This weekend on air I am interviewing Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA) about his investigation into six ministries and their use of donor funds. The six include Benny Hinn, Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, David and Joyce Meyer, Randy and Paula White, and Creflo and Taffi Dollar. The investigation he is heading is not based on theology.It is based upon possible abuse of donor money to tax-exempt organizations and was further prompted by public complaints and statements from whistleblowers who were once associated with the ministries mentioned.
Grassley says to ministries and churches, “You are a trustee of the people’s money.”And he is right and as a ministry leader I take the words seriously.
Lee Grady from Charisma Magazine has made the following comments. One would think Charisma might be leading a campaign against Grassley but just the opposite. Due to space limitations, I am shortening Grady’s comments.
He writes in a column, “In Defense of the Good Senator,” Grassley is a Bible-believing Christian and is not behind a devilish conspiracy. Judging from some, you’d think Grassley had donned a black hood and launched another inquisition.”
Lee Grady chastises Paul Crouch for stating that the probe is similar to the probe of Hitler of Christians in the 1930s. Grady asks, “Just why are we so paranoid just because a senator has asked for some documents to prove that these ministries are in compliance with the law?”
Grady continues that Grassley doesn’t believe in government intrusion of religion. The inquiry, not inquisition, is strictly about compliance with the law, not about doctrine. He wants to be sure these six ministries are following the law and that hardly makes him evil or a conspirator.
Lee Grady emphasizes that Grassley has a reputation for integrity. Secular outfits examined, such as the American Red Cross, did make internal changes in order to correct financial abuses and to comply with IRS rules.
Sen. Grassley has said, “Jesus came into the city on a donkey. To what extent do you need a Rolls-Royce to expand the ministry of Jesus Christ?”
This is an honest question from an honest man, and it deserves some honest answers.
Kudos to Lee Grady and Charisma Magazine for telling the truth behind this story. It is not a witch hunt or an effort to demonize anyone or any ministry. It is about following rules which the Bible tells us we must and about protecting either innocent or naïve followers of ministries who could be abused.
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A spiritual common sense perspective:
Worldwide, the majority of Christian leaders, and this is who we are talking about......Christian leaders, are on the front lines of bringing the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. Except for the US and a few other countries, most of the Christian Church is persecuted, under the gun for being Christians and for presenting the gospel......especially the Church leadership. These churches struggle just to make ends meet and get the gospel out to the world that is dying and going to Hell......the point.....the world that is dying and going to Hell.
The role of the Christian leader is critical and the perception they leave with their congregations and to the lost will make them or break them. Sorry folks....driving up to church in a Rolls and living in a mansion(s) leaves such a bad perception to the world.
Prosperity gospel? Don't get duped folks.....it's bunk and not biblical. Case in point....Billy Graham. Sinners, world leaders, the Church all see him as above board.....a man above reproach.
Question to think about...what would your perception of the Church be if you saw Billy Graham come crusing up to a revival in a Rolls, lots of "bling" and wearing a $10K suit??
Think about it.....please. Click here to reply to this post
When Jesus said "it's harder for a camel to go through an eye
Posted On: 03/08/08 09:16:27 PM
Age 33, OK
of a needle than for a rich person to get into heaven.
He knew riches and cares of this world would be a temptation greatly against the souls of people.
I would not want to be this or that minister and have to stand before G-d and explain why I chose to buy an expensive car,fancy name brand clothes all the time,modern house with expensive furnishings instead of giving to the strangers homeless on the streets,lowincome families in your pews, elderly people in nursing homes forgotten by many, living in Russia poorer nations with medicine and food heating bills.Fatherless children in poorer countries. We all have to answer why we've neglected to care for these.
With much is given and much is required.
They have been given television as a tool to reach the lost,to spread the gospel of the cross salvation resurrection,soon coming,good tidings and hope the poor,healing for the sick,freedom for those bound by sin addictions and demonbound. If they neglect that message which is Firstmost and Giving to themselves and "their" ministies have a resounding theme;" I would hate to be them on judgment day. Those with the title of leadership,ministers,apostles have the very sheep of his flock their very souls required of them a heavy load and if they misuse it or take from it. I wouldn't want to be in their shoes."Did you feed me, did you clothe me, did you take me in?It will be the question given.The talents given what did you do with what I've given you? Did you preach repentance in the pews on the streets and highways and byways in the cities in the fields and countryside? Those questions we will all have to answer. He will judge between sheep and goats the fat and lean ones.
