A ministry watchdog released its list of top 30 ministries that grade high in financial transparency and aren't tainted with issues that would concern donors.
Not on MinistryWatch's December 2007 list are the six ministries currently under scrutiny for alleged opulent spending.
To make it on the watchdog's top "Shining Light" ministries list, organizations are required to be a legitimate nonprofit ministry with a legitimate purpose, show a willingness to treat donors fairly with a transparency grade of "A," be unashamed of being identified as an evangelical Christian ministry, and have no significant issues that would be of concern to donors.
Some of the high-profile ministries under a Senate investigation, called on by Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa), have received failing grades for financial transparency by MinistryWatch. Adding on allegations from other watchdogs and media reports of possible abuse of nonprofit status, Grassley - the ranking Republican on the Senate Committee on Finance - launched an investigation on the ministries in question.
The six ministries - led by Paula and Randy White, Creflo Dollar, Eddie Long, Benny Hinn, Joyce Meyer and Kenneth and Gloria Copeland - each collect tens of millions of dollars in donations each year and have millions of viewers who tune in to their ministry broadcasts.
Grassley had requested financial statements and responses to questions regarding personal and organizational finances from each of the ministries by Dec. 6 but papers from only Joyce Meyers Ministries and Kenneth Copeland Ministries were received by the deadline. They are both being reviewed.
Attorneys with Benny Hinn of World Healing Center Church, Inc., have not made clear whether the ministry will cooperate with the investigation or not. They last contacted Grassley's staff on Dec. 13, according to Grassley's office on Tuesday. Attorneys representing the Whites, who recently divorced, of Without Walls International Church have been in contact with Grassley's office and asked for additional time to respond
Meanwhile, Creflo Dollar of World Changers Church International and Eddie Long of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church have sent Grassley letters indicating they will not comply.
The groups aren't legally required to provide the documentation.
However, with a large base of followers and the media spotlight, all eyes are on the ministry leaders who preach what critics call the prosperity gospel, a highly criticized theology that teaches wealth is a sign of God's blessing.
Grassley has repeatedly insisted that the Senate probe is not about doctrine, but whether the ministries are following the laws.
Some have raised concern about the investigation threatening church independence especially if it ends with new tax rules for all ministries.
But Grassley has the support of several Christian groups – including MinistryWatch, Trinity Foundation, the editor of Charisma magazine, and the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability – that want proof that these preachers are not misusing funds.
"If the Church fails to hold its own accountable and if its most visible leaders fail to live by the very standards they purport to proclaim, then we should applaud when a leader with the standing of Grassley demands accountability," said Michael Barrick, an editorial consultant for MinistryWatch.com.
"How these televangelists respond will reflect directly upon the Gospel of Jesus Christ. One hopes that Senator Grassley has success; if he does, he will be among the first," he said, noting that others have failed to get responses when questions about financial practices were raised.
Grassley has not specified how much more time he will give each of the ministries to respond.
Comments
I dont' believe senator grassley is really investigating them for fraud, I think he is looking to make changes to tax laws, which I find completely interesting that Pres. Johnston got that law in place because Congress should not make any laws.
I don't think Sen Grassley is investigating those ministries to send them to jail. I think he is looking for ways to tighten up the tax laws, which I find completely interesting that congress could do this at all.
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
John Piper wrote that we have "domesticated godliness into an inoffensive middle-class morality and law-keeping". The Gospel is not preached, so many have done away with the Cross and the Blood of Christ, without which we can have no relationship with God. We follow the Lamb of God, His Son, that we might learn to love as He loves, patiently forebearing the sufferings of life in the world without repining while trusting our Father in heaven. The worldly man cannot see Christ through the defended deception prevalent in the church in this nation. So many now follow dark worldly stars, false teachers who deceive others as well as they are deceived into practicing an empty religion based on man's faulty wisdom and fueled by materialism not devout love and reverance for Almighty God and a living relationship with the risen Lord Jesus Christ and a love for truth that knows no fear of man. The worldly man sees these deceived Christians longing for the same fame, fortune, and glory in this corrupt and fallen world that he himself seeks; thus he sees their religion as a grossly ignorant crutch for the unstable and superstitious. The believer must repent of worldly cares that lead to the selfish sins of despair, doubt, and despotism, and expose and turn away from all false teachers who deny the Truth and are greedy for material gain, and show forth the eternal worth and glory of Christ Jesus, for His life of sacrificial love is our Way.
