It is unlikely that the more conservative church realm will avoid considerable fallout in consequence of the Senate Finance Committee's investigation of six prominent televangelists (and potentially others as well) regarding alleged financial improprieties. Several thoughts come to mind.
1. Under the leadership of Senator Grassley from Iowa, a man of integrity and pro-faith disposition, the investigation will almost certainly be fair and objective. In other words, it is not some "anti-church witch hunt" of liberal instigation.
2. Need for addressing the issue is long overdue. That financial contributions, ostensibly given for purposes of promoting the Gospel, should be rather used to finance lavish life styles, palatial homes, yachts, jet airplanes, foreign bank accounts, extensive property holdings, import luxury automobiles, ad infinitum, is not only unconscionable, but sometimes falls little short of soliciting funds under false pretext. It need little be added that such is totally antithetical to the spirit and example of Christ.
3. Given the present and growing anti-Christian bias within many spheres of the political, academic and socially related, it is to be feard that the present inquiry - needful though it is - will play into the hands of those desiring to impose restrictive government control over religious establishments, institutions and cause at large - including the local church.
4. As for those guilty of such abuses, a day of reckoning is coming. Indeed, "Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name cast out demons, and in your name perform many miracles?'" (Matt. 7:22). It is important that Jesus does not deny their claims. Nor will he be lied to on that day.
The error of those offering such defense reflects the assumption that, in and of itself, effective ministry denotes divine acceptance. The degree to which our Lord's response (vs. 23) might apply to those of immediate concern will, of course, be his to determine. The point is that effective ministry or gift operation alone will prove inadequate on that day.
5. The problem is not new. In writing the church at Philippi, Paul shares his hope of sending Timothy to them in the interests of assisting their spiritual endeavors. The reason he is sending Timothy, the apostle continues, is that Timothy is the only one available who will "genuinely be concerned for your welfare," as opposed to those viewing the Philippian believers believers as mere means to personal ends. "For they all" (i.e., other than Timothy) "seek after their own interests..." (Phil. 2:19-21).
6. While not denying that God anoints some individuals for particularly effective ministry, the fact remains that unquestioning acceptance of every "high visibility" leader is not the key to meaningful spiritual quest. When teaching at a small Bible School some years ago, we used to advise the students that while remaining open to that which God may deign to effect, one should also remain cognizant of the fact that a "healthy skepticism" can at times save one from spiritual confusion and/or disillusionment in relation to that which is not of divine intent.
7. Before "hitching one's wagon" so some "religious star," it will prove beneficial to also recognize that the "cutting edge of the Kingdom" is not meant to reside in this or that individual, but rather in the community of believers as given expression in the local church.
Simply stated, we need to be wise and discerning in relation to concerns of this nature.
Burl Ratzsch
