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Thursday, September 30, 2004
Paul & Jan Crouch and Accountability
By now, I'm sure that most of you have heard of the rumors swirling around about the Trinity Broadcasting Network founder Paul Crouch. Two weeks ago, the Los Angeles Times broke a story saying that a past TBN employee was accusing Paul Crouch of having a homosexual affair with him back in 1996. The story has caused widespread mayhem at TBN and sent shockwaves through the Christian community.
Here are some personal observations and things that came out in the article:
TBN admits to paying the accuser $425,000 back in 1998 to settle a 'wrongful termination' allegation. A key part of this settlement was a secrecy agreement saying that the accuser would not bring up any of the details of the events at any time in the future. Clearly the accuser in this case is far from beyond reproach (with a past criminal record and a list of personal problems longer than most). But also, after the fact disclosure of this pay-off also looks bad for TBN. TBN released this statement:
The consensus viewpoint was that it would be better for TBN and Dr. Crouch to reach a financial settlement rather than to fight the accuser in court. This course of action was deemed less expensive and would avoid the bad publicity, time and effort that it would take to fight the false claims. Dr. Crouch reluctantly agreed to this advice with the understanding that the accuser would go away and leave both he and TBN alone forever. The importance of the settlement does not rest on the money paid, but rather on Dr. Crouch's vehement denial of the allegations made against him as well as the agreement of the accuser to keep confidential and refrain from repeating his false claims and accusations. Most importantly, at no time were ministry funds used in any portion of this settlement.
Personally, I can see both sides of this issue (not knowing which side is actually telling the truth). If you are a successful ministry person, there are many people who would like to see you fail; and there are many people who will want to take advantage of you. It only takes one accuser, whether they are telling the truth or not, to take down your reputation. I have to admit that it seems to me that I would want to do everything in my power to let the truth be known without paying the person off. But, having said that, obviously I have never been in this no-win situation.
But here's where I think the worst of the problem lies for Paul Crouch and TBN: there is an apparent lack of accountability among the leadership at TBN. Here's what I'm talking about:
Wall Watchers (a North Carolina religious watchdog group) has recommended that "TBN revamp its board of directors, which consists of Jan and Paul Crouch and his sister, Ruth Brown, to be independent of the Crouch family." The LA Times article mentioned numerous other Crouch family members serving from executives in TBN to their legal counsel. I'm not saying that family members should not be a part of the ministry, but having all your officers being family members does not provide adequate accountability for yourself or for outside groups. This type of setup makes it hard to dispute allegations and charges when they are made, particularly by the secular press.
For example, in the LA Times article alone, it was disclosed that Paul Crouch and his wife, Jan Crouch, earn more than $750,000 in salaries and have a collection of luxuries at their disposal, including a TBN-owned jet and some 30 homes across the US. TBN's response:
"Regarding the various real properties mentioned, all are owned by TBN, not Dr. and Mrs. Crouch, and they are used for multiple purposes, including program settings, and temporary housing for network guests, contractors and agents. In addition, such properties represent alternative investment vehicles that provide appreciably better returns then bank CDs, savings accounts, and bond funds, etc. Similarly, TBN's corporate aircraft is only utilized in the course of business. It is not unusual for Dr. Crouch, and employees traveling with him, to visit several different cities and stations over the course of a trip. The plane allows flexibility and effective time management, and avoids the impact of Dr. Crouch's status as a public person."
Are 30 homes, private jets and large salaries a good use of ministry funds? It seems to me that this is a hard-sell to the many people who give to a ministry in good faith, thinking their money is going to further the gospel.
How does this happen? (And sadly, it seems to happen again and again in Christianity.) I think it happens when there is a lack of credible accountability. You know... someone (in TBN's case, other than a family member) that says... "You know, this doesn't look above reproach... maybe we should use these resources differently... maybe you shouldn't have a close relationship with this person... perhaps we need to manage this area differently."
You see... here's the thing... this type of problem isn't just the problem with the large TBN and PTL type ministries; it can be found from the largest to the smallest ministries and churches all across the country. Leadership (especially strong leadership) cries out for accountability. Without accountability, the power and influence and success of leadership can cause even the best people to cover-up, shade the truth, and think that they can get away with the biggest of sins because no one will ever find out. And that crosses into very dangerous territory.
