Calendar . Volume 08 | Issue 01

Volume 08, Issue 01

The Cost of the Prosperity Gospel
Michael Catt

Front Page :: Volume 08, Issue 01
The Cost of the Prosperity Gospel
Michael Catt

Recently, Senator Charles Grassley, a Republican from Iowa, has led an investigation into the financial practices and dealings of some major ministries in America. As the ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, Grassley wants to take a look into possible abuses of tax-exempt status by these ministries and their ministers.
These folks probably fall into the category of misapprorpriation of funds. The six under investigation are:

Paula White Ministries
Benny Hinn Ministries
Joyce Meyer Ministries
Bishop Eddie Long Ministries
Creflo Dollar Ministries
Kenneth Copeland Ministries

The request is for information, specifically financial information, included audited statements, compensation packages, a list of properties and assets and a detailed explanation of personal use of organization assets such as jets and homes.

Grassley said, “The allegations involve governing boards that aren’t independent and allow generous salaries and housing allowances and amenities, such as private jets and Rolls Royces. I don’t want to conclude that there’s a problem, but I have an obligation to donors and the taxpayers to find out more.”

There are going to be requests to explain things like:

  • Paula White giving T. D. Jakes a convertible Bentley in appreciation for his ministry, paid for out of ministry funds.
  • Richard Roberts charging a high school senior trip for his daughter and a few friends on the ministry jet to the ministry as an evangelistic effort.
  • Joyce Meyer taking a deduction for a $23,000 “commode with a marble top.” (I’m wondering, is it a commode or a throne?)
  • Joyce Meyer for an $11,000 “French clock” purchased for ministry headquarters.
  • Most live in multi-million dollar houses.
  • Several are being asked to explain layovers in resort areas like the Fiji Islands and Maui, charged to the minstry.

All of this gives all of us a black eye. Although I’ve downsized my home in recent years and live in a home smaller than a large percentage of our membership, I’m sure someone would like to accuse me of living high on the hog. I drive a 5-year-old Acura, and I never pay retail for clothes. If it’s not on sale, it’s not going in my closet. I try to dress well, but I don’t have to have an exclusive label inside to dress up.

Most of the men in ministry I know are overworked and underpaid. Given the average time a pastor and staff puts into ministry, 60-80 hours a week, I doubt if most would be considered overpaid. The problem for all of us is the excess of a few gives people the idea that we are all living large and in charge.

In a postmodern world, the church and ministers will be increasingly under attack. The saddest part of all of this is because of the greed or indiscretion of a few, good and godly people will have a black eye.