That man in Africa that died a few years back and brought back to life ,he was sent back as an answer to the rich man's Lazarus prayer in hell to this generation to get right, I believe he saw a preacher there in hell crying out he was sorry he took money.
Eli's sons were greedy over the meat sacrafice and wanted to take what they wanted first. Jesus ripped over the moneychangers tables and said,"My father's house should be a house of prayer and you've made it a den of thieves. Love of mannah is the root of all evil the Lord said. We should all be cautious about this evil if the Lord warned against it. Click here to reply to this post
reply to Grassley
Posted On: 03/08/08 02:03:30 AM
Age 71, WA
I think you are right. Like you say ,there are plenty to pick on without picking on our own! How ever, our own should not live a waste full life style, thats for sure. Nels Click here to reply to this post
Rode a donkey....
Posted On: 03/07/08 04:09:37 PM
Age 53, KS
Jesus rode a donkey, but not a used donkey. He rode a colt that no one had ever ridden. It was a brand new donkey. I am not rich, can't even pay our bills. But when I sow seed, it is to the ministries that are growing. If all of this is true, about Jesus wanting us to become poor....then why the parable of the sower? How are we suppose to take care of the widows and orphans without money? How is the gospel to be preached except they be sent. it all takes money doesn't it? We are blessed to be a blessing to others. Concerning Joyce Meyer, as one example. Besides the fact that they have ministries taking care of drunks, hookers etc..She gives away most of her clothes. People compliment her on her clothes etc. She gives them the outfit, whatever. I'd sooner give money to a ministry that is producing, than one that is dead. Click here to reply to this post
Abundant Life complainers
Posted On: 02/27/08 06:27:57 PM
Age 51, CA
I am sure if we take the whole Bible in context that Jesus did not preach a life for us on earth as being one filled with material wealth and creature comforts. The defenses already stated in some responses to this article sound angry and most non-Christian in their wording. I would suggest Christ would rather you give everything away then hang onto anything in this world. It is a shame so many so-called believers have bought into the lie of wealth and prosperity when Christ is truly referring to Himself and His character. If God blesses you with wealth and you then use it wisely then be thankful. But let's not question the spiritual condition of millions of Christians living around the world that will never experience the abundance of material wealth that Europe, America and a few other industrialized nations enjoy. I would further suggest that many of these preachers teaching this message are misguided and hanging onto a few verses taken out of context rather than being inclusive and listing all the verses that condemn the love of this world, the love of money, the love of self, placing other God's before the one true God and the many other verses that promote sacrifice and giving versus anything that would lend to accumulation and self-absorbption. There are many false teachers in the world today and a whole cult of anti-christians are involved in the prosperity movement. Not only should we encourage the auditing of these books but we should expose their extravagant lifestyles at the expense of the flock they fleece. God bless everyone but let's be honest with the Word of God and stop craving for what our itching, burning ears desire to hear. Click here to reply to this post
re: abundant life complainers
Posted On: 02/28/08 10:56:50 AM
Age 31, IA
"I would suggest Christ would rather you give everything away then hang onto anything in this world." Is that what you've done? If not than YOU are the hypocrit. How do you suggest we give everything away? Do we sell it? No way, because we'd still have cash from sales, which is material and therefore evil, as you say. Should we have it distributed among the poor? That would be bad for them because they would be stuck with the material wealth, which pushes them away from Christ as you imply. Did it ever occure to you that material wealth is required to care for others? You see a homeless person and tell them, "Jesus loves you," and then walk on? You could use your wealth to give them food or shelter or clothing, if necessary transport them to a shelter. Oh, but you would need to possess wealth for that and we're not supposed to have wealth as you say. I give some cash to The Voice of the Martyrs and Answers in Genesis, two organisations that need material wealth to function. I give clothing to shelters, but that's material, too. You remind me of the guy who drowned and went to Heaven. He heard a thunderous, "Who do you think sent the lifeboats that you turned down, waiting for God to save you?" Click here to reply to this post
JESUS SAID - WOE TO THE RICH
Posted On: 02/28/08 08:22:59 AM
Age 64, OH
2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,-- But here is a scripture that I have never heard these men even read one time. - Jesus said, in Luke 6: 20Looking at his disciples, he said:
"BLESSED ARE YOU WHO ARE POOR,
for yours is the kingdom of God.