Here is the position that I think Paul Crouch finds himself in now... he is flogged by terrible accusations by someone who really is not someone who can be trusted. But because of all the other decisions Crouch has made in the past, including the use of ministry funds for the high salaries, the plane, the 30 homes and the nearly half million dollar payoff; he now has no one, other than family members who can vouch for his integrity. And for a televangelist already known for being flamboyant, this could lead to his ultimate downfall.
What do you think? I look forward to your thoughts. Please click the comments button below and 'let me have it'! I'm ready... I'm wearing my thick skin today!
Todd
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Hey... Todd again. Just found an article that further gives some perspective as to what I was talking about. This article appeared in the Bakersfield Californian. I'm not sure if the writer is a Christian or not, but he asks the questions that proper accountability could have answered long before all this went public. Here's the article and the link:
Some serve God, some serve God and mammon
I asked a friend about her preacher. He is a simple guy who has spent his life serving people and building one of the largest congregations in Bakersfield. I asked because I was interested in her take on Paul Crouch, the founder of Trinity Broadcasting Network, who has gotten into hot water lately because he allegedly paid a former employee $425,000 to keep quiet about their homosexual affair.
The affair is not good if you believe what Crouch believes but what I was interested in was Crouch's lifestyle. He and his wife, Jan, have been living like 15th century royalty.
I asked this friend if her minister carried on like a Seven Oaks doctor.
"For as long as I've known him, he has driven an old truck," said the friend of the minister.
TBN buys its trucks new. The TBN network generates $170 million a year with more than $110 million coming from contributors, according to a story in The Los Angeles Times. Crouch's salary is $403,700, his wife's $361,000.
The pair drive luxury cars, fly in a $7.2 million turbojet, use company credit cards for expensive dinners and furniture purchases, and have access to 30 ministry-owned homes, not the least of which are two Newport Beach mansions, a place in Lake Arrowhead and a ranch in Texas.
Some parishioners may be on life support, financial or otherwise, but TBN is healthy.
According to its 2002 balance sheet, TBN has assets totaling $583 million, $31 million in cash and $238 million in treasury bonds.
If you believe in the prosperity gospel, you don't have a problem with TBN's annual report or Crouch ordering wines at the bottom of the wine list. You give and God returns that money tenfold. As Crouch has said, "When you give to God, you're simply loaning to the Lord and He gives it right back."
I've heard that pitch before. That's what the guys from the 401(k) company told me. However, lately, we've been on more of a one to three-quarter basis. I invest a dollar and at the end of the year that $1 has turned into 75 cents.
A family member told me recently that family and money don't mix. I believe I was asking for a loan. I believe he was telling me he didn't want to give me one.
If families and money don't mix, I'm not sure religion and money mix any better. That hasn't stopped some churches that have more assets than Central America.
Churches need money to operate. That we know. You have to pay the preachers, put out hymn books and build clinics in Mexico if the trumpet sounds.
However, does Crouch really need to sleep on 310 count, 100 percent Supima cotton sheets? Do the Crouches really need $350 birdbaths? Brass urns that cost $1,095, according to the Times?
Giving the Crouches the eagle eye is one thing. However, standing in judgment of the way followers spend their money is dangerous business. People give freely to TBN and presumably get something in return. If they find comfort in supporting TBN, then nothing more needs to be said.
However, that doesn't mean that when the Crouches say they are going off the air unless they raise $10 million that you should empty your savings account.
I'm old-fashioned. The most godly, religious people I've known have not been millionaires and that's nothing against millionaires. I'd like to be one of them.
However, normally when you make a lot of money, your focus is on either keeping what you have or making more.
That doesn't make them bad people -- that just doesn't make them Jesus Christ, Buddha, Lao-tze or Mother Teresa, either.
Simplicity and faith go together naturally. Fancy airplanes and Newport mansions go together too. Sometimes those paths don't cross.
