Dear Reader,
I’m up at 6am this morning and felt the need to write about a topic that has been on the back of my mind for years. Last night I was watching a program called Enough. I believe that it was connected to 20/20. Anyway, One segment of the program dealt with Church Ministries around the globe and their lack of Financial reporting on what they do with their donations that they get from their members.
This program was excellent and caught me at the right time because I do not watch much TV at all. It simply outlined how Billions of Dollars go right into these Ministries and there is no record of how these funds are used. The investigation showed how the Big Ministries had their leaders in Multi Million Dollar homes, Jets to take them where they need to go, but no record of how they were spending the donations. My question to you is, should all ministries have the right to keep monies donated to them a secret? Should you not have the right to know how your donations are being spent? We complain about the Government and how they spend our tax dollars but what about the money we freely give that is suppose to be helping the world in some way?
My take on it is that all ministries should cough up and show where their monies are spent. I have no problem with leaders making money on books they write, investments or any businesses they set up. But when I see 7 Million dollar estates, 6 million dollar yachts, jets that run in the millions taking the leadership to Hawaii, Maui, and other resort destinations around the world to party, This really bothers me. It’s my opinion off course but it is an issue that I believe you need to brought up to speed on. I have no problem with ministries being up and running but their should be some kind of financial responsibility on their part. And when some of these ministries were asked to show a little record of where and what their monies were spent on, they called it the work of the Devil! 
Really?? How convenient to bring in the Little guy at such a time.
They ask for money for the poor, money to educate, money for the starving kids in third world countries……… But when you ask to see where the money is actually going, you get nothing!
No caller lines opened for that folks. No kind voice on the other end of the line outlining how your money went to what you were donating to.
The show talked about an organization called Ministry Watch! 
This is an organization that shows the ministries that report and the ones that don’t. What I like about what they are doing is that they have put together 2 lists. One on the organizations to stay away from and the ones that you can feel good to give to. This has always been my problem because I don’t want to contribute to anyone’s estate, jet or ride. Flat-Out! Enough is enough! Some may say that I am hating……….. but I am not. Make your money like everyone else. My problem is that some ask from the pulpit for money for the poor, but that money goes to the Bling Bling account. You know……. Pastor Jive!!
Now if that same person asks for money for his new home or car and people give for that……. then that is OK. I can see the email lines lighting up on this one. I wish I was on the air. But before you criticize, check out the website at http://www.ministrywatch.org I think that you will be impressed.
The founder of this organization stated that the majority are in good standings. More ministries are found to be in the positive but there are those that are flat out taking advantage of people. After visiting his site, I felt real good about a couple of things.
1st. That there is an organization out there that can steer us in the right direction. I really commend the work that this group is doing because for years I have been wondering who can really be trusted out there that I can give to. After the Baker scandal, I have been leery and scary.
2nd. The organization shows the ministries that have been on the up and up! This shows the ones that have been true to their word. Feed the Children is amongst this list and a host of others.
Here is my point. If you are going to give, I just think that it makes sense to make sure that your money is being well spent. I could spend more time on this issue but I feel good knowing that their is an organization out their watching our backs. Now when you go to the website, click on the Transparency Watch Link and you will find a list of those ministries that are not giving up any records at all. Now ask yourself…….. WHY would they do this if they were spending the money in the places they said they would? Now before you click on that link…….. Let me warn you! You may be shocked and find your favorites on the list with poor grades.
The interesting thing is that none of these ministries are going after Ministry Watch. The reason! They don’t want to bring any more attention to the issue. I watched one leading minister say it’s not about the money? Really???? I believe different. I am not saying that leaders in this field should suffer and be poor. Not at all! But I do believe that there should be some kind of accountability. Think about it. All the years you have been tithing and giving. Do you really know where your money goes? Or maybe you just feel that it does not matter. I can see some saying “Hey, if they sound good on Sunday, then my money is good with them”. If that’s your thinking, then you are entitled to it.
I have watched religion move more into the business of making money vs really helping people like they are suppose to. And again……… before you get all bent out of shape. I am not saying that all religious establishments are like that…… I am saying that there are enough bad ones to make an argument to their financial responsibility. Churches are popping up everywhere. Everyone has a ministry now! Wellllll…………. I’m outta here and I welcome any and all feed back. My whole purpose here was to give you the info. Now you decide what you will do with it. I will touch all of you soon.
ACE