21BLESSED ARE YOU WHO ARE HUNGRY NOW,
for you will be satisfied.
BLESSED ARE YOU WHO WEEP NOW,
for you will laugh.
22BLESSED ARE YOU WHEN MEN HATE YOU,
when they exclude you and insult you
and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.
23"Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because GREAT IS YOUR REWARD IN HEAVEN. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets.
24"BUT WOE TO YOU WHO ARE RICH,for you have already received your comfort.
25WOE TO YOU WHO ARE WELL FED NOW,
for you will go hungry.
WOE TO YOU WHO LAUGH NOW,
for you will mourn and weep.
26Woe to you when all men speak well of you,
for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets. -- Considering it is Jesus who says this and Jesus also says the riches of this earth mean little in ANY case.; you would think the battle in the church would be who could give away the most the fastest. You think every preacher would be striving to be poor even in the material sense, since Jesus said WOE TO THE RICH. Many will argue that this is meant only in a spiritual way. But does not the Holy Scriptures say, The natural is a sign of the spiritual. If this world means so little to us, as it should, then why would we even RISK HAVING RICHES. I just sold my car, I paid $400 for it six years ago ( it is an 84) and I sold it for $400. I sold it because I had bought a newer car for $500, it is a 1992. I am very happy with it, for it is much nicer than the 84. The A/C works and I am driving in luxury. Think of all the children who do not even have food or any parents to feed them. How are they to see the Love of the Lord Jesus. Let us sell some of our possessions and give to these poor children so they can see that Jesus loves them, then we will have riches in heaven. Lou Click here to reply to this post
Role Reversal
Posted On: 02/25/08 09:13:42 PM
Age 61, MO
Lou said: YOU CAN SEND ME THE $1000 DOLLARS AND THEN GOD WILL SEND YOU THE $10000. Lou, you can really come up with some good ones. I love it. George Cancilla Click here to reply to this post
THANKS
Posted On: 02/28/08 07:53:13 AM
Age 64, OH
Thanks George. Somedays like this one I really need the encouragement. I do not necessarily agree with everything you say, but think your comments are very valuable on CWV. Please keep on doing as the Lord leads you George. Thanks Lou Click here to reply to this post
Grassley
Posted On: 02/25/08 04:53:08 PM
Age 50, OH
I won't be happy with Grassley until I hear he is willing to make inquiries of Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, CAIR (and other Muslim fund raising organizations), the ACLU, Move On, the Clinton and Obama Campaign, Al Franken's radio network, and so on "just to be sure that they are complying with IRS law."
Until he does I am livid with him and neither the Charisma article nor your commentary put him or his actions in any better light.
Let me get one thing straight - NOBODY wants to be audited by the IRS for the fun of it! If so, perhaps Charisma and Jan Markel Ministries are willing to volunteer to join the six ministries in the investigation.
I am sure that those being investigated have much cleaner financial record keeping than the ones I mention above. I am sure because they all knew this day would eventually arrive.
I suppose your next article can be about the Senate's investigation of Roger Clemons for taking steroids (which are not illegal according to U.S. law) . . . or Arlen Spector's investigation of the New England Patriots filming opponents signals (which is not against U.S. law either).
The honorable Sen. Grassley is just another grandstanding Senator and that's why Congress is at it's lowest rating with the public ever.
Finally, the article makes it quite clear (though unsaid) that Markell Ministries doesn't care much for those that teach Jesus came that we might have abundant life . . . or you would have had the courtesy to title your article with some respect to the ministries.
That's unfortunate, because those ministries also turn out to be Israel's greatest supporters. Click here to reply to this post
Grassley
Posted On: 02/26/08 05:53:32 PM
Age 53, KS
I whole heartedly agree with you. why don't they investigate these other, so called ministries. These ministries, that are being investigated, all started from nothing. These people have worked for the Lord their whole lives. Most of them 30 yrs in ministry. I love Jan's website, but no one in the church needs to be pointing fingers. Judge not, Lest YOU be judged. The bottom line is, millions have been saved, as a direct result of these ministries. Leave them alone. I can't believe that the most hateful comments are coming from within the church body. Shame on you! Click here to reply to this post
Where is the moderator?
