Televangelists, Money and the Senator

Part One

By now everyone has read or seen the reports of a Republican Senators requests from six different ministries for information related to their financial affairs. It seems like a growing part of my job is to talk to reporters to give them some perspective on the work of megachurches and their pastors.

While some of these ministries are based and exist as strong local churches, the requests also inquire as to related media ministries established by individuals. In this case, I think it is more accurate to describe the ministries identified as “televangelism.” Several of the leaders also lead large, mega churches. However, it would be a mistake to lump megachurch pastors into this same sort of category.

All of the targets of the information requests have been featured in numerous media reports in the past 18 months which questioned certain expenditures. These have been widely reported elsewhere.

I will make several observations in the next few posts but a few observations based upon my years of ministry with large church pastors.

1. Most large church senior pastors are fairly well paid. I think our last salary survey at Leadership Network had the average figure at around $130,000 per year. Some are higher, some are lower. (that is salary and housing, there are often other benefits on top of that. While that is a good salary compared to some professional positions, it is average for others.

2. Most large church senior pastors don’t have television ministries. Most of the churches that have television ministries are small, local cable operations that are funded by the church. Those that have extensive television ministries are rare when you look at the big picture.

3. There is an old saying “Sunlight is the best disinfectant.” I really admire those churches and ministries which are very transparent when it comes to administration and finances. Even when they may not give the exact figures for all positions, they are free in publishing the ranges for the tier of staff.

That sort of transparency breeds trust in both constituents and outsiders.

 Part 2 – Should a Pastor   Drive a Rolls?

Part 3 – How much information should be provided?

(This post is also posted on the Leadership Network Learnings Blog)

Comments

[Patricia Cooper]

I think that we have come to a sad state when we start questioning whether a Pastor should drive a Rolls Royce! What are these ministers doing that have fed the hungry and built hospitals and schools oversees or even assisted in relief efforts here in America. Have you reported that...I do not think so. We have come to a point where we think that a Christian should be poor and this is not the case. No, everyone will not be rich but we are not to be poor either. Has anyone really studied the scriptures? I mean the entire scripture? Why was it that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, even Job, and David, were men of power and wealth and no one questioned their position. There are blessings that come with being a follower of Jesus Christ and poverty is not it. If we are to be poor, why do not we all give up our jobs and homes and live on the street? Why is it wonderful for Donald Trump to own millions of dollars of property and homes,wealth and have for himself and his family and the Church of Jesus Christ should live like the poor in the third world countries? Even if we work and do what we need to do , we still have a prosperous life. No, prosperity is not just money, it is health, a good relationship with your family and neighbors and friends. It's being able to assist your neighbors when necessary. Study the scriptures and see what the entire Bible says!!! Do not just take half of it and think we should live like third world nations. Jesus did become poor so that we can become rich, He left the riches of Heaven to come to earth!! I believe that we have a problem with only certain people having money.

Many ministers were given the cars they drive and the jewelry that they wear...I know because this has happened to me and my husband. We did not ask for it or buy it, these things were given...remember give and it shall be given...put it to the test, you will be surprised what happens.

Should a Pastor drive a Rolls, why not!! Should Donald Trump, Warren Buffet, Bill Gates, the Gettys, maybe even the King and Queen of England, drive one? It's funny, we never ask what they do with our money at Wal-Mart or k-Mart,or J.C. PENNEY, I am sure that do more than what we see. Maybe , I/We should ask for the annual reports for these big companies and scrutinize them, would that make a difference.

Do not procescute the good with the bad, it is not right nor fair.

[Dave Travis]

Patricia
Thanks for your comments but you are ahead of the game a little. I havent posted the "Should the Pastor drive a Rolls" comment yet.
Some of your points are very valid and will actually be covered in the third post.
Thanks for commenting though. At least someone is reading!

[william]

Patricia questions for you?
Is there a parallel between Trump and the Churches? Are you suggesting that Churches should be run as business empires such as the Trump organization?
Did Abraham receive tithes? Was Abraham Pastoring a Church?
Are Christians on assingment to prove to the world that GOD is a rich GOD or to win lost souls? Does GOD not cause his goodness to shine on everyone (both Jew and Gentile)? Or are you suggesting that the average billionaire who gives to Charities independent of and/or unafilliated with the Church was enriched by Satan.

I'd very much appreciate your clarifying the foregoing