Stretch limo or an old truck. Your call.
http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_action=doc&p_docid=1056E985105AA062&p_docnum=1
Posted by: Todd Rhoades | Sep 30, 2004 9:27:05 AM
Before we get into the what is acceptable and what is not acceptable when concerning how money is spent, lets remember what the bible says first in Galatians 6:1. Do you really sit down on a daily basis and fellowship with Dr. Crouch? Are you one of the ministry workers? Then you don't know the whole story. Regardless of how much truth is in the whole thing, before you start your forums and message boards remember that you are just as vulnerable as they are. While they might be brought out into the limelight because of their celebrity, the Word of God holds true for everyone that lives and breathes in this God created universe. Before we get into who did what and why they have to have all that they have in their home, let's send up the prayer of faith that God will bring all of these dark things into the light and set in order everything that is in disarray brining His people back into the fold if they are not and keeping them there if they are. Let's all join together and pray that God's will be done in this hour so that His kingdom will advance and people will continue to be blessed by this ministry.
If you were able to, I don't doubt for one minute that you wouldn't withhold from yourself something that you wanted regardless of how much it was if you were able to get it. Let's not be petty, let's be vigilant and recognize this attack of the enemy and give it to God to handle like we should all do.
Posted by: Charvis Mills | Sep 30, 2004 1:35:01 PM
Quote: "Let's not be petty, let's be vigilant and recognize this attack of the enemy and give it to God to handle like we should all do."
Why is it that anytime that an accusation is made against a televangelist who openly lives as a king and yet is always crying out for money, and who has heretics prance all over his television network, someone trots out the old "attack of the enemy" card?
Paul and Jan Crouch have arrogantly invited such scrutiny upon themselves merely by living the way they have chosen to live and by making the decisions they have chosen to make.
It is neither unspiritual or unscriptural to confront people for the purpose of getting to the truth. This issue is more than an alleged moral failure (i.e., homosexual affair) but far more about building a wall of secrecy and protection instead of openness and honesty.
Whether the allegation concerning the homosexual affair is true or not, which, if true, should be exposed as well, one thing is certain, the Crouch's lifestyle has blackened the eye of the Body of Christ and I'm tired of having people blame Satan for something that PEOPLE choose to do. Such people who are quick to lay the blame for poor decisions at the feet of Satan instead of the people responsible, only aids the continuation of sin.
As a former police officer, I can tell you that when a rogue officer's actions were exposed, oftentimes in a very public manner, the uniforms that the rest of us wore were soiled as well. The same is true with Crouch and TBN. Only God knows, and I'm sure grieves over, the number of people who have been turned off by the arrogance of "ministries" (i.e., a front for getting money) who shamelessly beg for money while flying in their million-dollar jets to their numerous homes.
Posted by: Ricky Roubique | Sep 30, 2004 2:01:09 PM
Great verse, Chavis... let me show Eugene Peterson's paraphrase of Galations 6:1:
"Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day's out."
Of course, I have not sat in daily meetings with Paul Crouch, and I don't work at TBN. I, believe me, do know that I am just as vulnerable as the Crouch's. Which is why I started down this path to begin with. That's why it's very important that we keep ourselves accountable to others or else we will have a much higher probability of falling. As I said, this just doesn't happen at the national, celebrity level. This same potential abuse of authority and fall happens in small local church all across the country every day.
And I absolutely agree... let's pray that this is handled in a God-honoring way (regardless of the which side is telling the truth) so that the reputation of the church and Christianity is not further tarnished in our society.
Posted by: Todd Rhoades | Sep 30, 2004 2:04:04 PM
Thank You very much Mr. Rhoades for understanding the message that I posted. It is really of no concern to me how many material things that the Crouch's have in their posession, they sought first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness, the things were added as HE promised (Matt 6:33). The TBN ministry has greatly blessed my life and my opinion is that, since it was there when I needed it, I'll be there when the ministry needs me. I'll be praying for them before I forget what God has done for me through the ministry. I believe that if everyone in the body of Christ would embrace that concept instead of being so quick to dismiss someone who has been caught up in mess, we would have alot more people in the world comming to God instead of calling us hypocrites who are so quick to "flip the script" when something wrong happens.
Posted by: Charvis Mills | Sep 30, 2004 3:57:58 PM
Quote: "It is really of no concern to me how many material things that the Crouch's have in their posession, they sought first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness, the things were added as HE promised (Matt 6:33)."
What a crock of pink and blue wigs!
To seek first the kingdom of God is not to beg watchers for money and anyone who believes such is misrepresenting the provision that God brings.
