Only two faith-based ministries have met a Thursday deadline to turn over financial documents for a Senate investigation on alleged opulent spending. Six were asked to cooperate.
Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) received the requested papers from Kenneth Copeland Ministries on Thursday and Joyce Meyer Ministries earlier this week.
"It’s good that some of the ministries are cooperating. I hope all of them will cooperate in the end," said Grassley, the ranking Republican on the Senate Committee on Finance, in a statement. "For the focus of this inquiry, ministries are the same as any other non-profit organization. It’s a question of abiding by tax laws just like any tax-exempt group."
A month ago, Grassley sent letters to six high-profile ministries – led by Paula and Randy White, Creflo Dollar, Eddie Long, Benny Hinn, Meyer and Copeland – requesting financial statements and responses to pointed questions about salaries, perks and other organizational and personal finances. The Senate probe was launched to determine whether the ministries are abusing their tax-exempt status as churches for extravagant lifestyles.
Churches, unlike secular nonprofits, are not required by law to make their finances public. And while some of the ministries under investigation stated they comply with tax laws, churches report very little information to the IRS and very little transparency is legally required of them, according to Richard Hammar, editor of Church Treasurer Alert! and Church Law and Tax Report.
One of the requirements to be tax-exempt, however, is that the organization does not pay unreasonable compensation. And that is a main concern of the Senate investigation.
Recent media coverage and reports by watchdog groups have alleged the six ministry leaders of generous salaries and amenities such as private jets and Rolls-Royces. Grassley told reporters in a conference call Wednesday that he "can't be impressed" by the argument from some of the preachers that the Internal Revenue Service already monitors them, because his past inquiries have unearthed information that the IRS never knew, according to The Associated Press.
Creflo Dollar, one of the preachers under investigation, sent Grassley a letter asking that the investigation either be referred to the IRS, which would give greater privacy, or that the Senate committee get a subpoena.
Dollar's lawyer, Marcus Owens of Washington, explained that turning over information through a subpoena would keep the church's information from being released to the public and "guarantees you privacy," as reported by The Wall Street Journal.
Early in the investigation, Dollar had released some information about the finances for his church – World Changers Church International in College Park, Ga. – showing that the 30,000-member church took in $69 million in 2006.
"I generally don't make this public," he said at the time.
Dollar along with several other pastors have raised concerns about invasions of privacy and violations of religious freedom regarding the Senate probe.
Dismissing the religious liberty argument, Grassley said, "Forget it. They don't have a leg to stand on."
Representatives of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, Ga., said publicly that the ministry will cooperate with the Senate request but Grassley has not yet received any material or contact from the ministry. Bishop Eddie Long, who leads the Baptist church, has called Grassley's request unjust.
Texas-based faith “healer” Benny Hinn has asked for more time to respond. A meeting with Hinn's attorneys is set for Friday, Grassley's office said.
Lawyers for Paula and Randy White of Tampa gave initial contact to Grassley's office Thursday but no further response has been given.
Grassley said he's willing to give the ministries more time to respond "as long as they’re cooperating and in contact with my office."
"It’d be very unusual if they don’t cooperate," he added. "I’ve looked at a lot of non-profit groups over the last five years, and they’ve all cooperated. The only possible exception is when I was chairman, and then-Ranking Member Baucus asked for my help in getting a subpoena for charities connected to Jack Abramoff. That was an extreme case.”
"I expect that in the end we won't have to work hard to get all these folks to cooperate, and I'd be very disappointed if I did," the Iowa senator said.
Comments
Copeland brags about being a billionaire to his congregation. I wonder who he's serving?
http://www.grassleyinvestigation.com
Victims have the right to ask!
Exactly who does have a right to question Copeland about where the money goes? Copeland put on a exhalent 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. Knowledge, is the only discovery I found to be effective in this seemingly endless battle. Sadly for some our efforts will go unheard. God be with them.
The family of Bonnie Parker
sis359@gmail.com
Photo, before and after KCM,
http://picasaweb.google.com/sis359/BonnieParkerDiaryPhoto
Documentary Suffer The Children, exposes televangelists lavish lifestyles ,
http://www.wittenburgdoor.com/suffer-children
Book recently published by Sara Posner, also looks into these subjects,
http://www.amazon.com/Gods-Profits-Republican-Crusade-Values/dp/0979482216
I know what you're going through. I've found it necessary to leave a church I had been attending for a long time. It's very tough, especially this time of year. But sometimes God just says it's time to go, and you have to follow. If you would like I'll keep you in prayer about it.
Have you started looking for another church? I know some folks can see the split coming and do some visiting ahead of time, and some just wait until they leave.
My childhood through late teen years were in the PHC. My early married life was in Baptist. Middle marriage years in AOG and the past 8 or so back in the PHC which is the one I grew up in. I sent a letter this past week explaining why I could no longer attend there using scripture to show where God is leading me. I pointed out no doctrinal error that I believe they live under. For months I have prayed for God to show me if he wanted to use me to bring some things up to them. He did not but opened the door for my exit.
