Comments

I'm not crazy about our government,But as a Christian I'm not any happier with those who SHOULD BE PREACHING THE GOSPEL,But only sound like hucksters and motivational speakers,and preaching the gospel seems to be the last thing on their mind,No it doesn't surprise me they don't want to hand over their records.If 95% of the message is about money and making deals with God,by some who should be ashamed who call themselves pastor,and have a hard time in an interview,with the simple truth and doctrine of faith, I Am THE WAY,THE TRUTH and THE LIFE,NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER,EXCEPT THROUGH ME. Thank God for Billy Graham and Franklin,.Now thats preaching the Gospel,.AMEN

Hinn and Dollar are both frauds and we ALL know it. The shame is ours.

I'm not a fan of Binny Hinn, but I am thankful that he told the Senate to "Go take a hike!" It's NONE of their business.

If Binny Hinn is misappropriating funds, that is a metter for the Church to handle, as well as his supporters, but not the U.S. Senate. They have no business sticking their noses into the business of any ministry--even a corrupt ministry.

Today, they want to investigate Binny Hinn, tomorrow the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, and next, your local church. Where will it stop???

If ministries don't have anything to hide and things are public record, then they shouldn't have any objection to handing over their records. The Bible says we are to be subject to those in authority over us. The last time I checked, the Senate was part of the government. The Bible says they are not a terror to yhose who live peacabley under the law. Christians have long taken a black eye because of lavish living by the "prophets" of God. Million dollar gifts, television networks with their telethons asking for millions of dollars. The average local church gets along with much, much less and our books are open to anyone. Let it be the same with all.

what do they have to hide? obviously something or they wouldn't be objecting so loudly. as "spiritual leaders" they set the example for their followers. when are we ever going to learn that these individuals are nothing but scam artists out to profit from every dollar sent their way. for every dollar that they supposedly spend on helping the disadvantaged, ten dollars goes into their own pockets for mansions, exspensive cars, luxury airliners, boats and not mention the amounts spent on clothing and other luxuries. the church has not dealt with their own very successively in the past, what makes us think they will now. someone outside of the church has to step up and say enough is enough. i will never be convinced that jesus taught a message of wealth and extravagence to the determent of others. shame on them.

To Dale Yancy - the ministries made it the governments business when they filed claims stating that they are tax-exempt. It then puts them in a position to have to abide by the rules associated with Tax Exempt status.

I think we need to question any large organization, Benny Hinn's inlcuded, who refuse to make themselves accountable even to Christian organizations like the ECFA.

Dale Yancey says, "If Binny Hinn is misappropriating funds, that is a metter for the Church to handle" But there's the problem, isn't it? There is no "Church" to handle it, or them. This is why I no longer think of myself as an Evangelical, because there is no Evangelical Church, just a plethora of churches, denominations, "ministries," and who-knows-what. Until we figure out what part of "That they may be one," we don't understand, we will continue to see the hucksters parade across television, and watch them fleece the lambs, and we will continue to hear Congress try to call them to the accountability that "the Church" does not require.

Sound theologians have long challenged these ministries as to the questionable doctrines they taught; in reply, these false prophets wished for a "Holy Ghost machine gun" with which to blast their enemies away. Faithful men in the church have tried to deal with them looking to the Bible alone.

How do you argue with one who claims extra-biblical revelation? Their reply is in essence, "No matter what the Scriptures say, God is now saying this; so, you better not touch the Lord's Anointed."

If any blame lies in the church it is with those church leaders who also claim some form of extra-Biblical revelation, who know the Word of Faith teaching is unbiblical, but have refused to say so.

I too am concerned for the government's intrusion into the church, but I see this as the government going after scam artists.

The separation of church and state is a very important but also a very difficult principle to follow. We need to be so careful with these principles that have been so important to this country from its beginning. Both sides need to pause and think a moment -- before going forward!

Nowhere else in the I know world does the church has a tax-exempt status than that of the U.S. While this has allowed the church to be used of God to do great things as well, many abuses have occured as well. If the church can no longer police nor disipline its own, she has no one to blame but herself. That's probably the problem with the church right now too - who will police and discipline these hucksters? No one, so I'm not surprise the govt will now do what the church will not do for herself. If we evangelicals want to see God back out in the public square again, why should we complain when the public square wants in on the church as well, when it involves "tax exempt" which is the people's money? Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar...

I dont know the facts and nor does the government they would like to know and I belive that if money is being used wrongly it will come out. Also action should be taken I agree that many tv preachers beg for money I guess I would say if you need so much money to stay on tv tv then maybe they shouldnt be on tv. I have admired some they are talking about and maybe we as non teachers forget that the worker is worthy of his wage. Maybe we should look at are hearts or maybe not, or maybe we would love to collect their paycheck God will judge in the end until then I have never given to them and probably never will no one is making you give.

It is extremely sad when people call themselves "the Lord's anointed' As ONLY JESUS was and is the LORD's anointed.
Acts 4:27, 10:38, etc.

Brothers and sisters in the faith,

If we cannot withstand the scrutiny of governmental review or audit of our finances, then we have no business taking money from the fellowship of saints. If we have nothing to fear, then we should be more open and more transparent than any organization when it comes to how we are handling the tax-exempt donations of our believers towards GOD's WORK. We should be cleaner than clean and our integrity should be able to withstnad any assault or investigation. God has appointed the magistrates (government) to enforce the law, with the sword if necessary. We should be the most law-abiding citizens of all. Let's open up our books and prove to all that we are good stewards of the Lord's offerings.

To nate: Brother, I know you are trying to sound like a forgiving, non-judgemental Christian BUT....worthy of his wage?? Give us all a break. There is NO Christian work that should result in the kind of compensation these "fleecers of the flock" are TAKING. And using Scripture to justify that compensation is the worst kind of "using the Lord's Name in vain".