The problem, I think, is that Paul and Jan have not been seeking the kingdom of God but rather seeking the wallets and purses of their star-struck audience.
Posted by: Ricky Roubique | Sep 30, 2004 6:15:25 PM
I hadn't heard of the allegations against Paul Crouch until I read it here. As far as the sexual accusations go, I seriously doubt they are true; I especially wouldn't believe someone who 1)has no one's word but his own - which is unscriptural - and 2)took a payoff that amounts to a bribe/lawsuit - also forbidden in Scripture. Of course that goes both ways -Paul was the one who gave the payoff.
As far as the money thing goes, first let me say that the world cannot and will not judge the Church - ever. Any complaints that the world has for the Church are almost meaningless. And the Church is not to judge the world, at least not in this era. We are to judge "those within the church" when there is immorality, idolatry, falsehoods, etc.
However, there is no way one can read the New Testament (or the Old) and come away with the idea that we are supposed to heap up unto ourselves material things, period. It is Scripture that will judge those who have been rich in this world and have not "mourned and howled". As long as there is a single brother or sister anywhere that is in need (and now that we have instant worldwide information and communication, there is NO excuse), it is wrong to live way beyond what you need. It is not only unbiblical, it is anti-biblical. Please, don't anyone try to redefine the word "need" to cover what the wealth teachers are deceiving followers about.
BUT, more important than any of this is what one responder mentioned, and that is the tolerance by TBN and the Church at large of an out-in-the-open heretic masquerading as a believer. I don't spend a lot of time at TBN so I don't know how many bonafide heretics are parading the stages of TBN, but I know the one who is recognized by many as departing from the faith and is allowed access to millions of people across the world on TBN.
Say you fall into sexual temptation - that's one thing. Greed - also wrong, and needs to be dealt with nationwide. And these things follow from being more convinced of your feelings than of the Truth of God's Word and His Word alone. But when you allow your personal "good" or "strong" feelings to override Scripture and proudly give creedance to a false prophet such as T.D. Jakes has openly revealed himself to be, and allow him to continue to slowly poison people's minds, you will be held accountable for that.
This is the more dangerous because it is the more subtle. TBN should put their personal biases about people and Scripture aside and ban Jakes (and other heretics, if any) from their network. If they won't do that, then the people of God should defund TBN immediately. And I pray that Bible-believing leaders all across this country will come together against this evil as they have had to in the past (since we seem so confused about it) and after hearing the matter, openly denounce Jakes as an imposter so that he and his followers have a chance to repent when faced with the decision of the Body.
Posted by: Ken Throckmorton | Sep 30, 2004 8:02:19 PM
I remember well the situation of Jim Bakker and Tammy Faye from the late 1980's. It is very easy to be caught up in the area of your weakness, whether it be money, power, or sexual temptation, especially in the ministry (large or small). I read Jim Bakker's book that he wrote concerning his imprisonment, divorce, and the rebuilding of his life after release. We must be on guard constantly against Satan's attack. One of the best ways to protect one's self from the snares is accountability. Plan and simple. HONEST accountability - men, find a close Christian brother and open your life to that individual - share your misgivings, temptations, and fears; pray together, call each other frequently if distance is a factor. If a minister loses his reputation through any discretion, it will take years of just this type of relationship to climb back into the saddle. God can restore - that's His work. We must be willing to humble ourselves under his discipline if necessary. My wife and I have visited the TBN ministry. Personally, it is not my cup of tea, but I have a great-aunt, now in her upper 80's, who has donated quite a few dollars to their ministry over the past 15 years. I trust that God would be honored with the manner in which these funds are dispersed. All we can do is remember that the Judgment Seat of Christ is inevitable for all true believers (1st Corinthians 3:10-15). Thanks for the opportunity to share my thoughts. Really enjoy your new format!
Posted by: Bruce Rodgers | Sep 30, 2004 8:29:06 PM
Having recently been a part of a church where serious allegations were made against the pastor, I certainly hope that none of these accusations against Paul are true. However, seeing that it occurred years ago, why are we uncovering something that I believe has been under the blood of Jesus. If Paul has asked for forgiveness (assuming that it is true) then who are we to bring it back up again. God certainly does not. Concerning the issue at my former church, my wife and I have recently decided to part with the fellowship. Our reason for leaving was not the sin issue, but the manner in which the allegations were handled. The leadership never once addressed it openly, gave the members any inside information, or even denied or confirmed the accusations. It was just swept under the rug and business carried on as usual. I feel that men and women who stand before the body of Christ in leadership positions have a greater accountability--sometimes dirty laundry must be aired for the sake of keeping the body together. Openess and honesty I can appreciate. Covering up, I can not.
