself. I'm still searching for any teachings of Christ that talk about rewarding myself with money, houses, cars—you name it—because I deserve it. Instead, I find the Son of the universe's owner consistently giving away everything He has until there's nothing left ... and then giving more. I hear a Savior whose warnings are to the rich, not to the poor. I see a God-Man who is more apt to hang out with the lowly and have-nots than the loaded and surgically enhanced.
There's a reason for that, and it has everything to do with why these ministries—guilty or not—now find themselves under the microscope.
YOUR TURN: What reaction do you have to today's news about the investigations? How does this impact ministries of all size? How does it impact the church? To what degree do ministry leaders have a right to "compensate" themselves?
As if the charismatic/Pentecostal community hadn't taken enough hits this year, it's now bracing for a few more black eyes. Following the ongoing sagas involving Paula and Randy White, Juanita Bynum, Richard and Lindsay Roberts and Oral Roberts University, Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) delivered a 12th-round blow to the gut for five more high-profile charismatic leaders. The ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, Grassley announced today (Tuesday) that he's investigating the ministries of the Whites, Benny Hinn, Joyce Meyer, Kenneth Copeland, Eddie Long and Creflo Dollar. The allegations, while unique to each ministry, involve a common thread of "possible misuse of donations" and abusing the tax-exempt status those ministries have as church organizations. At the core are questions about the leaders' lavish lifestyles that include private jets, multimillion-dollar mansions, cosmetic surgeries, fancy cars and CEO-like salaries. In letters faxed to the ministries Monday, Grassley requested various documentation regarding both personal and organizational finances, due by Dec. 6. (For extensive coverage on the story, click here or here.)
So many thoughts, so many angles on this developing story. And yet in the midst of what's sure to be a wildfire-like response amidst bloggers, ministers and talking heads alike, let me take a personal step back for a moment. I have been affected in some way over the years by these ministries, and I'm guessing that if you're reading this, you probably have too. Maybe your connection has been as simple as gleaning an invaluable nugget of truth from one of their TV broadcasts. Or maybe you were, in fact, a faithful donor who supported—maybe still supports—them. So I begin by emphasizing that certain aspects of these ministries have done outstanding works for the cause of Christ. I have dear friends who work closely with one of the aforementioned ministries, and they receive a substantial donation each month to support their own work with orphanages and underprivileged children. I am sure they are not an isolated case.
Yet even if that ministry comes through this investigation unscathed, it still saddens me. Because for all the wonderful things the organization has done in the name of Christ over the years, I have to wonder how its leaders—and those of all the ministries questioned—slowly ventured into territory that made them targets for scrutiny in the first place. While Paul talks about leaders living "above reproach" (Titus 1:7 NAS), Jesus' standard for both leadership and accountability is equally as explicit: "For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more" (Luke 12:48).
Unfortunately, the "given" and "committed" parts of this equation have become a mangled concept within various Spirit-filled streams. We've preached a prosperity gospel that has no connection to building the Kingdom, only to enlarging personal portions, tents and thrones. And when, for example, a $100 million-a-year ministry has given away 90 percent of that to other ministries, we've apparently had no qualms buying into the idea that since God has blessed its leaders with the remaining $10 million, they're therefore entitled to do whatever they want with it. We're the children of God, joint heirs to the throne ... we deserve it, right? And (here's my favorite line) isn't God the god of "the cattle on a thousand hills" (Ps. 50:10)? Surely He wants us to enjoy the riches He's given us.
Sigh (again). The truth is, He does. And I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that our God—who, yes, owns everything in the entire universe—is a lavish God who has a habit of dousing us in unimaginable riches. But I have a hunch that means something different on this side of heaven, that wealth and riches aren't necessarily what we think they are in terms of the Kingdom that Jesus spoke about so often. My reasoning for that comes from what I believe is a pretty good source: God's Word. Somehow I still can't seem to find any examples in the Bible of a believer being called to lavish God's gifts and riches upon himself. I'm still searching for any teachings of Christ that talk about rewarding myself with money, houses, cars—you name it—because I deserve it. Instead, I find the Son of the universe's owner consistently giving away everything He has until there's nothing left ... and then giving more. I hear a Savior whose warnings are to the rich, not to the poor. I see a God-Man who is more apt to hang out with the lowly and have-nots than the loaded and surgically enhanced.
There's a reason for that, and it has everything to do with why these ministries—guilty or not—now find themselves under the microscope.
