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.
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