Posted by: Roland Wilson | Sep 30, 2004 10:06:28 PM
Quote: "TBN should put their personal biases about people and Scripture aside and ban Jakes (and other heretics, if any) from their network. If they won't do that, then the people of God should defund TBN immediately."
But the problem is that sin always protects sin. The Crouches cannot do anything to stop the likes of Jakes, et al, from appearing because they have sold their soul to the almighty mammon.
Jakes, Hinn, and others bring in millions for TBN causing the Crouches to look the other way when their form of the "gospel" is preached. Besides, Crouch is lockstep with the heretics based upon his own views and statements.
Posted by: Ricky Roubique | Oct 1, 2004 8:39:18 PM
Quote: "We must be on guard constantly against Satan's attack."
Here we go again with the "Satan's attack" nonesense.
The Bible clearly states that "each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by HIS OWN lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren (James 1:14-16)," so where is it Satan's fault for what is our own problem?
The Crouch's lust for money is what has led to questions regarding their integrity and all of the coddling in the world will do nothing for them in helping them to realize that THEY chose to do what they have been accused of doing.
Posted by: Ricky Roubique | Oct 1, 2004 8:45:47 PM
Quote: "Our reason for leaving was not the sin issue, but the manner in which the allegations were handled. The leadership never once addressed it openly, gave the members any inside information, or even denied or confirmed the accusations. It was just swept under the rug and business carried on as usual."
By your own standard of knowing when to leave, you shouldn't be supporting TBN either because of sweeping all of their trash under the carpet instead of addressing them openly.
The issue is not necessarily the homosexual allegation but the utter lack of accountability that has led to the allegation (real or not), as well as the oppulence and gross mismanagement of funds given them.
Posted by: Ricky Roubique | Oct 1, 2004 8:48:44 PM
we need to be on guard....watching and praying. at no time would I have paid off an invididual.........it is tantamount to hush money....we have only to look at what is happening in the Catholic church.
we need to be on guard always.
Posted by: jerry fortunato | Oct 4, 2004 9:51:03 AM
There are megachurches all over the U.S. right now. Their pastors make mega bucks. I can name names but that is not necessary. Everyone who is part of the church world can bring them to mind.
I only recently became aware of the fall-out of the TBN situation and did some research. The salaries of TBN top employees is in the mid-range for non-profit companies. TBN is in the top 100 of revenue concerning non-profits. So in the business spectrum this would seem to be reasonable. What has been failed to mention is that the Los Angeles reporter who did the article said that "TBN runs a tight ship." This is in regards to the way finances are handled.
There are charities on your Television screen right now running advertisements ad nauseum. Their top execs have more than one jet at their disposal. And they advertise themselves as Christian as well. Have their lifestyles been investigated by the Los Angeles Times? No. Should they be held accountable as far as their finances go? Yes. They are held accountable by government regulations of 501 (c) (3)'s.
But the lavishness or business practices of TBN is not what drives this story------
Now there are two issues that concern people which have nothing to do with business. It is a church world judgment. One is the concept of people in ministry should not be prosperous as far as material matters are concerned. This doctrine can be explored in various ways which has been done on the boards already.
The other and what hides behind the charge of 'heretic' and the issue with Wall Builders is doctrine. It has been for years. It has been a prejudice against Pentecostals from the strict Calvinists, and no so strict, for many many years. For those who choose to gripe and complain about doctrine, let them be so blessed as to help bring thousands to Christ as the ministers they complain about, then they have an issue. Take it up with Jesus.
Accountability? This has become such a buzz word in ministry circles. Accusations against ministers in the smallest of churches to the largest has gone on for years. Some true and some not. Safeguards have been put into place by many. For instance, not counseling a woman in private if you are a male minister or vice versa. And now with our culture it seems it does not matter the sex. Could we say 'sign of the times'? But people have devious ways. Always have. The most well meaning minister with accountability and safeguards can be deceived. And the most well intentioned minister can fall.