YOUR TURN: What reaction do you have to today's news about the investigations? How does this impact ministries of all size? How does it impact the church? To what degree do ministry leaders have a right to "compensate" themselves?
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I absolutely agree with you on this issue. I read the article this morning regarding Sen. Grassley's probe and immediately thought that these ministries will only view this as an "attack" by satan to attempt to hinder what they are doing for the cause of the Gospel. And while I believe that satan does all he can to hinder the spread of the Gospel, I also believe that sometimes we shoot ourselves in the foot. While Paul defended the right of the Apostles to live from the altar, he also choose to work as a tent maker so as not to bring a dark shadow over the work he was doing for the gospel. I am not sure how you can plead with the audience to send in their money because if the fail to do so, the ministry will have to discontinue their work with orphans, or discontinue their "Godly assignment"; mean while the UPS truck has just arrived with your $30,000.00 dollar conference table. The People of God at Mount Sinai, took the gold and silver which God had miraculously provided them as they left Egypt, and created a idol, which they not only worshiped, but attributed their deliverance and success to that idol. I wonder sometimes, if we as a church are doing the same thing.
# posted by 
: 8:10 AM
: 8:10 AM
I preached a message tonight and said that God was going to strip some more of our high profile ministers; and this would cause a humbling fro God so as to take our eyes off men and put them back on Him where they belong!
I said that and much more...then someone after the service came to me and told me of this story.
All I can say is God has told us to straighten up! And because we have refused to clean our house, God has no problems letting a "Nebucadnezer" do it for us!
God told Israel to repent, repent, repent! And when she didn't, Baghdad came calling! (read Jeremiah, whole book!)
Why is it we think we are better than God's chosen people?
I said that and much more...then someone after the service came to me and told me of this story.
All I can say is God has told us to straighten up! And because we have refused to clean our house, God has no problems letting a "Nebucadnezer" do it for us!
God told Israel to repent, repent, repent! And when she didn't, Baghdad came calling! (read Jeremiah, whole book!)
Why is it we think we are better than God's chosen people?
I have been stating for years online that the get-rich minister were going to come down, just like Jim Bakker and Carlton Pearson did. Jim no longer believes the get-rich gospel; yet, did these other ministers learn from that example? No! The problem has gotten worse! How stupid!
Unless Sen. Grassley has "backslidden" or changed his religious stance in the last 10 or so years, I recall that he is (or at least was, and I have no evidence that he has changed) a born-again, evangelical Christian. Therefore, it's difficult to fathom the charge that "Satan" is at work in this probe.
I think the probe is a good idea and probably overdue. We don't like it when unbelievers shut out concerns of faith with the phony "separation of church and state" argument. So we Christians shouldn't use it when we want to avoid scrutiny of the "church-as-big-business" stuff we suddenly want covered up or done behind closed doors. I think the kind of church activity that makes "untouchables" out of this high-living crowd of so-called leaders is an indictment of the "Christian celebrity" syndrome. If the apostle Paul had traveled on his own private yacht, he probably wouldn't have been shipwrecked. As I remember his description of Christians in 2 Corinthians, it was about "having nothing [material stuff is the context], but possessing everything [of genuine spiritual value]."
Many of us learned long, long ago that the only way to protest such lavish living and bring this zillionaire concept of certain leaders to a halt is to withhold our funds. Let them scream about our alleged "unfaithfulness" re tithing, etc., but as long as we pay the bills with no checks and balances, some of the most selfish sinfulness will come to the fore in many "leadership" situations. There is great debate over whether our nation's founders were "Christian" or not, but they had enough of the fear of God and enough knowledge of human depravity that they framed the documents to oversee people's proclivities toward sin and selfishness. Calvin called it depravity, and it's why we need the gospel.
I think the probe is a good idea and probably overdue. We don't like it when unbelievers shut out concerns of faith with the phony "separation of church and state" argument. So we Christians shouldn't use it when we want to avoid scrutiny of the "church-as-big-business" stuff we suddenly want covered up or done behind closed doors. I think the kind of church activity that makes "untouchables" out of this high-living crowd of so-called leaders is an indictment of the "Christian celebrity" syndrome. If the apostle Paul had traveled on his own private yacht, he probably wouldn't have been shipwrecked. As I remember his description of Christians in 2 Corinthians, it was about "having nothing [material stuff is the context], but possessing everything [of genuine spiritual value]."