If the books are being cooked or there is stealing than isn't it the district attorney or the grand jury that has to bring charges, not the Senate? You see in the paper all kinds of people being arrested for stealing from companies, committing fraud, etc. and they are arrested and land in jail, so, I have no problem with regular law being followed. All churches I know have accountants and accountability so I don't know what the problem is. No, I don't believe the Senate should be bugging a Church because for stealing or fraud, there are criminal procedures already written into law to be followed. If there is no stealing or fraud, than nobody should be bugging any Church, but Church members do have a right to see their Church books and bring charges against someone whom they feel is committing a crime and if the church refuses to do that, than I guess either the grand jury needs to do this, or the stealer gets a free ride. It's like the company firing a worker but not bringing criminal charges against the employee. I think the company has that choice, not the Senate. At the Senate point, it turns into attacking religion. I've worked where the person just got fired with the company not bringing jail charges. Lucky for them but I wonder if I did the same thing if I would be so lucky. Anyway, since I don't do law, I could be wrong. But what kind of car a minister is driving to do his/her job is up to the Church members just like what kind of company car the company provides is left up to the company. It certainly isn't the Senate's business. At this point, it's harrassment by the government as far as I'm concerned. Let the Church change the car if it wants or fire its car user.

mmm... When I hear the comment 'Touch not the Lords anointed", I inwardly think its time to check the silverware after they leave or to count my fingers after shaking hands.

On old cynic? Yes even Christians are forgiven sinners; so one must not place people in positions of great temptation.

Proper transparency in the Lords Work is essential. Even in the best of regulated situations, the actions of people in committees can be quite at odds with the individual.

If I heard an economic historian right the other day, he suggested that when a society - New York could have a stock broker earning in one year as much as 89,000 school teachers - with similar education, something is wrong.

To hide from public scrutiny is not good. It would be good for us in Australia if some of the hi profile TV personalities are made more accountable. They give Christianity a bad name here.

Mr. Campos I dont know the facts so thank you and I do understand that the wages are very high, and that scripture is often abussed I hope and dont meen to abuse God's word. Although who are we to say these ministers are not deserving of the pay they recieve if they are doing right or wrong it will be brought to light. Countless stars make millons more by spreading the message of hollywood, I do not want God's people being taking advantage of so beware Give joyfully if you give because you feal you have to then dont give at all! my opinion on pay is that full time Christian workers should be paid more than anyone else they are spreading the message of salvation that if either they are guilty of some wrong doing or not God can still use the message. Also if you give with a good heart you will recieve your reward. I know it sounds like I am defending them and yes I guess I am. They may put me to shame but I would rather see the good, as I said before be wise in your giving and God bless and pray for all of the men and woman of God who work full time for his service

As usual in these comments I see a lot of people making assumptions and false accusations. Neither man said that they would not comply. Mr Hinn simply said that he would not take up the issue until after the new year. This is a very busy time for any body of Christ. Mr. Dollar on the other hand, is asking for the Government to do things in the proper order by asking that it be refered to the proper branch of our Government. Allowing the Senate to randomly "investigate" anyone or any organization will open a pandoras box that we would all regret. If this is not a witch hunt then let the senators go through the proper channels like anyone else would have to do.

I agree with Benny Hinn and Creflo Dollar that they should not hand over their tax information. If the IRS is not asking for it, no one else should either. If the statement from Benny Hinn is correct, it sounds like he is planning to hand them over at this year's end when they are completed. We must remember that the world will not love us nor any people of God or ministry, especially if it is successful. My pastor teaches about money too, because it is needed. God wants us to be debt free and not owe money and not abuse money and credit cards. I would rather get the teaching from my church than from the world who's priciples are totally different and do not understand God's way of tithing and giving offerings. My prayer is that the people would give even more. So many are jealous (even in the church) of others success.

Yes, worthy of his wage. To say that there is no Christian work worthy of that type of compensation says a lot about your limited understanding of God's work. There are many people who want to join the witch hunt against these faithful and God serving pastors, but how many of us would or could commit to what they do every day. God's work is very important to him, and to those who work diligently and faithfully on his behalf, he blesses. In the bible God brought many who worked faithfully for him into unimaginable wealth. Do you think he is incapable of doing that today? To say that God's work isn't worthy of a certain amount is not for you to call. Unfortunately anyone can call himself a Christian and so many so called Christians harbor jealousy and envy in their hearts when they see what God is doing for others. If you are living beneath your means, then you are doing something wrong, for God takes care of the righteous. It is my prayer that God blesses these pastors with wealth that causes your jaw to drop. God's work is the most important work in the world, but you don't mind if your doctor, or lawyer is wealthy. If they had what Creflo or Binny had, then that's perfectly normal to you. Are you saying that they can do more for you than someone who works on God's behalf? In the Kingdom, we should support our leaders not help criticize them along with the world. Money is needed to in almost every aspect of our lives, and I'm sure you could use some right now. So don't get upset if these pastors mentions it. God wants us to live worry free. Not in lack. This shows us how faithful God himself is. Look at what he is doing in their lives. Look world at how good God is, and your discomfort has no bearing.

I, too, agree that if ANY government agency should investigate, that agency should be the IRS and NOT THE SENATE! With all the big stuff that's going on in our world I think they should focus on BIG STUFF!

Margaret C.

Dr. Creflo Dollar received an honorary doctorate from Oral Robert's University. In my opinion, any preacher that uses an unearned “Dr.” title in front of his/her name, is already practicing deceit.

Lets stay focus on what the Senate is asking: ACCOUNTABILITY!!!
Lawyers and doctors don't claim tax-exempt status.
If an organization is claiming NON-PROFIT status,then shouldn't that organization be accountable for and be responsible for proving to anyone, not just the Senate, its financial accountability and integrity???
If we have nothing to hide, then we have nothing to fear!!!

