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February 27, 2013
Mounting Mortgage Cases Could Force One of U.S.'s Largest Megachurches into Foreclosure
Investigation finds Indiana's Family Christian Center spent lavishly on ministry while falling behind on mortgages, taxes, and bills.
One of America's largest megachurches brings in millions of dollars per year but is facing multiple foreclosure cases.
First National Bank of Illinois's recent foreclosure case against Family Christian Center, whose 15,000 weekly attendees make it the largest church in Indiana and ranked No. 15 in the nation by Outreach Magazine in 2011, over condos used to house visiting pastors is just the latest of the church's ongoing financial struggles.
"While the Family Christian Center was spending millions of dollars annually on leadership compensation, travel, meals and jet fuel, it was falling behind on its mortgage payments and racking up a list of past-due bills," concluded a lengthy investigation last week by the Northwest Indiana Times. It cited comments by Lake Superior Court Judge Diane Kavadias Schneider made during a Dec. 4 hearing: "When I saw some of the expenditures being made in this church when there was a mortgage not being paid, I was astounded."
The church, which used to bring in $10 million per year but currently brings in only $7.3 million (according to a court transcript seen by the Times), defaulted on its loan from First National in September 2012, and faces another foreclosure case from the Evangelical Christian Credit Union (ECCU) after it defaulted on the mortgage for its sanctuary in 2011.
As a result of that case, Family Christian Center turned over control of its finances to an outside administrator last year. Last Friday, a Lake Superior Court judge ruled that the financial administrator will continue to handle the church's finances until at least September.
Church pastors report having taken "significant salary reductions" in order to cut costs, and the church touts its "lengthy list of charitable endeavors," according to the Times. MortgageOrb.com notes the case in its thorough article on when churches face foreclosure.
CT recently reported on the significant rise in church foreclosures, and noted the bankruptcy filed by one Las Vegas church after it stopped paying its mortgage. Recently, CT also noted how tough economic conditions are forcing one black-owned bank to foreclose on African-American churches.
CT has also reported on the ECCU, noting how the institution grew amid the economic recession.
Comments
Maybe having mega-churches sucking up mega-resources isn't such a good idea?
Posted By: Jim Ricker | February 27, 2013 6:36 PM
My husband and I attended this church one time while living in Munster, IN. We left during the service as we felt the lead Pastor was more about himself than Jesus Christ. He held up a. $1,000 bill and told his audience of which the majority looked to be poor African Americans. He told them he was going to give the $1,000 and they should join him. If they didn't have the cash they could put it on a charge card. The tithe envelope have a place for their credit card information. He further stated they would go to hell if they did not give at least 10% of their income. It was appalling!
As you enter the church a two story picture of the lead Pastor and his wife is what you first see. It was obvious to us that this Pastor was more about himself than going about the Lords work.
We feel badly that the people who trusted the leaders in this church may not have this place to come and worship in. However, we pray that Their hope is in The Lord and not this man.
Sincerely,
Posted By: Kathy | March 4, 2013 8:57 AM
What is really sad is that this guy, his son and other "rising stars" in the "Christian megachurch" go preach periodically at each others' church to pick up additional cash. It's sad really.
Posted By: Barry | March 4, 2013 3:13 PM
I believe it was a Kinney Rodgers song saying-- "You got to know when to hold them; Know when to fold them; Know when to walk away; Know when to run; You never count your money while setting at the table, there will be time enough for counting when the dealings done..."
I don't believe in mega churches nor the prosperity gospel!!!
Jesus was into relationship building not temple building. He cleansed the temple at the beginning of his ministry and at the end of it.
Posted By: Donald Young | March 4, 2013 6:02 PM
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