Is it OK for a minister to live large? A new probe by Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, the ranking Republican on the Senate Finance Committee, will certainly call into question whether it’s appropriate for some leaders of multimillion-dollar ministries to live in majestic homes, drive luxury cars and earn CEO-like salaries.
I’m afraid the perception that there are a lot of these types of preachers will only increase in light of Grassley’s probe.
“The allegations involve governing boards that aren’t independent and allow generous salaries and housing allowances and amenities such as private jets and Rolls-Royces,” Grassley said in launching the inquiry. “… People who donated should have their money spent as intended and in adherence with the tax code.”
In letters to six nationally known ministries, Grassley demanded reams of documentation to back up ministry activities and the use of tax-exempt money.
Creflo and Taffi Dollar of World Changers Church International of College Park, Ga., were among those getting Grassley’s letter. In a television interview, Creflo Dollar indignantly disputed claims he owns two Rolls-Royces.
“That’s not true,” he said. “… The one Rolls-Royce that was purchased was purchased by the donors.”
Here’s the thing. The pastors who run these mega-churches minister to tens of thousands of people. These leaders oversee an amazing amount of community outreach efforts. They’re often on call around the clock.
They are overworked and often overstressed trying to bless others.
As long as the ministers serve as examples of good stewardship and live within their means, it’s none of our business what they purchase with their own earnings.
However, it certainly is our business if they are abusing their positions and misusing tax-exempt donor money.
It’s not as if donors haven’t been misled in the past. Let’s not forget the televangelist scandals of the late 1980s. Remember Jim Bakker? He was sent to federal prison for misappropriating $158 million in ministry funds.
If nothing else, I hope Grassley’s probe forces all churches – large and small – to put in place tight financial controls and an independent board of directors to oversee the ministry operations and expenditures.
As for their personal expenditures, should these private-jet-flying, bling- wearing, Rolls-Royce-driving, mansion-owning preachers live less large? Restraint might be in order.
A 2007 Rolls-Royce sells for nearly $340,000. When you’re ministering to the masses, it just doesn’t seem right to own a vehicle that costs more than any home many of your parishioners will ever live in.
Michelle Singletary singletarym@washpost.com