To all the children of God out there.Let us pray for our brethren and let us not let the enemy divide us.We are a global family and let us not join the world in taunting our brothers.He who has no sin, let him cast the first stone.
Tammy

I would like to know what has happened to the so called men of GOD
that we use to call pastor or preacher
Now days it's all about Money Money Money , and social status
nothing about helping those who really need help - Franklin Graham & Pat Robertson do what they can, but TBN only help themselves , I use to
enjoy watching TBN but now it's like trying to listen to the lie's
that Pres. Bush tell's us when he is on TV -really hard to swallow

It's high time these scamming ripoff " Spiritual " hucksters get their due reward. They have been living off of widows and orphans. They are the worst kind of evil scum palming off their phony Christianity. They say they are the anointed of the Lord. They are lying prophets. I hope they get sent to prison. My Grandmother was impoverished because she gave to ministries like Hinn, and Dollar.
All they can think about is how much money they can scam off the poor.
I am an Orthodox Christian, but these scum need to leave the TV airwaves.

Can I add a comment from the UK? It appears to me that the problem here is that if there was a proper chain of accountability and Authority in place that was transparent then there would be no problem. In the UK such ministries would come under the auspices of the Charity Commission, which monitors charities, including ministries such as these, so that when they make use of charity law in the UK they have to be accounatble to audited accounts. Now if by chance there is abuse and I am not aware of any evidence of such abuse, then your TV evangelists have nothing to fear, however, it does the gospel no credit if Christian leaders are seen to be secretive and not willing to be open. Also through TV ministry millions of dollars are raised from all around the world, some of which is raised in the UK. Such amounts must be accounted for in the UK but if this money is then sent to the US where it then is subsumed into the US ministry and I was a donor, then I think I would like to know here it goes and if the Senate is unsure then on behalf of donors it has a right to ask the question - what do they do with it?

Amen... to the post by James

Someone or entity has to oversee and be authorized to audit and if needed investigate into the finances of these million dollar TV evangelists ministries; we can't just expect the ministry itself to monitor itself (who is monitoring the monitor(s))...
And if the government has doubts on any of these ministries regarding the proper distribution(s) of their donated (tax-exempt) funds from the loving souls of millions of God loving Christians, then by all means audit and investigate.

Seem's to me that I once heard someone say if this is not of God it will amount to nothing. But if it is of God no one can stop it. My point is that God has a way of adminstering justice. What so ever a man soweth that will he reap.

Just tell me how many souls have been saved, not how much money has been raised.

In my third grade civics class we learned about the roles of the three branches of our US government. the task assigned the Senate is to help in forming and enacting laws by which we will be governed. Thus, it is certainly NOT the role of the senate to be investigating any entity for financial irregularities. I often question the validity and legality of senate investigations. It is simply NOT in their purview to do such things. They have OTHER work they ought to be about, and far too often fail to do. And I am certainly NOT a fan of either of the gentlemen mentioned. We have government messing about in an area in which they've no call to muck about. Yes, render to Casear what IS his....not whatever he asks. The chap who said forst these groups, then whom? YOUR church? Never mind whether there's any malfeasance. It is simply not the realm of authority given to the senate to investigate anmyone's finances. They take too much on themselves, whilst failing in their assigned tasks. Send them back to their OWN work. Leave such things to those to whom it is given to do. Now, none of this precludes the possiblity that the named ministries mightn't need looking into..but NOT by the senate. Would you send the accountant round to mind your child's fever? Or trust the hardware merchant to blend the drugs to cure it? Then why allow the senate to get after what does not concern them?

When a person that supposedly gets saved watching one of these programs and calls the number on the screen which is a TBN number, they are then directed to a "Prosperity" type of church.

When a person that supposedly gets saved watching one of these programs and calls the number on the screen which is a TBN number, they are then directed to a "Prosperity" type of church. Course the one that prospers is the preacher.

It is time for us to stop passing judgement on the men and women of God. The Word of God says "The labourer is worthy of their reward. There is nothing hidden from God. If we so called christians would turn down our plates, fast and pray for God's will to be done, we will began to see the all so true statement "there is power in prayer". So Let's pray more for change and let vengeance be for the Lord.

I am shocked to read the comments which people have made on the servants of God. It is very unfair to complain on the things you don't do. God wants accountability of what we are doing for him. Are you sowing any seed for God? Let the government handled thier side. And Let Benny Hinn and Creflo handle their side of God. If they can stand all day long to labour to feed Gods people and you are just sited in your office or in your home doing nothing.Have you ever brought ONE SOUL TO GOD? You will give accountability to God for what you have done

Congratualations to the Government for waking up and realizing that these "Churches" are nothing more than businesses that do nothing more than give these "Ministers of God" unlimited amounts of money and no control over the money is dispersed or accounted for. All of them have "Charities" that violate the Federal Law with to compensation and % of money allocated to cost ratio.

Let them go to Congress because at that they have lost and any testimony they give can then be used against them in both State and Federal courts as they are brought up on charges of massive fraud and other charges. Gee I guess these brain trusts have never heard of Jim & Tammy Faye Bakker and the fact that while Jim Bakker had a Mega church and " Christian" Condo and Amusement Park Ponzi scam going he was not only dipping in the till but he was also screwing every available skirt he could get. He thought he was untouchable he got touched to the tune of several years in jail , restitution and now can't even get 30 people to listen to him on a Sunday.

Reverend Ike did the Prosperity gospel act too years ago and was up front about it,and died not long ago a broken man who realized what he did hurt more people than he helped.

So perhaps when these people are in front of a Congressional Committee not blustering but pleading the 5th amendment or doing their best while doing The I Don't Know or I Don't Recall Shuffle better than the Clinton or Bush White House Advisors.

Beware They who preach in My Name but do not abide by My Word for They shall be like an empty bell, for it shall not be heard and be of no use.

In the name of a Master - who said 'foxes have holes birds of the air have nests but the Son of man has no place to lay his head', who was concieved in a 'borrowed' womb, who rode into Jerusalem on a borrowed donkey, when he needed to illustrate a point had to borrow a coin and was burried in a 'borrowed' tomb, who declared 'whosoever finds His life will lose it', and in a world according to Bill Clinton's 2001 Dimbleby Lecture, 'Half the people on earth live on less than two dollars a day. A billion people, less than a dollar a day. A billion people go to bed hungry every night and a billion and a half people - one quarter of the people on earth - never get a clean glass of water. One woman dies every minute in childbirth.' how can anyone justify in the name of the Carpentar from Nazereth the kind of lifestyles practised and promoted by the likes of the Creflo Dollar or Benny Hinn and cry hoarse when called to acocount in the name of the One who stood in front a crowd of detractors and challenged 'who of you can convict me of sin'?

