Senator Charles Grassley’s (R-Iowa) inquiry into the tax-free wealth of 6 Christian ministries spawned yet another news program about the integrity of churches. After suffering through 45 minutes of fast-paced embarrassment (thank God for TIVO) and over an hour of post-show analysis, I’m weighing in.
Senator Grassley’s motivation remains to be seen. But there is a bigger issue that concerns me. No matter how many misappropriation-of-funds questions are posed to and unanswered by some ministry leaders, many parishioners remain supportive. That is not to say that questions or investigations suggest guilt. But ideas of accountability and good stewardship seem to only apply to secular for-profit organizations. Such a notion would imply that “the love of money” is exclusively non-cleric. I think Jim Bakker would differ.
The belief that Christians should be wealthy or that blessings and wealth are inextricably linked can be argued ad nauseam. However, churches, above all other entities, should not only establish but maintain financial controls and sound operating standards. As a result of major corporate and accounting scandals, the Sarbanes Oxley Act (SOX) was made into law in 2002. This law was enacted to establish financial reporting and external auditing standards for public companies. Also, SAS70 auditing statements are produced by service organizations today to support the proper assessment of internal controls. Government requirement or not, why would the church consider anything less? The work of God certainly warrants accountability. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” Matthew 5:16.
Be it the recent congressional inquest of mega-churches, the accusation that Richard Roberts misappropriated Oral Roberts University assets, Juanita & Thomas Meeks’ physical altercation, Bishop Earl Paulk’s nephew-son, or the rejection of Carlton Pearson’s revised doctrine, the fact remains that such events detract from the primary mission of the church “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” Matthew 28:19, 20. Moreover, when loyalty to one’s church, pastor, or sect is chosen above truth and sound judgment, the voice of the witness is made hoarse, if not silent.
9/11 victims’ families pushed President Bush toward the creation of an independent commission to investigate the circumstances surrounding 9/11. My hope is that parishioners will follow suit by pushing their leaders and administrators to mandate internal reviews, identify weaknesses, report recommendations, and enforce sound practices. If implemented, perhaps congressional inquiries wouldn’t feel so intrusive.
What is going to happen is they are going to make even more rules and restrictions for churches to abide by. This will make it more difficult for the smaller churches.
Posted by: Ruben | January 23, 2008 at 07:31 PM
Glad u finally got ur blog going!!! But I feel that churches and pastors were placed in their position to recieve large quantities of money in order to do God's work. This money should be used appropiately. However, I do understand that pastor's and others in the church do have to live and eat just everybody else. But that doesn't mean they are to take proceeds from the church inorder for them to buy Bentley's and Jags, and million dollar homes. This would be embezzlement and God will punish those are knowingly taking money from God's kingdom. God has blessed these men and women with the gift to lead and has been entrusted by the people with their money. It is to help others who are in need and keep the Word of God spreading.
Posted by: JRedd | January 27, 2008 at 09:47 AM
I have been puzzled with this for years, how in the world could a congregation sit back and watch their pastors live in the most lavished home drive the finest cars, children college tuition paid for and some of them can't even find bus fare to get to church on sunday morings. We are so misguided that anything that looks or smells good we gravitate towards it for guidance, instead of seing things for what they really are. We as a people need to strat reading our Bible for ourselves and stop allowing our pastors to read it for us and then translate, I am so tired of hearing pastor says pastor says, how about what God says.
I view these pastors as pimps,they are simply pimping the congregation.
The devil has been misleading for so long we all need to remove the blinders from our eyes and see him for exactly what he is a liar and a thief.
Posted by: Eveth | April 26, 2008 at 04:32 PM