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Three years ago a senate committee in the US launched an investigation into the media ministries and finances of six top televangelists. Senator Chuck Grassley last week concluded his investigations and reported the findings, however, penalties were not issued against ministers who refused to cooperate or forward documents requested.

The main bone of contention for the senate is the lavish lifestyle these ministers live whilst at the same time the Internal Revenue Service has given these ministries tax-exempt status.

Joyce Meyer and Benny Hinn

Although many Christians condemn prosperity gospel and are embarrassed by the televangelists, many ministers were concerned that the investigation could effectively lead to changes in tax rules for all religious nonprofits and protested loudly.

Of the six televangelists, only two complied and submitted the paperwork requested by the Senator Grassley. The two are Benny Hinn and Joyce Meyers, both of whom were commended for the changes that they had made in their ministries. The report states that “both “engaged staff in constructive, open dialogue. Through our review of their responses as well as our conversations with their representatives, we learned that they each had separately undertaken significant reforms, some of which began before (Grassley’s) inquiry.”

The four ministries that refused to provide full information are:

Kenneth and Gloria Copeland of Kenneth Copeland Ministries of Newark, Texas; Randy and Paula White of Without Walls International Church and Paula White Ministries of Tampa, Florida
Bishop Eddie Long of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church and Bishop Eddie Long Ministries of Lithonia, Georgia, Long was recently sued by four young men who claim he coerced them into sexual relationships. The bishop has denied the allegations.
Creflo and Taffi Dollar of World Changers Church International and Creflo Dollar Ministries of College Park, Georgia, who did not provide any information.

The report raises questions about the personal use of church-owned airplanes, luxury homes and credit cards by pastors and their families, and expresses concern about the lack of oversight of finances by boards often packed with the televangelists’ relatives and friends.

13 years ago. Rating: 2
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