Friends, I wonder if we have missed the message of the cross totally. In our penchant for success, we have defined ourselves by the biggness of our churches, minsitries, programmes, degrees and the numbers of best sellers we have produced etc, etc. I guess we need to come up with a totally new way the biblical way of defining ourselves. The way of the cross calls for voluntary self-effacing, vulnerable servanthood and a willingness to sacrifice for the welfare of others. The world, leave alone governing authorities, has every right to question us about our incomes and our expeditures and our lifestyles for we claim to preach to the world 'how they should live'!!.

I am thankful for the investigations that are going on, it is my prayer that more "Ministries" will be added to list, such as Paul and Jan Crouch and the many Pentecostal celebrities on TBN.

Hey folks...let us not throw allegations to our brothers and sisters in Christ. Let's have a discerning heart. Instead let's pray and know every detail because the name of Jesus needs to preached in all the world. Yes...there are crooks around but let us not focus on people but rather on the mission to preach the Gospel. Don't get affected by it...let us grow and focus on jesus rather than men.

brethren i am ashamed of wat our cHristian brothers and sisters have said remember judge not that ye may not be judge.For the fact that this men of God are living large does not mean they are stilling God's money. i warn who speak against God's anointed to decease from such because there is a penalty for speaking against them.if King David knew that is why he did kill Saul or say any thing against him.instead on the last we shall know the truth.Rather that judge let us pray for them aleast that is what paul says we should do.Do you want an unbeliever to seat in Judgement of christian? decide for yourselves

Here we go again, just like with Jesus. Ready to crucify. Do these accusers know these men and sit in on their sermons? How many people go to work and pretend to do the job and receive a check? How would you feel if someone asked you to turn over your financial records for they way you care for your children, apart from the IRS? A old lesson most grandmas teach their grandchildren: MIND YOUR BUSINESS! I would like to know what skeleton this Iowa Senate has in his closet. What is his favorite color lipstick?

when is the flocks of America going to realize these guys are not feeding the flock they are fleecing the flock

I AM QUITE CONCERNED ABOUT SENATOR GRASSLEY'S INTERFERENCE INTO CHURCH AFFAIRS CLAIMING TO PROTECT DONATIONS GIVEN UNDER TAX DEDUCTIBLE STATUS...WHAT HE SHOULD REALIZE IS AS SUPPORTERS OF THESE MINISTRIES WE KNOW WHAT THEIR LIFESTYLE IS LIKE WE KNOW WHAT THEY DO WITH MONEY GIVEN TO THEM...AND WE CHOOSE TO DONATE TO THEIR MINISTRIES OF OUR OWN FREE WILL WE KNOW THEY USE AIRCRAFTS BECAUSE WE DONATED MONEY FOR THAT CAUSE SO WHAT IS ALL THIS ALARM....FROM THE SENATOR....IF THEY HAVE MISMANAGED MONEY THE IRS IS THERE TO HANDLE THAT...I WOULD ADVISE SENATOR GRASSLEY NOT TO MISUSE OR ABUSE HIS SENATORIAL POSITION TO INTERFERE WITH CHURCHES AND THE WAY THEY HAVE CHOSEN TO INTERPRETE THE BIBLE JUST BECAUSE SOME FEEL ..AGAINST PROSPERITY....AFTERALL THE SENATOR SHOULD WEIGH THE BLESSING THAT THESE MINISTRIES ARE TO SO MANY....AND NOT BE A STUMBLING BLOCK OR HINDRANCE TO THE GOOD WORK THESE SIX MINISTRIES TARGETED ...IN THIS INVESTIGATION ARE DOING....ONCE AGAIN WE KNOW WHAT THESE MINISTRIES ARE DOING AND WE CHOOSE OF OUR O0WN FREE WILL TO GIVE TO THEM.....PERIOD!!!!!

Let me try to understand....If the state wants to verify/audit the tax free status of the church, as they do with most non profit agencies, Christians shout KEEP THE GOVERNMENT OUT OF THE CHURCH!!! So, in this case you do believe in seperation of church and state? However to apply that same principal, conversely of the inclustion of church in state, Christains shout YOU ARE TAKING GOD OUT OF AMERICA. The philosphy that this mandate of seperation of state and church only applies as Christians deems it is beneficial to their organization, is not what our "founding fathers" had in mind when our constitution was written. How convient, and sanctimonious, as the mega preachers give nothing to the poor while they fly in private planes and stay at resorts that charge 3K per night. Oh yes, I am sure this is what Christ had in mind when he said to care for our poor as well as spreading the word of God. If any church has a fear of financial auditing, perhaps greed is the root of that fear. Quite simply, to continue with tax free status, provide the documentation that proves you are adhering to all rules and regulations that provide you with the luxery of not paying any taxes on the massive wealth collected. Surely you do not suggest the Church should not be held accountable? As I have heard many times in my life, You have nothing to fear, if you live your life as tho Christ were sitting with you. Or in the case of these ministers sitting in your 10M home, riding in one of your Mercedes, or having dinner in the dining room of your Presidentail hotel suite. The truth will surely set you free, so what is there to fear of not only providing but inviting the public or the Government to view all financial documents? The secrecy and refusals to comply with such a simple request, creates judgments for many, by the obstinance of a few. How very sad.

I remember a story about a man, that simply states the following, render unto Caesar what is Caesar's and unto God what is Gods. If you subscribe to the tenants of Scripture, what is the problem with opening the books in accordance with federal law that calls for making records public, including financial?

Jesus, one day went into the place of worship, and found it being used for more then worship, and a indignation roared up within him, and he went to work.

I am not by any means saying that God does not want His people to be prosperous, mind, body, and strength, but I cant find monetarily wealthy anywhere, and that is not to say that Christians should be poor, but I do remember that He will supply all of our needs by Christ Jesus.

