By Michal Ortner

Research conducted by Livesteez has reported that an estimate of $420 billion in tithes and donations has been accumulated by Black churches since the 1980s. An ongoing investigation into the spending of mega-church leaders was first initiated by Senator Charles Grassley around 2008.

The investigation took place in many churches that proclaimed what is known as the “Prosperity Gospel,” which is a practice saying that providing donations to Christian ministries will result in personal financial blessings.

Among many mega-churches that were investigated, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church was one. The church and their leader, Bishop Eddie Long, have received criticism from inside and outside the Black church. Long says he was “relieved” by the inquiries made on their financial legitimacy.

Henry E. Felder’s study of financial patterns within Black Christian places of worship reported that donations made to Christian ministries were around $508 per year, per person, in 2009. Tyler Media Services estimated that Black churches received revenue of $17 billion in 2006 alone. One prosperity church, the Reverend Creflo Dollar’s World Changers, received $69 million in 2006.

While many politicians and Black community leaders are demanding accountability for the churches that accumulate high amounts of funding, devoted followers of the church are defending the institutions and the leaders. Many loyal members of the flock claim that there is a double standard when it comes to black mega church leaders and wealthy white church leaders.

“The church has gotten caught up in materialism and greed, a lifestyle. Many ministers today want to live like celebrities and they want to be treated like celebrities. In other words, instead of the church standing with the community, the church has become self-serving. It has strayed away from its mission,” stated Dr. Love Henry Whelchel, professor of church history at The Interdenominational Theological Center.

While many churches that were investigated did not face any criminal charges, Calvary Baptist Yorba Linda Church’s leadership pleaded guilty to grand felony theft and fraud charges. Richard Cunningham and his son, Philip Cunningham, admitted to stealing funds from the church to buy timeshares in Hawaii and Palm Springs.

Some legitimate questions that are being asked are: How often and much do church leaders take advantage of the faith of Black people? How are these larges sums of money improving the state of our communities? Why do some churches decline to participate in the Grassley Congressional Investigation?

http://allchristiannews.com/last-30-years-black-churches-taken-420-billion-members/

am not surprise, its only a Blackman that stay hungry and give his salary to a fat pastor

holatin:
am not surprise, its only a Blackman that stay hungry and give his salary to a fat pastor

No,

The Catholic Church grew to be the monster that it is now on the backs of European peasants.

holatin:
am not surprise, its only a Blackman that stay hungry and give his salary to a fat pastor

It isn't the fault of the givers, it is of the takers. The bible supports tithe (to the best of my knowledge) and whatever worthy donations to the cause of the Lord. I just don't often hear enough preachings, as to how the Lord has directed the pastors to "use" these tithes and donations.

if the money they get is well spent on the poor and betterment of the people, it wouldnt be an issue.

But what do I know? Touch not my annointed, they say.

deeplow:


It isn't the fault of the givers, it is of the takers. The bible supports tithe (to the best of my knowledge) and whatever worthy donations to the cause of the Lord. I just don't often hear enough preachings, as to how the Lord has directed the pastors to "use" these tithes and donations.

if the money they get is well spent on the poor and betterment of the people, it wouldnt be an issue.

But what do I know? Touch not my annointed, they say.

The givers have a duty unto themselves not to be taken advantage of by those in authority.

If there are 300 members and only one pastor where does (or should) the power lie?

The pastor needs them to pay tithes. They should understand that they do not need him.


P.S.
Good documentary on the subject - Black Church, Inc.: Prophets for Profit
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3801062/

They were not forced so please change the word TAKEN

Though am not in support of their psychological dubiousness but lets remember we are all free to make our decisions.