Many of us learned long, long ago that the only way to protest such lavish living and bring this zillionaire concept of certain leaders to a halt is to withhold our funds. Let them scream about our alleged "unfaithfulness" re tithing, etc., but as long as we pay the bills with no checks and balances, some of the most selfish sinfulness will come to the fore in many "leadership" situations. There is great debate over whether our nation's founders were "Christian" or not, but they had enough of the fear of God and enough knowledge of human depravity that they framed the documents to oversee people's proclivities toward sin and selfishness. Calvin called it depravity, and it's why we need the gospel.
# posted by : 7:22 PM
: 7:22 PM
I applaud Sen. Grassley for his probe of the financial practices of these ministries, and I don't believe that this is brought on by satan. I believe that these investigations and "upheavels" in the charismatic circles are brought on by their own choice to live a life clearly opposite of the life Christ lead. I mean, didn't he in fact "LEAVE" His riches behind in order to live a life that would be an example to us all? I am not against anyone having wealth, but when that is your "walk", what does that say to the rest of us. No, I think that some serious housecleaning is taking place and I'm thankful that God is setting things right. If we don't straighten up, what good will we be to the lost and how much of an impact will we be to them?
# posted by : 10:13 PM
: 10:13 PM
In Ezekiel 22:26 God says that the priest have violated His Law and profaned His Holy Things because they could not distinguish between the Holy and the Profane. The word profane means to treat as common what God designates as holy. These offerings given to these ministries are holy to God to bless others and these hi profile ministries are using it on themselves and treating it as common and are violating His Word. They need to handle the things of God in a holy and clean way and stop profaning God's Name.
# posted by : 10:50 PM
: 10:50 PM
What happen to "judge not lest ye be judged"? And just for the record Sen Grassley can be used by satan, remember Judas? My point is that we must pray for All of GOD'S leaders whether they are on T.V or in the pulpit or having bible study at their home,or being the parents that GOD has called us to be,WE are all being called on the carpet,will you be ready when it's your turn? You might say I'm not a T.V preacher or a pastor but if you are a Christian you are going to be tested by GOD Himself will you be ready? Maybe people won't be blogging about you but you can just know when it's your turn people will be doing more talking than praying.Let's start praying one for another as the bible say.
# posted by : 2:52 PM
: 2:52 PM
I think it is a sad day when we as believers hear that satan is using the goverment to correct the misspending by these ministries. God uses many things to correct and we should thank him for loving us so much that he correct us and keeps us in his care. I think that we will hear alot from these and other ministries about how their spending is ok. But does not the Bible say if something causes your brother to stumbel we need to change that. How many people have been hurt by the stories of big jets and homes? People need to know most ministries are not like these. There are many pastors who are serving the Lord and walking in their calling everyday who are not out for their money. They only care about their soul. There are many problems in Christanity today and this is just an example of how we are not much different than the world.
# posted by : 11:36 AM
: 11:36 AM
I think that the government is investigating so that they can say there is discrepancy and take away all of the tax exempt status from all churches. Then where will we be? Let's band together as the Body of Christ should and stand as one man with our brothers and sisters who are being investigated. They have done great work around the world. More than I would ever dream of doing. They have fought the devil and suffered more than we can ever understand. They should have comforts for their physical body because their spirit and their soul battle daily for the souls of men. He is without sin cast the first stone!
# posted by : 2:23 PM
: 2:23 PM
I think Paul makes it clear that ministries can/should compensate their ministers. That they have a right to make their living from preaching the Word. But the question is how much? Paul also said he knew how to live in plenty and in lack. I have a feeling that in many circles, "lack" is seen as the unpardonable sin.
We have reacted to the "poverty mentality" too strongly, I think, by thinking that God sanctions money if we're ministers/believers. That is not the case. As you point out, money has a sneaky way of separating us from God, putting us in works, making us more like the world, and insulating us from needed change. There is no reason why, as ministers, we need to covet things beyond what the average American needs. This would be a better witness, I think, as some like Mike Bickle (just as an example) have committed to. It would be better to give away the rest of the money to missionaries or Kingdom-builders who really need it, than to in some sense "steal it" from them just for personal use (luxury).
It is indeed a shame that the State has to move in to correct these ministries. Their hooks and claws are going to be much harsher (and disillusioning for nonbelievers in America) than if the Church had done it themselves.
We have reacted to the "poverty mentality" too strongly, I think, by thinking that God sanctions money if we're ministers/believers. That is not the case. As you point out, money has a sneaky way of separating us from God, putting us in works, making us more like the world, and insulating us from needed change. There is no reason why, as ministers, we need to covet things beyond what the average American needs. This would be a better witness, I think, as some like Mike Bickle (just as an example) have committed to. It would be better to give away the rest of the money to missionaries or Kingdom-builders who really need it, than to in some sense "steal it" from them just for personal use (luxury).
