Church rakes in 69 million

Upton · #1 (**permalink**) 11-11-2007, 11:58 AM

There sure is big money in God.

Quote:

Megachurch took in $69 million in 2006

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

ATLANTA -- An Atlanta megachurch took in $69 million in 2006, according to a financial statement the church's minister released in response to a Senate investigation into him and five other well-known televangelists.

The Rev. Creflo Dollar disclosed the World Changers Church International's financial information to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, but said the money he spends is his own.

Dollar said his income comes from personal investments, including businesses and real estate ventures. But the church gave him a Rolls Royce, which he mainly uses for special occasions, he said

"Without a doubt, my life is not average," he said. "But I'd like to say, just because it is excessive doesn't necessarily mean it's wrong."

Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, the top Republican on the Senate Finance Committee, launched an investigation into the finances of six ministers after hearing reports of some preachers' lavish and opulent lifestyles. In a letter last week, he requested answers by Dec. 6 to questions about their executive compensation and amenities, including use of fancy cars and private jets.

Besides Dollar, the letters were sent to faith healer Benny Hinn, Kenneth and Gloria Copeland of Texas, David and Joyce Meyer of Missouri, Randy and Paula White of Florida and Bishop Eddie Long of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, Ga.

Dollar questioned the investigation's focus on religious groups. The minister is among the religious leaders who preach the "prosperity gospel," the teaching that God will shower faithful followers with material riches. But he said he uses only his personal finances to pay for his luxuries.

"My lifestyle does not come out of the church's bank account," he said.

Megachurch took in $69 million in 2006

justme · #2 (**permalink**) 11-11-2007, 12:20 PM

I know this is a controversial subject and many will see it as an attack on religion. The tax-exempt status of churches nees to be looked at.
There are several "mega-churches" being looked at around here. Tens of millions of dollars involved with very little, if any, oversight as to what its being spent on.
Ornate buildings, private jets, mansions around the country...tax-exempt dollars are used for all of this. For what? Does GOD really care whether you worship in a 10,000 seat mega-church or in a 50 seat, concrete block building?
Is a famous televangelist more GOD-like if he arrives in a stretch limo rather than a VW bug?
I think its time the tax-exempt status was looked at. REASONABLE costs of the church should be ok. REASONABLE salaries.
Who will determine reasonable? I have no idea.

basharp1 · #3 (**permalink**) 11-11-2007, 12:39 PM

Tax em. This tax exempt status is pathetic! All I see around the KC Area is Churches as big as arenas. A vast parking lot that is empty all week, when they could be using their excessive lifestyles to provide day care for low to moderate income families. Help the middle class, instead of exploiting them and feeding them hope on Sunday just to fill their coffers.

Teak · #4 (**permalink**) 11-11-2007, 12:45 PM

Just another example of organized religion, not following its own teachings. All religions ask their followers to forgo "earthly pleasures", while looking forward to those awaiting them, in the after life. Just makes it easier for the "church" leaders to separate the flock from their hard earned cash.
I have yet to see a "church" that does not have an investment portfolio that would make a "Wallstreeter" jealous.

Dom1 · #5 (**permalink**) 11-11-2007, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justme

I know this is a controversial subject and many will see it as an attack on religion. The tax-exempt status of churches nees to be looked at.
There are several "mega-churches" being looked at around here. Tens of millions of dollars involved with very little, if any, oversight as to what its being spent on.
Ornate buildings, private jets, mansions around the country...tax-exempt dollars are used for all of this. For what? Does GOD really care whether you worship in a 10,000 seat mega-church or in a 50 seat, concrete block building?
Is a famous televangelist more GOD-like if he arrives in a stretch limo rather than a VW bug?
I think its time the tax-exempt status was looked at. REASONABLE costs of the church should be ok. REASONABLE salaries.
Who will determine reasonable? I have no idea.

I agree with this if the particular church is giving this money to their leaders for extravagance, but even then some of the church's money goes to charitable efforts.

Quote:

Originally Posted by basharp1

Tax em. This tax exempt status is pathetic! All I see around the KC Area is Churches as big as arenas. A vast parking lot that is empty all week, when they could be using their excessive lifestyles to provide day care for low to moderate income families. Help the middle class, instead of exploiting them and feeding them hope on Sunday just to fill their coffers.

If the church operates a lot of charitable programs then it should be tax exempt. Most churches don't blow money on private planes and Rolls Royces.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teak

Just another example of organized religion, not following its own teachings. All religions ask their followers to forgo "earthly pleasures", while looking forward to those awaiting them, in the after life. Just makes it easier for the "church" leaders to separate the flock from their hard earned cash.
I have yet to see a "church" that does not have an investment portfolio that would make a "Wallstreeter" jealous.

Isn't that the flock's fault also? It is their money and they can do what they want with their money.

Skinny Fatts · #6 (**permalink**) 11-11-2007, 01:07 PM

Creflo Dollar? Theological cyanide.

Teak · #7 (**permalink**) 11-11-2007, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dom1

Isn't that the flock's fault also? It is their money and they can do what they want with their money.

Yep, just like the elderly, and infirm getting fleeced by bogus contractors, sham healthcare providers, etc. It's their money as well. What right does anyone have being upset because they are taken advantage of? There are suckers born every day.

justme · #8 (**permalink**) 11-11-2007, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dom1

I agree with this if the particular church is giving this money to their leaders for extravagance, but even then some of the church's money goes to charitable efforts.

Thats fine. As I said, REASONABLE expenses. This would include any charitable donations, work, etc.

If the church operates a lot of charitable programs then it should be tax exempt. Most churches don't blow money on private planes and Rolls Royces.

Its the churches with the private planes and rolls royces in question. You are correct, most churches don't have them.

Isn't that the flock's fault also? It is their money and they can do what they want with their money.

The flock can do what they flock (

) they want to with their money. if the preacher asks them to donate for an elaborate mansion for him and they choose to do it, thats fine. But that shouldn't be tax exempt, imo.

rob · #9 (**permalink**) 11-11-2007, 04:01 PM

Well, I don't belong to a mega church, but as Dom said the people willing give to the church to support the churces works. I personaly know of large churches that operate child care centers for the people of the community with rates based on income. They also operate kitchens feeing the elderly and homeless. But you normaly don't know about these out reach programs if you don't attend. I say leave the tax exempt status alone.

ken.e · #10 (**permalink**) 11-11-2007, 04:40 PM

Maybe I should get in the church business.