So I say this, men/women of God, its more then being legal in all of our doing, righteousness is ethically based, you'll do the right thing rather people are probing or not, looking or not, searching or not, recognizing or not, and awarding or not.

You can be legal, with no ethics, but you cannot be ethical without being legal.

PLEASE!! PLEASE!!!! People live your lives worry about yourselves and what God is doing in your life. I AM TIRED OF BROKE, BUSTED AND DISGUSTED CHRISTIANS THAT CAN'T TAKE THE PROSPERITY MESSAGE!!! IF YOU HAD MONEY YOU MIGHT NOT HATE SO MUCH!! Some of ya'll people don't realize that everything that comes from Pastor Dollar mouth is from the word!!! I have receive what Gods word says and its is TRUE!!! The bible says, let them say continually, the Lord takes pleasure in the prosperity of his servants.(Lev.35:27) It also say that he will give you the desires of your heart!(Mark 11:24) It also says that whatever I put your hand to touch it will prosper!! With that alone, that is the BIBLE!! What the BIBLE says is true!! But if I'm not talking to christian people then there's your sermon for today! CHRISTIAN PEOPLE DON'T HATE THE MAN OF GOD AND THE WORD!! BELIEVE IT, LIVE IT, AND LET THAT BE THE FINAL AUTHORITY!!!! BUT I SEE ALL YA'LL PREACHERS ARE BROKE!!!!

Man looks upon the outward appearance. God looks upon the HEART of man(all of us). Who ever is without sin cast the first stone...
I am not making excuses... we can continue to point the finger but it always points to all of us. We are all the same... sinners in a fallen world. YES, we all have a fallen nature... we all have sinned... have you been judged... dragged to court... Investigated Yet? Some yes and some have gotten away... Sad, that is life!!!
We all should be transparent and have our taxes reviewed scroupulously. Some of us are afraid of not having enough... and we fall into a trap of hoarding things...

How many toys do we need?

We will not take everything here with us upon entering heaven...

I do love and respect all Gods Chosen Annointed Individuals. God Almighty will judge them himself. If all pastors do the following: serving the poor, widows, the fatherless, orphans, feeding, giving provision for their environment, clothing, building shelter, medical hospitals and schools for the needy, and last but not least share Gods love and teach THE HOLY WORD OF GOD, they are hard workers truly serving God Almighty, I DO NOT CARE IF THEY TREAT THEMSELVES TO ROYALTY...THEY DESERVE IT.

God says we need to balance our lives. Everything in moderation, using the common sense God Has Given us.

YES, THE PASTORS SHOULD HAVE THEIR FINACIAL STATEMENTS FOR ALL TO SEE... IT SHOULD NOT BE ANYTHING TO HIDE. EVERYTHING IS GODS, and WE ARE ALL ACCOUNTABLE TO GOD ALMIGHTY, CREATOR OF HEAVEN AND EARTH.
The scriptures say(Gods Holy Words-Inspiration by the Holy Spirit) God says THEY ARE HIS FAVORED SERVANTS... DOESN'T MEAN PERFECT... (ONLY WHEN WE GO TO HEAVEN AND WE ARE FACE TO FACE WILL WE BE PERFECT AS HE IS PERFECT). WE ARE TO BE CHRIST LIKE...HUMBLE SERVING EACH OTHER IN LOVE. I AM IN FEAR AND TREMBLING BEFORE GOD AND PRAY GODS BLESSINGS ON ALL PEOPLE THAT THEY CHECK THEMSELVES BEFORE THROWING ANY MUD. GOD IS UTIMATELY OUR ONLY JUDGE... LOOK WHAT WAS DONE TO JESUS... AND HE WAS GOD IN THE FLESH...INNOCENT! WATCH YOURSELF, HUMBLE YOURSELF... GOD BLESS YOU AND PROSPER YOU AS YOU SEEK HIM.
In Christ Jesus, Rosanna

To the gentleman from the UK the IRS is the equivalent of your charity commision and already oversees such matters

The ignorance of some so called Christians is scary. Many supposed Christians want to criminalize doctrinal differneces yet when you look at their own lives they are a miserable example of Christianity.

Creflo Dollar and Benny Hinn are a blessing and they are worth every penny

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matthew 6

Why can't people who love Jesus, also have nice things? We don't complain about how people in entertainment(music, actors, etc.) spend thier money but have a Christian have nice things everybody wants to know why. I listen to Creflo Dollar almost every morning before I go to work. I'm so BLESSED by his preaching. These Pastors and teachers also have alot of work to put into what they do to. I say if any of them are trying to cheat the system it will come out.
In the meantime any money I give to the ministries, I'm giving as unto the Lord. I will be BLESSED anyway, my hearts in the right place. If they misuse the money they have to answer to GOD. Be careful about being judgemental.

The IRS has the right to review both the church and individual financial statements. Congress does not. It's that simple. If they meet the non-profit requirements, then it's not an issue. I've been on the inside of these organizations and they take great pains to ensure that the funds are not used inappropriately. They all have governing boards of directors and most submit to regular external audits to ensure compliance.

The congressional questions is whether it's acceptable for someone to earn a large salary. They seem an unlikely organization to judge others' spending habits. The answer is subjective and should be address by the respective boards of directors.

I'm surprised at how many people here offer such pathetic and uninformed opinions and simultaneously call for action. You exemplify the very problems of this country as you look for the government to help you feel more secure by sticking it to anyone who's more successful than you are. "He who sacrifices freedom for security deserves neither." - Ben Franklin Stop trying to get the government to make decisions for individuals or you're likely to live in a police state someday.

I am sure Pastor Benny Hinn knows the scripture Roman 13 very well. He has given a schedule to response, that does not mean he is not obeidance to his Government?

I believed without a doubt Lord will provide him a wisdom in due time to response and deal with the issue.Isn't it a minor issue for Jesus who we serve? Jesus is real good about providing right answers at the right times!

Pastor Benny Hinn has preached the Love of Jesus like many other God's great people around the world and he is due in my country, Indonesia , a contry with 80% of non-christian in Feb and June this year.