In 50 years of life with my entire life spent in church and church work, I have seen much. Stories of the most christianed purposed congregations who have tried to help those who are the neediest abound. The ones who are success stories go on to give their testimonies of God's salvation and deliverance. The others are hushed up, damage control takes over. In this day of anyone can write a book and make big bucks, the stakes are higher.
Can we all learn? Yes. It is a wake-up call for all who serve in ministry everywhere. Be mindful -The story that sells in the secular media is not that a woman accuses a minister of something, whether it be true or not. What sells now is the accusation of homosexuality. Let us not be so caught up in ministering that we forget to pray for discernment.
Posted by: Diana Jessee | Oct 4, 2004 10:58:54 AM
"The only thing men learn from history is that they don't learn from history." For many years I could tell just from the TV sets that money was flowing at TBN. I have always had a problem when they wanted to raise money for a particular project and they would stand in their gold covered TV set and ask for people to sacrifice. As a pastor who is struggling to make ends meet and is always working hard to keep integrity of my life and ministry, this is just another hurdle / black eye on God's work. Thanks TBN for making ministry even more difficult then it already is.
I am not above reproach, but I love my fellow laborers in the Lord too much to do something that makes their ministry more difficult. Our prayers go out to Paul and Jan. May they / and everyone learn some valuable lessons here.
Posted by: Doug Wedan | Oct 4, 2004 11:09:00 AM
Here we go again! Bashing the TV Evagelists. Come on your turkeys, they're just Flesh and Blood! and what gets us into more poop than the average bear? Flesh and Blood!
No, I am not a really big fan of theirs. As a matter of fact when I have sat down and sincerely wrote TBN letters of need and concern, all I got back was an offering envelope and a color guide to their shows coming on!
But guess what? The same exact thing has happened to me concerning other DENOMINATIONAL YAHOOS!
I have been "snubbed" by as many denominational prudes as anything..And in saying that, I say, GET OFF OF PAUL AND JAN!
they have a God to answer to and you, and you, and you will not have to go in their stead!
Some of the trash-talking I have heard over the years, and mostly from denominational "Religious" people, makes me nutty. For lack of better description, it's the HOLIER THAN THOU syndrome that has the Body of Christ in a quagmire..Not unified!
Jesus said he was coming back after a beautiful church, white as snow...No wonder we're still here! Somebody needs to read 2 Chronicles 7:14 and really GET IT!
Posted by: Bill M, | Oct 4, 2004 11:19:51 AM
Here we go again! Bashing the TV Evagelists. Come on your turkeys, they're just Flesh and Blood! and what gets us into more poop than the average bear? Flesh and Blood!
No, I am not a really big fan of theirs. As a matter of fact when I have sat down and sincerely wrote TBN letters of need and concern, all I got back was an offering envelope and a color guide to their shows coming on!
But guess what? The same exact thing has happened to me concerning other DENOMINATIONAL YAHOOS!
I have been "snubbed" by as many denominational prudes as anything..And in saying that, I say, GET OFF OF PAUL AND JAN!
they have a God to answer to and you, and you, and you will not have to go in their stead!
Some of the trash-talking I have heard over the years, and mostly from denominational "Religious" people, makes me nutty. For lack of better description, it's the HOLIER THAN THOU syndrome that has the Body of Christ in a quagmire..Not unified!
Jesus said he was coming back after a beautiful church, white as snow...No wonder we're still here! Somebody needs to read 2 Chronicles 7:14 and really GET IT!
Posted by: Bill Moore | Oct 4, 2004 11:21:44 AM
It seems to me that every time someone doe's what others would like to do or have failed to do. They must be evil. As a pastor I would like to make enough to give my wife and children the trhings they went without for so many years. God has not chosen that for me, yet I do not resent those that He has chosen to have an abundance of wealth.