Furthermore, here are some other false teachings coming from Kenneth Copeland one of the founding father's of this "prosperity/name it and claim it/blab it and grab it/speak things into existence false gospel":
"Copeland speaking of Adam "his body and Adams were the exactly the same size." (Holy bible K. Copeland Reference Edition p.45)
K. Copeland speaking of God " A being that stands somewhere around 6-2 , 6-3 that weighs somewhere in the neighborhood of a couple of hundred pounds or a little better, has a span of 9 inches across (relating to his own hand span) (Spirit, soul and a Body 1985 audio # 01-0601 side 1Kenneth Copeland, Spirit, Soul and Body 1, 1985. )
I would like Mr. Copeland himself, or anyone who follows this false teaching to find Bible book, Scripture and Verse(s) where the Bible actually says God was like Adam, and that he is 6"2" in height and that He (God) has a hand span of 9 inches across, then you please make sure you post it, so we can go to the Bible and verify this.
Also, Benny Hinn said something similar concerning Adam being able to fly; to have superpowers, and all, but he couldn't back that up biblically either could he?
Why don't some of these TV evangelists just stick to the Word of God in context instead of teaching off of tangents, feelings, and false claims. If God didn't say it in His Word, then why are they so pompous to assume, or to claim to have some divine revelation apart from the Scriptures?
As for Brian Mclaren, he also needs to repent of his heretical/extrabiblical teachings in the emergent church post modern latter day deception.
Here are some heretical/extrabiblical quotes by Joyce Myers; one of the "evangelists" probed for this "prosperity/name it and claim it gospel".
1) “Several years ago I found myself completely worn out from trying to fight the devil. I learned many ‘methods’ of spiritual warfare; however, they did not seem to be working ... I had fallen into the trap that many Christians fall into. I had the right teaching, but the wrong order ... I was feverishly applying methods I had learned — like fasting and prayer ... rebuking and resisting evil spirits ... empty formulas which wear us out and produce no results except maybe a sore throat” (The Word, The Name, The Blood, pp. 28, 32, 33).
2) Her now-unavailable tape, “What Happened from the Cross to The Throne?” continued to teach the “Born-Again Jesus” doctrine; she also subsequently says that she is not a sinner:
“I’m going to tell you something folks, I didn’t stop sinning until I finally got it through my thick head I wasn’t a sinner anymore. And the religious world thinks that’s heresy and they want to hang you for it. But the Bible says that I’m righteous and I can’t be righteous and be a sinner at the same time ... All I was ever taught to say was, ‘I’m a poor, miserable sinner.’ I am not poor, I am not miserable and I am not a sinner. That is a lie from the pit of hell. That is what I was and if I still am then Jesus died in vain. Amen?”
This is what the Bible says; not what Joyce Myers says:
The Apostle John says, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8). It is Christ’s righteousness imparted to us, not ours, that makes us righteous.
Thank you clarence45!! They're suppose to practice what they preach especially 'denying themselves, carrying their cross & follow christ'!
Don't know about Benny's boudoir, but Joyce Meyer sits on a $28,000 toilet! And I don't mean the whole bathroom, just the commode.
If the ministries are honest and sincere, they have nothing to hide. By refusing to cooperate, the ministries look guilty. This is not how God's stewards are supposed to act. This is also why I avoid these TV ministries whenever possible. When I look at the Crystal Cathedral, or see the brand-new Megachurch being built, I can't help but wonder how many people could have been fed? Jesus slept on a rock under the stars. Where does Benny Hinn sleep?
Nothing belongs to us(believers) we are to administer what God blesses us with whether that be time, talent, money even our home. One small example that blessed me greatly and money wise cost me nothing. A single mom where I work who I have known for several years and i were at the coffee pot before work one morning a few weeks back. I asked her how she was doing, she said fine except she had no hot water that morning. Being in the maintenance field I told her I'd go look at it for her that it just may have tripped its circuit breaker. It had not, it was leaking badly and also created a soft spot in her floor. She said she would buy one but didn't have the money to pay for installation. I told her don't worry about that I'd do it for nothing and she could give God the praise. I remembered that our electric co-op used to have a plan where they would GIVE new water heaters to all electric customers with no installation charge. To make a long story short, she got the needed water heater with no expense from her and although I did not mind installing it, I did not have to. The feeling of watching God bless her by using a willing vessel, me, made my Christmas 2007.