I pray that the issue will not affect his schdule.

Jesus bless us all.

Most of these prosperity ministries are so misguided. I know God only wants the best for us but some of their extravagances are ridiculour. I can understand that our ministers and pastors have to make a decent living like the rest of us, but do they have to drive around in these luxury cars and have private jets? They say they belong to the ministry, but what is wrong with a regular car and flying commercial airlines like the rest of us. The money spent on these flamboyant extravagances could be put to much better use, like helping families in need. There is definitely something wrong with this thinking and the way these ministries are run. If I were to belong to these ministries and they were using money I donated in this way I would definitely have something to say about it. I believe that they are abusing their tax-free status as a church and this is so wrong.

To be quite honest i dont even beleive in God.Religion is a means for control & comfort.Why dont the Hinns or other shams ever talk about why the bible doesnt address the dinosaurs or early man.Both of which have been PROVEN to exist.Jesus may have existed & perhaps performed miraculous feats yet that doesnt prove that a God exists.The true beauty of life is that it will never come again.Go look at the fallacies in fact regarding Matthew & Lukes accounts of the birth & birthplace of Christ.Also why does Hinn & others never address why Jesus never wrote anything himself?Why is that?Instead of throwing hard earned money away on fake evangelicals,these people should read "The God Delusion" by Richard Dawkins & realize their lives may have purpose just as well without religion.

I did not see the Senate or any other government organization going after the church when it was poor. The bible says Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all things shall be added unto you. I don't think there is a limit on all. Whether or not you don't deem yourself worthy of the kind of compensation these men of God get is your issue with how you believe. Me. I believe that I deserve all the things the bible says I am to have. So if I were a Creflo Dollar, Benny Hinn, Kenneth Copeland, T.D. Jakes and I travel all the time preaching the Gospel, sharing by giving and spreading the word of God then that is work. I don't know what most of you make an hour but if you work for a company that did not pay you what you were worth you wouldn't be working. Their pay is determined by the congregations these men have. If the people of the church are prospering and can afford to give me then that is a blessing from God. If you don't believe God for more then you are expected not to receive more. Just because you don't believe that you are more than a conqueror, the head and not the tail, above and not beneath. The government as always want to get their hands on some of that money that they have not ever when after until the people of the church became wealthy. Before most people in church could not see above the minimum wage, now we are seeing people in the church making well beyond that and are more than happy to give 10 percent or more to the church. No what is wrong with that? It is not the government’s job to tell me who and how much of my 10 percent I should or should not give to the church. They get theirs off the top and no one is calling for a senate probe to see why they are in a deficit. That is my money that they are misspending. I get my return from God because I believe he will supply all my needs. Why don't you? Stop trying to stop the gospel by criticizing its leaders. If you want what they have then, give and you shall receive.

Hi ive always believed in God and that Jesus was Lord and Savior and ive just started becomeing closer to Christ and Im unable to quote exact bible verses but for those of you who are able Jesus says to his disciples and those who want to follow him to leave there life and everything in it and that everything you give up on earth you will be given multiplied in Heaven....not saying that anyone who follows Christ should not have a car or have nice things or nice clothes but when you have the means to obtain rolls royces when you can be completely comfortable in a ford crown victoria and that extra funds could feed many many familys for a year and being a minister a preacher of Gods word a leader of a flock should give up there entire life using Titheing money GODS money to starve those who hunger or keep one from haveing shelter and to use GODS rule of Titheing to do so is unrighteous and un Godly and goes against Gods word

I watched Creflo Dollar on Sunday Morning quite a few times and I thought he was the best Preacher I had ever heard. Instead of telling the congragation about hell fire and brimstone he was telling his theater of mostly Black people how they could improve their lives, that God loves them and sees them no diferently than
anyone elso. You should listen to some of his sermons before you
start the blame game. If he owes back taxes the IRS should handle that. I think the Senate should pay attention to its own business instead of taking away the best thing the Black people ever had.

For you rabid supporters of individuals such as Benny Hinn, Copeland, Crouch, etc... I strongly encourage you to do as the Bible says and test the spirits to determine if they are from God. To aid you in this process of testing, I reccommend you read Hank Hannegraf's book Christianity in Crisis, because from what I have read the Prosperity message is really the least of my concerns. Hinn actually had to recant to this magazine a message he preached on the trinity of God when he actually claimed that God, Christ and the Holy Spirit were each individual beings with their own triune nature. Oral Roberts made prophesies that never came to pass (the very definition of a false prophet) and the list goes on and on. So before you accuse us of speaking out against God's people, let's test and see if they are in fact God's people. For those of you who say I don't need to read the book I know in my heart, I would say that the followers of Jim Jones and Dave Koresh probably felt the same way

For you rabid supporters of individuals such as Benny Hinn, Copeland, Crouch, etc... I strongly encourage you to do as the Bible says and test the spirits to determine if they are from God. To aid you in this process of testing, I reccommend you read Hank Hannegraf's book Christianity in Crisis, because from what I have read the Prosperity message is really the least of my concerns. Hinn actually had to recant to this magazine a message he preached on the trinity of God when he actually claimed that God, Christ and the Holy Spirit were each individual beings with their own triune nature. Oral Roberts made prophesies that never came to pass (the very definition of a false prophet) and the list goes on and on. So before you accuse us of speaking out against God's people, let's test and see if they are in fact God's people. For those of you who say I don't need to read the book I know in my heart, I would say that the followers of Jim Jones and Dave Koresh probably felt the same way

The Tithe was NEVER about money it was for food to feed the hungry and for the poor, It is about the feast Of YHWH (God) and they did have money back in the Old Testament You might just be surprised about the tithe if you would only study to show yourself approved.
The storehouse is where they put the FOOD not the Money. If we as a people would do as the Father said everybody would be better off. Yahshua (Jesus) said to feed the hunry and he did what he heard the Father tell him to do. Read Isaiah 58 And Also Yahshua said when you give to the least of these you have given unto me.