It is indeed a shame that the State has to move in to correct these ministries. Their hooks and claws are going to be much harsher (and disillusioning for nonbelievers in America) than if the Church had done it themselves.
Why is a Senator doing this?
I thought our government had the IRS to deal with such issues.
What's next? Are Governors going to start directing traffic?
I thought our government had the IRS to deal with such issues.
What's next? Are Governors going to start directing traffic?
I doubt these charlatans that are being investigated could live like Paul did. Besides, there's only ONE nugget of truth..If they have sincerely done nothing wrong, then, they have nothing to worry about, right?
Thing is, they're guilty of stealing. They're guilty of lying. They're guilty of making God into a commodity. Do they REALLY need that PRIVATE jet plane to do their "work"? Tell me, what justifies ANY of them (or us, as leaders in the church)to stay in a posh, 500 dollar per night hotel room, when we can just as EASILY book a flight on TWA or stay at a Motel 6 or Holiday Inn?
Do these "pastors" really need a 2008 Escalade FLEET to "do the work of the Lord"? What's wrong with a Prius? Or a Sunfire? They are cars too, are they not? Do the Crouch's REALLY need multiple houses to live in to do God's Work?
Is it being a responsible leader to tell your parishoners to write checks for amounts they don't have in their bank account?
I don't own a vehicle, but, yet, I can be just as effective speaking about Jesus Christ as Benny Hinn or the Crouches. It's called a city bus. It's this big, bulky vehicle that transports numerous people back and forth within the city. Or, I also have two feet to walk on.
I can also jet from Minnesota to practically anywhere in the world. Where do I go? It's called an airport. They have these neat things called passenger jets that ferry people all over the world. You folks should try them sometime.
Good ol Benny doesn't have need for a PRIVATE jet. He's not SPECIAL above God, nor even other pastors who choose, rightfully, not to abuse their position as a church leader like Mr. Hinn, Mr. & Mrs. Crouch, or many of the other "nab it and grab it" "pastors" are so fond of doing.
Whatever God gives us is what God gives us, plain and simple. I don't need a fancy car, private jet, or multiple homes to spur ME to do God's will. I believe in Jesus Christ. I don't believe a THING the nab it and grab it "gospel" nor it's adherents practice. I'd rather send MYSELF to hell than to decieve ANYONE about Jesus, like the Word-Faith "religion" is so very fond of doing. Shame on them.
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Thing is, they're guilty of stealing. They're guilty of lying. They're guilty of making God into a commodity. Do they REALLY need that PRIVATE jet plane to do their "work"? Tell me, what justifies ANY of them (or us, as leaders in the church)to stay in a posh, 500 dollar per night hotel room, when we can just as EASILY book a flight on TWA or stay at a Motel 6 or Holiday Inn?
Do these "pastors" really need a 2008 Escalade FLEET to "do the work of the Lord"? What's wrong with a Prius? Or a Sunfire? They are cars too, are they not? Do the Crouch's REALLY need multiple houses to live in to do God's Work?
Is it being a responsible leader to tell your parishoners to write checks for amounts they don't have in their bank account?
I don't own a vehicle, but, yet, I can be just as effective speaking about Jesus Christ as Benny Hinn or the Crouches. It's called a city bus. It's this big, bulky vehicle that transports numerous people back and forth within the city. Or, I also have two feet to walk on.
I can also jet from Minnesota to practically anywhere in the world. Where do I go? It's called an airport. They have these neat things called passenger jets that ferry people all over the world. You folks should try them sometime.
Good ol Benny doesn't have need for a PRIVATE jet. He's not SPECIAL above God, nor even other pastors who choose, rightfully, not to abuse their position as a church leader like Mr. Hinn, Mr. & Mrs. Crouch, or many of the other "nab it and grab it" "pastors" are so fond of doing.
Whatever God gives us is what God gives us, plain and simple. I don't need a fancy car, private jet, or multiple homes to spur ME to do God's will. I believe in Jesus Christ. I don't believe a THING the nab it and grab it "gospel" nor it's adherents practice. I'd rather send MYSELF to hell than to decieve ANYONE about Jesus, like the Word-Faith "religion" is so very fond of doing. Shame on them.
# posted by : 4:40 AM
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