2 Corinthians 9
Administering the Gift
Now concerning the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you; for I know your willingness, about which I boast of you to the Macedonians, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal has stirred up the majority. Yet I have sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this respect, that, as I said, you may be ready; lest if some Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we (not to mention you!) should be ashamed of this confident boasting. Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren to go to you ahead of time, and prepare your generous gift beforehand, which you had previously promised, that it may be ready as a matter of generosity and not as a grudging obligation. But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written:
“ He has dispersed abroad,
He has given to the poor;
His righteousness endures forever.”
Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
2 Corinthians 8
Excel in Giving
Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God. So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well. But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you abound in this grace also. I speak not by commandment, but I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich. And in this I give advice: It is to your advantage not only to be doing what you began and were desiring to do a year ago; but now you also must complete the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to desire it, so there also may be a completion out of what you have. For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have. For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened; but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance also may supply your lack—that there may be equality. As it is written, “He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack.” Collection for the Judean Saints But thanks be to God who puts the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus. For he not only accepted the exhortation, but being more diligent, he went to you of his own accord. And we have sent with him the brother whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches, and not only that, but who was also chosen by the churches to travel with us with this gift, which is administered by us to the glory of the Lord Himself and to show your ready mind, avoiding this: that anyone should blame us in this lavish gift which is administered by us— providing honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. And we have sent with them our brother whom we have often proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, because of the great confidence which we have in you. If anyone inquires about Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker concerning you. Or if our brethren are inquired about, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ. Therefore show to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love and of our boasting on your behalf.
If anyone chooses to continue to tithe that is an individual choice. I would suggest however that if blessings are sought through this means, learning exactly what the tithe is as described in scripture will be helpful. You may also wish to honor how they were taken, administered and what was appropriate when the temple was a great distance away. We could go into a discussion of tithing but to me the focus today is giving and administering the abundance God trusts us with to take care of the saints(believers) especially true widows who are in need. Notice also this giving is not a one time thing it is ongoing. Example: A one time gift to a widow helping her make ends meet for the month is good, but what of next month? Try paying her utility bill or some other blessing to her until the Father calls her home. This is giving.
I have real mixed feelings here. While I don't like these ministries, I have a real problem with an elected official going on a witch hunt. He has no authority to do this. If there are concerns he should be working through the IRS. I think this is nothing more than a politician trying to get his name in the paper.
And another thing regarding this quote.
If the Church fails to hold its own accountable and if its most visible leaders fail to live by the very standards they purport to proclaim, then we should applaud when a leader with the standing of Grassley demands accountability," said Michael Barrick, an editorial consultant for MinistryWatch.com.
This matter should be handled by the body of Christ alone. If the congregations involved with these ministries can't see the lies being fed them, they will have to answer to that before God. Churches need to hold their leaders accountable, and quit letting people do their own thing because they have a wonderful personailty and can bring in lots of money. Everyone has an opportunity to read their Bibles and has the Spirit to discern truth. So quit being lazy!
1 Cor. 16:2 On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don't wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once.
Apparently, Paul didn't get the message about no more tithes and offerings. Actually, I agree about the "10%" legalist point; but that only means we should give out of our abundance, not a specific minimum requirement. I find that most people who argue against tithing are the same ones who think dropping a $5 bill in the plate equates to the offering of the widow's mite. If God is blessing you, (and I don't mean financially), isn't it consistent with His nature to accept our praise offerings as a sign of love and commitment? (My first fruits are financial; I left the farm 25 years ago) The Legalist attitude is the problem, not the 10% part. "Tithing" should be a return to God based on your blessings, not a specific amount, but it should be a sacrifice of praise, not a burger and fries. I also think it includes time and talent, not just money.
Matt: 23:1-3 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to His disciples, "The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the Law of Moses. So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don't follow their example. For they don't practice what they teach.
(These "preachers" in question may or may not fit this description about the Pharisees; that is what the senate is trying to find out.)
Do you really think Jesus told the Jews to practice what the Pharisees said practice, then changed His mind for the church, which was primarily Jewish the first 40 years? That kind of kills the idea that God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Jesus simply did not "end" the law; He put it in perspective. The Law is not the way to salvation; it is an indication of your heart condition. Obedience of the law is the natural action of one saved by grace. If God truly has your heart, you will give without worrying about the "minimum"; you will give to be a blessing to God. And I mean give to kingdom building, not televangelist dynasty building. Please, do not let the hucksters on TV (there are some, for sure, even if it isn't all these) rob you of being a blessing to God and to others. Use your gifts, time, and money to build Godly relationships in your congregation, not make someone wealthy or build a cathedral to man.