Who is right? Do I Deserve more money because I minister to 1000 rich Americans, than my brothers in India or China who minister to a 1000 whose tithes add up to a 10th of what it would cost that minister to live. Honestly I can not for the life of me say I deserve more, the pay I get than they do their pay. Please, if you think any of these men deserve more, than one of our Brothers in a country where they might get killed tomorrow for their faith, your reasoning is dark. Please do not use such an argument. First go spend a month along side one of these other servants in a country where they don't have the luxury of taking tithes from the rich. We are a self-centered nation, full of pride, exhaulting our kingdoms rather than the Kingdom of God. God Grant us Repentence. About Creflo or Hinn, there included in that prayer as am I.

Sandy Wrote "these people should read "The God Delusion" by Richard Dawkins & realize their lives may have purpose just as well without religion." On Feb 19th.... Funny!, you speak of without religion and point to Dawkins, Who in his book and his interview for Expelled make it obvious that he is a very religious type with much faith that there is no God. He is worse than "Christian" extreme Fundamentalist/legalist in his zealotry for his God.. Evolution, Or aliens from other planets? His book was great at proving the point that many Christians make about many Atheist Evolutionist, It's their Religion, don't trust their science that supports it. Yet you would trust those who exalt themselves over God, establishing their own standard in their own mind, rather than scripture that judges us all, and exalt God alone, calling us to repent.
See the Movie Expelled April 18th.

I have tuned in to the broadcasts of Creflo Dollar and occasionlly Benny Hinn. To this date I have found no biblical basis to question what they have taught on the subjects of salvation,the Holy Spirit, marriage,tithing and giving. These are all subjects on which the bible gives various scriptural references and examples. In the bible, God honored the act of faith with a demonstration of love, compassion, and power resulting in forgiveness, material blessing, healings and miracles. Through the providence of God these divine principles and acts were recorded and preserved for our learning so we might know the God of bible. God is just as loving, compassionate, and powerful as He demonstrated Himself to be in the bible. The real question is does today's world believe in the God of bible? God has called and anointed men and women to preach both Christ and the gospel that Christ Himself preached (Luke 4:18-19).
Through Christ we can live right before God, we can lead healthy lives, and we can live well financially. As for the investigation of the ministries listed...the Church has survived trials since its birth, but " the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it."

God bless!

Leave the church alone. Amen

I admire both Creflo Dollar and Benny Hinn. I have only heard Creflo Dollars preaching between 1995 and 1998. It appeared sound and doctrinal then.
Benny Hinn, however, has always come back to accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior. As a bookkeeper for a small business I always hear the grumbling of employees saying the owner is pocketing "all this profit". I think most people do not really understand the costs of running a business- even if it's "only preaching the gospel". When this audit is done, I won't be surprised to see Benny Hinn have his records cleared. I won't be surprised with penalties for not relating to finances be set against him. I can't see this not turning into a witch hunt either.

As a pastor I don't take an income from the church. This is my choice. This choice is my choice. I'm self employed and don't need income from the church. I do have the opportunity to receive it. There's nothing wrong with receiving income from ministry. Preaching and teaching the bible is one thing. Running a church is another. Many people don't know this but the government requires that pastors be the president of the corporation that is tax exempt. The government also classifies exempt churches as public charities. A church doesn't have to become tax exempt if it doesnt want to. The pastors you all are speaking of will be audited as CEO"S of public charities not as spiritual or religious entities. They will be treated just like the red cross during an audit. So if you understand this from the business point of view which the government should view it from, it will help you understand it better. The red cross is a charity which has employees. Comparisons on income of similar charitable entities will be made concerning income to determine excess. Comparisons on use of donations will be made in order to determine proper use of public funds. Misappropriation of donated funds for personal use will be taxed accordingly as for profit income per individual who receives or received it. Tax exempt doesn't mean no tax, it means you get exemptions under certain conditions. To make this short you have to understand that the government doesn't audit churches, it audits public charities that receive property, purchase, and donation exemptions (tax exemptions). They aren't attacking religious freedom. Finally you have to understand that churches are rarely audited by uncle sam. The only time the government looks into a churches finances is when complaints are made by a staff member, employee or congregant. It only takes a minor complaint to induce an audit. So if you like me are on the inside of such issues you'll understand that staff, employees, and congregants of these churches have submitted complaints to the irs who turned these complaints over to the senate committee in order to avoid an irs scandal due to the popularity of these ministries. In turn the irs will get to do audits by subpeana or request from the ministry in question. Think about it. Who's out smarting who. As a pastor in todays climate I find it wise to seperate and or make very distinct ones personal income from public use funds. If you can make yourself understand the nature of church audits you'll see that these complaints are internal, not external. Staff, employees, and congregants who report abuse rarely identify themselves in such matters. Whose side am I on? I'm on the LORDS' side. The bible teaches that those who will be rich invite great strain and persecution along with great blessing, as for the poor......the poor you have with you always. There's more but I'll stop here.

the Government is misapproproating funds. They should check up on themselves.

the Government is misapproproating funds. They should check up on themselves.

If Benny Hinn is claming to be a Christion and is sold out to Crist then let God and Juses deal with him in their own way because it sayes give to God what is God and give to Man what is Man it takes a lot of money to be able to covert anyone to get them to belive. We are expected to help one another as well as other countrys.So if Benny Hinn is doing all of this for the Kingdom of Christ of coust Stan is not going to like it Most people don't know who they truly surve at their job sites or what they are surving realy implyes think of the kind of job you realy make your living from and ask yourself would Jesus do that very kind of job for money rember he hade a job he was a Carpinter or would Sant after all it all about the kingdom right what kind of kingdum do you work for?

WE ARE THE LIGHT OF THIS DARKED WORLD.. LET US SHED THE LIGHT OF THE TRUTH TO EVERY ONE.. NOT ONLY BY WORD..BUT BY ACTION MOST IMPORTLY..LET US BRING THE TRUTH IN THE EYES OF EVERYONE.. SO THAT QUESTIONS REGARDING YOUR INTEGRITY AS A MAN OF GOD WILL BE PROVEN GENUINE.FOR THE SAKE OF THE TRUTH..WE SHOULD HAVE NO BOUNDARIES.YOU ARE A SERVANT OF GOD PASTOR BENNY..THEN BE A HUMBLE SERVANT..WILLING TO SHED LIGHT WHEN QUESTIONS ARISES..SHED YOUR LIGHT PASTOR BENNY IN THE PROVING EYES OF PUBLIC..ITS OUR DUTY AS A CITIZEN..AND AS A CHRISTIAN..THANK YOU.

