Finance

“Grassley’s Requests of Televangelists are Well-Founded”

Unchecked media churches could undermine the Gospel message

By Michael Barrick  (For the full article click the "Featured Articles" Tab)

When Senator Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) recently requested that numerous high-profile televangelists disclose financial information to the Senate Finance Committee by early December, his call precipitated debate among Christian church and ministry leaders concerned about overreaching government.

It shouldn’t have. While Grassley’s move is admittedly dramatic, what he has called for is reasonable – proof that these church leaders are not misusing funds intended for charitable purposes. Grassley, the ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, is doing what the Church should do – ensure that its leaders adhere to fundamental biblical principles such as transparency and honesty while exhibiting a sacrificial lifestyle modeled after Jesus.

The ministry leaders Grassley has contacted are:

• Randy and Paula White of Without Walls International Church and Paula White Ministries of Tampa , Fla.
• Benny Hinn of World Healing Center Church Inc. and Benny Hinn Ministries of Grapevine, Texas .
• David and Joyce Meyer of Joyce Meyer Ministries of Fenton , Mo.
• Kenneth and Gloria Copeland of Kenneth Copeland Ministries of Newark , Texas .
• Bishop Eddie Long of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church and Bishop Eddie Long Ministries of Lithonia , Ga.
• Creflo and Taffi Dollar of World Changers Church International and Creflo Dollar Ministries of College Park , Ga.