Smoke = Fire, Even in Churches
When a church is asked to hand over financial information, it is in their best interest to comply fully and do so with a smile. If the organization has nothing to hide and has indeed been using tax exempt monies properly, that organization will be more than happy to let the world see their paperwork. If a church refuses to disclose or becomes defiant, you know they are hiding something. You know it with every ounce of your being.
Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley, ranking member of the Senate Finance committee, gave six ministries until December 6 to turn over information about finances, board oversight and perks for pastors and staff. Some of the ministries complied.
David and Joyce Meyer of Joyce Meyer Ministries of Fenton, Mo., met the deadline, saying they were confident their information exceeded.
Kenneth and Gloria Copeland of Kenneth Copeland Ministries had representative deliver documents at the senator’s office.
Benny Hinn of World Healing Center Church of Grapevine, Texas, indicated they would indeed comply, but need until January 30. Grassley said he was happy to give the ministries more time if they need it, as long as they comply.
On the other hand, some churches made a massive issue out of the request, vowing to fight. Do they realize how that makes them look? It makes them look guilty, shady and arrogant.
Tampa ministries Without Walls International Church and Paula White Ministries failed to comply. Randy White spoke to his congregation, placing Grassley on par with the devil. “When the enemy wants to attack the church, he attacks the character and the finances. The devil is a liar” he proclaimed. White insisted his church uses checks and balances. Checks and balances not open to the public, assumingly.
The Whites were specifically questioned about 28 areas of church and personal finances, including the compensation paid to the Whites and the reported tax-exempt purchase of a Bentley convertible for Paula White’s spiritual adviser, T.D. Jakes.
Creflo Dollar of World Changers Church International told Grassley to talk to the Internal Revenue Service or get a subpoena. The organization remained defiant, saying they will only comply with a “proper” request from the IRS. Have they ever hear of humility, I wonder?
Eddie Long of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church initially agreed to comply, but subsequently declared the inquiry as an attack on religious freedom.
Grassley pinpointed ministries shadowed in complaints and media reports that non-taxable donations might be paying for lavish lifestyles. Some of the ministries preach “prosperity gospel,” which says that wealth is a sign of God’s blessing. Again, I have to question the concept of humility.
I am grateful to the ministries that complied. They showed the kind of transparency I feel a religious organization is meant to have. If there is truth and lawfulness in the finances, then the books should proudly be open for the world to see.
As to those who refused to cooperate, I am ashamed of them. These are the people who give Christianity a terrible reputation.
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