Posted On: 02/28/08 06:27:01 AM
Age 61, MO
Jan is not the one pointing fingers here. The ministries in question were already fingered. I would question the conversion of anyone brought to Christ through these type of ministries. However, I don't think it is the place of government to make doctrinal decisions, or the place of Congress to investigate tax fraud. The intiala Grassley comment by 50 OH is abrasive and disconnected. George Cancilla Click here to reply to this post
Quite the contrary
Posted On: 02/27/08 06:31:38 PM
Age 51, CA
We should judge one another (Christians) and not judge the unsaved. Once again someone taking a verse out of context and building a doctrine on it. People wake up!! Click here to reply to this post
False Gospel
Posted On: 02/27/08 06:24:06 AM
Age 53, VA
These ministries are nothing more than modern day Simon the Sorcerers. You can't be saved by a false gospel that ponts to a false Jesus. The Word-Faith Jesus is as foreign to the Bible as the Mormon Jesus. These charlatans have led millions through the wide gate. The Apostle Paul shed tears for 3 years warning of the damage these wolves in sheep's clothing will perpetrate - Luke Click here to reply to this post
No Defense
Posted On: 02/26/08 10:47:10 AM
Age 50, MN
There is no defense for the ministries being investigated by Senator Grassley. He is far from a grand standing person - he's actually quite humble and unassuming. Even a modest investigation into those ministries will sicken people with thier lack of shame and greed in the name of Christ. Hard to understand your defense of these charlatans. Click here to reply to this post
Do these Ministries Truly Trust God
Posted On: 02/26/08 04:10:27 AM
Age 53, VA
If these ministries truly trust God why don't they abandon their tax advantaged status and remove themselevs from IRS/Congressional scrutiny? Does their God need the assistance of government in order to be successfull? Lets see a demonstration of faith from these Word-Faith ministries, Click here to reply to this post
Word of faith
Posted On: 02/23/08 06:08:18 PM
Age 61, MO
Does the federal legislature have any jurisdiction investigating these ministries? If they are violating tax laws, the it seems like the IRS should be the one to audit their financial records. All ministries should make their balance sheets and profit/loss statements a matter of public record at least once a year. The frivolity with which they spend their income should be of concern only to those who contribute to them. They peddle a "word of faith" prosperity Gospel. Let the buyer beware! George Cancilla Click here to reply to this post
LET THESE TV MINISTRIES HAVE THE LARGE PORTION
Posted On: 02/23/08 11:52:05 AM
Age 64, OH
Here is my suggestion of how to deal with these ministries that preach the gospel for the profit of money. I was listening to a man on TV who told me that I should give to his ministry for it was the same as giving to God. He said to base my gift on my need. If I needed a thousand then give a hundred. If I needed 10000 then give a 1000. I called the number on the screen and asked if they actually believed that God would reward those who gave to them by Him retuning it ten fold. The man said "Yes we do". So I said that I was a servant of the Lord Jesus also and had been called to preach also. But my needs were much less than their needs with their large TV budget. I said I will take the small portion and they could have the larger portion. He asked me what did I mean. I said; YOU CAN SEND ME THE $1000 DOLLARS AND THEN GOD WILL SEND YOU THE $10000. The only thing I heard after that was the loud click of him hanging up on me. If these ministries really believe what they preach then let them start giving to the poor as Jesus commands us to do. Then will not God pour out on them the blessing from heaven. The disciples did not have this faith either. When Jesus told the disciples to give the people something to eat; they said " how can we for we only have 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish." Jesus fed the people with the bread and the fish and there was much left over. When the church starts to operate on this principle then it will see miracles instead of having to fake miracles on TV. Let these men sell their Rolls Royce cars and mansions and give to the poor. If they truly repent and have faith in The Lord Jesus instead of riches they will see true miracles and their reward will be great in the Kingdom of heaven. Lou Click here to reply to this post
Wouldn't it be nice if these TV charlatans had a Zacchaeus experience.
Luke 19:8 "But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” Click here to reply to this post