I was taught from childhood not to take things in the Bible for granted, but to check everything against what the Bible itself says. On several occasions I've trooped into my pastor's office and disagreed with him. But then I'm a natural troublemaker :)
The church you describe is the one that I feel I belong to. Not the physical one, but the one in my heart. I go to two different churches every week, for services and for Bible classes, one non-denominational and one Baptist. I will attend a Bible class or service at any church that teaches the Word of God, and not the traditions of men, or that purposely disobeys the word of God. I consider myself a Biblical Christian and not a member of a denomination. I think that for now it's the best we can get.
This is why I believe those in denominations may be at risk. Matthew 15:1-20
Matthew 15:1-20
“Then the scribes and Pharisees who were from Jerusalem came to Jesus, saying, “Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.” He answered and said to them, “Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? For God commanded, saying, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.’ But you say, ‘Whoever says to his father or mother, “Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God”— then he need not honor his father or mother.’ Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition. Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying:
‘ These people draw near to Me with their mouth,
And honor Me with their lips,
But their heart is far from Me.
And in vain they worship Me,
Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”
When He had called the multitude to Himself, He said to them, “Hear and understand: Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.” Then His disciples came and said to Him, “Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?” But He answered and said, “Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.” Then Peter answered and said to Him, “Explain this parable to us.” So Jesus said, “Are you also still without understanding? Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is eliminated? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man.”
Paul commended those at Berea for searching scripture behind his teachings to confirm he was teaching truth. We believers, I would venture to say, have never done this. I know I had not until recently.
One church with Yeshua as its head with no denominational inspired doctrine, but who strive to work out the truth in scripture through prayer and study of Gods Word is what I'd like to see, but as you say it will never happen.
I am not nor will I ever say if a person belongs to a denomination they are on the wide path to desctuction. I do believe however they may be at greater risk due to, for the most part, implicit trust in their pastors who are taught scripture skewed towards denominational doctrine.
Imagine there were a church in which the pastor taught on a subject, those in the congregation went home reread and searched scripture and found that pastor in error and broght this to his attention. The pastor listened to them, researched scripture and confirmed his own error and corrected his teaching. This is that which edifies the body and all grow in the knowledge of Yeshua.
I'm sorry, I'm not getting what you want, instead of the way things are. To be all one denomination? That would be great, but until the Lord's return I don't see it happening.
Or are you saying that if one belongs to a denomination then they are on the wide path to destruction.
As I said I'm just not getting exactly what you're advocating.
What you are describing is making another denomination that would have as it's main tenet not having denominations.
I do not believe God puts up with our failures. Our failures come from attempting to “do” for God with selfish desires. Failures come through the accumulative actions of man to become self important. Denominations were birthed out of man’s selfish desires in an attempt to lay hold of and manipulate God’s Word and creation. This birthing has nothing to do with man actually, except for being a willing operative for the one who from the beginning of time has sought to corrupt Gods plans and creations, Lucifer. The corruption continues as modern man believes the lie as did Adam and Eve who sought to be wise in their own eyes. This is where denominations came from and why I believe God abhors them. But one says, “What of all the good churches do?” I can not speak for God but I read scripture that says, “Then one said to Him, “Lord, are there few who are saved?” And He said to them, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” Lk 13:23,24 In verse 27 … “I tell you I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity.” Also in Matthew 7:21-23 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.” My point? There is nothing in scripture promoting denominations. There is nothing in scripture stating God accepts and over looks our failures to hijack his will and plans by conforming them to suit us because we, who are liars, believe he meant this or that. God forgives our sins but I dare say there are no “denominations” willing to admit there sins, denounce denominational affiliation and seek Gods will for his way for what church is to be. Even the “Non-denominational” churches hold to many practices found in denominational churches. Could there be “many” in churches today who are turned away due to following blind man inspired wisdom? I can only say it is possible. I believe God does find true hearts within churches who seek him. I pray for believers to awaken and desire to know our God and follow him and not man, but the end of the age will work out according to his plan as he wills it.
"No one can come unless they are called."
Amen!
We are called however to witness and to bring people to Christ. I believe we are to do it as if it did matter, and let God bring who He will to Himself.
Oglefam - What it seems to be saying is that denominations exist, but that as long as we accept the fundamentals of the faith that they shouldn't matter. They aren't advocating them, simply stating why they exist and the last paragraph makes the point that it isn't good:
"Sadly, there is another reason for denominational differences and that is the failure of Christians to live according to the will of God. The truth is that we are all sinners and we do not see things eye to eye. It is an unfortunate truth that denominational differences are due to our shortsightedness and lack of love. But, the good thing is that God loves us so much that He puts up with our failures. There waits for us, in spite of our differences, a great reward in heaven. Neither salvation nor damnation is dependent upon our differences".
Denominations are a fact in Christianity, a sad fact, but still a fact. People will always feel the need to find fault and be judgmental over things they don't agree on, it's part of our fallen human nature unfortunately. All we can do is to try to ignore those divisions ourselves and try not to live in condemnation and division ourselves.
In addition and not only distinct to that website but too many claiming to preach the gospel, the repentance of a "sinner" through the calling of the Holy Spirit is the beginning of redemption. Calling sinners "seekers" implies, at least to me, the seeker is the one doing the work when it is the Holy Spirit who draws all men. No one can come unless they are called.
On their home page, left side, click on "Answers for Seekers", First topic under "Questions" titled "What about different denominations?"