Posted by: Rick Fannie | Oct 4, 2004 1:03:47 PM
Because of the type of business that I'm in I see too often the finances in ministries being misused. I believe that you are right in many cases relating to the misuse of funds in ministries. When I first started my for profit company, which provides financial services to ministries, God's mandate for us was to get God's Finances In Order. The lack of knowledge in running a ministry is the main reason I see when ministries are not being good stewards. I believe that it's time for God's people to begin to raise up a standard in the financial realm. I believe that we are going to begin to see alot of ministries being faced with financial allegations. We are at a time when God is exposing the naked truth in all realms of ministries, not just financially. Of course we know that persecution will also come at all angles. There's so much more I would like to say about finances in ministries, board members etc. because this is my field of expertise, however, I will end by just saying that we need to just continue to pray for God's people (saved/unsaved), especially those that have answered the call of God. It's not easy walking out the purpose/plan that God has for you, especially when it relates to kingdom work....Let's keep Paul/Jan in our prayers.
Posted by: DMaire | Oct 4, 2004 1:35:41 PM
in relation to God and riches:
I believe that God wants us to prosper.
If we are actually serving God, I don't
see anything wrong in being rich. If God
allows us to do this, great!
I believe that God would rather see his people in luxury rather than being a pauper.
Through Christ, I believe we are royalty.
Posted by: m tennison | Oct 4, 2004 1:49:01 PM
I have never heard a more comprehensive, objective, view on the subject of accountability in my 25 years of senior ministry than given by Todd.
It is fair,insightful,and dead on accurate. Any Christian Executive (whether in a local congregation or, in this case, TBN, that does not have proper and objective accountablity is begging for the above situation to occur.
I wonder how long it will take before this hits the major media, and oh!!! here we go again. It is pitiful and sickening that we did not learn our lesson with Jim Baker and Jimmy Swaggart. In the end, the name of Christ and His Kingdom is once more brought down.
May God have mercy upon us.
PDW
Posted by: PDW | Oct 4, 2004 3:15:42 PM
I am not a member, or contributor of T.B.N. but I do feel that it seems everytime a rumor or accusation starts we all want to condem the one being singled out without checking why the accuser did it in the first place. The idea of paying them off is also wrong for it leaves the impression the is improprity. The world will always find wrong in those who try do do good for others in the name of Christ. What I have a problem with is Christians doing the same. Lets stand up for those until we find them guilty
Posted by: Rick Fannie | Oct 4, 2004 4:12:13 PM
Lets get real folks...Read for example the annual report for Oracle Corporation.
Larry Ellison has 1,331,341,324 (billion)shares or 25.60% of the outstanding shares.
By the way Mr. Ellison built Oracle
and is deserving of the stock options
and the $3,854,000 salary.
Paul and Jan Crouch should prosper.
They built TBN....from ground UP.
Think about it if compared to Larry Ellison.
If Paul and Jan Crouch controlled 25.60 %
of the TBN asset's...they would have a net worth equal to $149.25 million "dollars".
(2002 accounting )
In this view, the TBN clients and followers
are getting a deal of a life time.
Pray for Paul and Jan and thank them for
their years of hard work.
John 8 - 12
Dr. Sully
Nebraska
Posted by: Dr. Sully | Oct 4, 2004 4:27:06 PM
We must all look at this as a moral delima. How in the world could anyone spend that much money or drive a car that nice? This is something that we hear all to much in the ministry. LET"S KEEP OUR PASTOR'S POOR AND GOD WILL KEEP THEM HUMBLE.
I don't agree or disagree with the amount that they spend on urns or furniture. If you will look at them both they are human being that have problems just like anyone else. Did satan tempt them and is it all his fault? NO. We as humans make plenty of judgement errors. When is the last time you have been raked over the coals because of a STUPID decision that you have made? If you are like most pastors you have gotten raked over the coals even if you haven't made a stupid decision. Enough about that.
Paul and Jan are not two of my favorite people, but I am sure that I am not others favorite person. We as christian must do one thing in all of this. We must pray for the Crouches. (not approve) They must have accountability other than family members or close personal friends.
We as christians have a great reputation of kicking/beating up a fellow believers when they are down. This may be a changing point for us all. Let's pray for , love and try to help others around us to understand that it is only by the grace of God that we are not in Paul's shoes. It is much to easy to say what we would do if we were them. If you notice we are not them so anything that we say is probably said in vain.
God bless and remember God still loves them.
Posted by: Children's Pastor | Oct 4, 2004 4:49:07 PM
Better to be poor than a fat man in the eye of a needle.
Posted by: Sting | Oct 4, 2004 5:11:59 PM
