Say It Ain't So ...

Yesterday there was an item that came across my desk entitled Senate Panel Probes 6 Top Televangelists.  It went on to read, "Sen. Charles Grassley asks ministries to turn over financial records within one month."

The story was written by a CBS news investigator, and indicates the Iowa Republican senator is trying to determine whether or not six ministries are improperly using their tax-exempt status as churches to shield lavish lifestyles.  The six ministries identified as being under investigation by the committee are led by: Paula White, Joyce Meyer, Creflo Dollar, Eddie Long, Kenneth Copeland and Benny Hinn.  It was also interesting to note that three of the six — Hinn, Copeland and Dollar sit on the Board of Regents for Oral Robert's University in Tulsa.  You know about the issues at ORU?

And yesterday I also received a 6-page letter attempting to justify the activities of a very large church in mid-America. 

Focus on the Family has just come through a very extensive review by the IRS related to our 501(c) designation.  It was claimed that Dr. Dobson jeopardized our tax-exempt status by statements he made relative to political candidates.  We came through with flying colors and were given a clean bill of health — but it was time consuming and very expensive.

I may not agree with what and how the six ministries operate but I sincerely hope they are not found to be corrupt in any way.  Can you imagine what that would say to a suspicious world?  To the millions they address each week on television?

Yet nearly everyone of these ministries has been under investigation before. 

Caution!  The church should have an "open-book" financial operation.  If possible they should belong to the 'ECFA".  Check out their website at www.ecfa.org

Paul writes to Timothy, "Keep yourself pure." (I Tim 5:22) I would think that would include your church and ministry as well. 

Oh, by the way, none of the six are required to file form 990 with the IRS because they are designated as churches.  Huh? 

I hope it ain't so — Until next time.