I think pastor laws said it all.....this is just one of those things that can happen and I feel we have all jumped to conclusions rather than realise that this is simply a process due to someone making a complaint...does one complaint warrant the body of Christ to become judgemental and divided?
Where there is UNITY there the Lord COMMANDS A BLESSING.
Will we all just pray that the Lords will be done here...Only He truly discerns the heart.
Please let me encourage each one of us to examine our own heart knowing we all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God and realise none of us can judge.
God will vindicate false persecution and reveal the wolves in due time.
I love and respect any one in the body of Christ who is willing to do as they believe is right and fit before the Lord.
Let us accept the different gifts and calls and walks of life in a spirit of grace knowing we all need one another.
I speak love peace and unity to the body of Christ in this matter.
Let us not be decieved but continue to walk in Love and not make more of this than we should, for it hurts the message of the gospel
God bless you all my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Jesus is coming very soon.This is endtime.We shall be experiencing different things here before rapture.Our work would be tested.individually we shall face judgement.testify for Christ daily.Jesus is Lord.

DON'T BE FOOLWHEN YOU CONVICT GOD'S SERVENTS.

I am ashamed of your article who allow others to poke fun of televagilists who depend on us christains to get the gospel around the world; without considering the benefits of these churches. If anyone who knows the bible, that same annointing that is working in their ministries also trickle down to me, a supporter of both, i was healed by God watching. I also have grown spiritually mature watching thier programs. They are accountable as of today and more so than the government, the government should hire chuches to get them out of their trillion deficit. If people will realize just paying your tithes will also get you out of debt then He will also, "Bless you on a dime".

After reading these articles I find some for and against. I agree with both sides to some degree... firstly the government has no biblical rights to investigate Christians this is just another form of persecution... secondly a Christian individual or organization has no right cooking the books or hiding what they are doing financially - the Bible says nothing shall be hid before the Lord in other words everything should be done above board and in the open not in secret - the Bible also says render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s that means ministers should pay taxes on their earnings just like everybody else not try to hide finances like the crooked rich and famous do.

Give to Ceasar what belongs to Ceasar. It is governement created money that is being transacted, let the government know what is being done with the money: OPEN THE BOOKS!. i have to file income taxes, I have to submit to the government, I may not like it, I may not personally agree with it, but the scripture demands it. False prophet/ i don't know, God did not appoint me judge, I follow Christ as CHRIST guides me. If I want to give to Hinn or Dollar, or whoever, that is my business; buyer beware! Perhaps the best people to investigate the finances of these various ministries is the people who give the money (what a novel concept, giving aa I purpose in my heart, either by faith or cold hard facts). So, should the books be opende: YES. Should they be allowed to continue : YES. Are they good/bad, right/wrong, true/false prophets? Only God knows!

This should be a very simple matter, really. The bible tells us that we shouldn't misrepresent the Church or the Gospel. We are to practice expediency. A true beleiver knows these things. In short, these preachers should present whatever document the government requested whether or not they have the right so that all talks like these are avoided. And also, they are the authority and the scripture saya we are to obey those who have authority over us - I'm sure they've read it before or even preached it. I listen to Creflo alot and I expected more - to whom much is given...

i need money to pay my morage,no job , but still i believe in the all mighty god. dont play with god he is the bank.you can bank on that.keep the faith. he will get them you can fool some people but you can not fool them all.

Re: Rob Moll's post on 12-6-07.

In the Godless world system we live in why doesn't the Senate Finance Committee investigate AIG's executive bonus pay after the bail out and spend time investigating these executives that have stolen money for nothing from American citizens instead of Christian Ministries receiving voluntary donations? I agree with Creflo's lawyer, let the IRS handle it if it is a financial issue not the Senate Finance Committee.

These are private, religious organizations and this is a matter of principle. I believe in telling the whole truth too, but why should any American or American business-ministry hand over their documents to a Senate Committee. Unless you are a Senator or running for the U.S. Senate? As a matter of principle, I don't blame them for standing up for their right to privacy, whether they have anything to hide is not the point. Rather, the validity of such a request without probable cause or reason for investigating; is too intrusive into a citizen's or an American's personal affairs. Where would it end? Especially since these are religious foundations or organizations and we are suppose to have seperation of church and state. The Senate has enough legitimate "state" concerns that they should be investigating, rather than getting involved in the affairs of the church. Let them work on Social Security which IS within their jurisdiction.

The Founding Fathers established the three levels of government to regulate governmental affairs specifically seperating the affairs of the church from the affairs of the state, anything else is totally Un-American.

Just Remember( Seperation of Church and State) That is a church matter, Let the church handle it when the gov takes it on themselves to do such a thing it degrade the church and other ministers that are doing the right thing.Gov just want to be in total Control.Investigate these crooks that got us in this financial crisis.

We as Christians obey the laws of God. We are not to obey any person, governing body, or religious person or entity that dictates opposite of the Word of God. God states plainly that His law is above all and we as Christians are to obey God's law regardless of what man made law is put into effect. As far as television evangelists and preachers go they will reap the rewards of their offenses from God. Also " The person who is without sin can cast the first stone". We all have faults we all sin in some manner in our life. Who are we to judge another person. "Vengance is mine, I will repay says the Lord". No person can judge a mans heart but God. So it is best to let God take care of those who claim to be his ministers and we take care of our own salvation with fear and trembling.

Why do these senators want to investigate people or groups on overspending and the government they are involved with does the same thing. What about all the business who are getting help from the government using the funds to pay bonuses to the heads of the corporations. It seems like they would take the same endeavor to investigate erroneous spending on a national level. It just a way to take the heat off government overspending.