Let’s pretend.

Imagine with me that the church was so averse to large sums of money that they gave it away just like Jesus instructed the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16-22). This is very different than what we see in the 21st century church. 

Recently, a former member of Harvest Bible Chapel threw light on Harvest’s misleading of county governments over non-payment of property taxes to the tune of $500,00.00. Apparently, this was accomplished through the use of shell companies which bought and held property under cover of tax-exemption.

The questionable gift exchanged between Ed Stetzer and James MacDonald points to a disturbing trend of pastors and denominational gurus receiving high-value gifts for simply being valuable to the celebrity club. As Dire Straits sings, “money for nothing and your chicks for free.”

Even among non-Christian religious groups, money is a problem. A whistle-blower report brings into question the handling of billions of dollars by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Who won’t talk about how much money they have or what it is they are doing with it.

The church has a problem when executives and boards control large sums of money without oversight. When denominational celebrities flaunt their wealth blinded by the affluence of a Christian success culture things have gotten out of hand. Anyone of us would be tempted to graft surrounded by such wealth. The fact that misappropriation happens in the hands of church leadership should give us pause.

From a pragmatic point of view, I understand the need for finances to support ministries and mission efforts, but big money invites big problems. “I have seen something unfair here on earth: A person suffers harm from saving up money” (Ecclesiastes 5:13). 

The evangelical industrial complex drives a secular success model that teaches more is better and invites “harm.” Still, the New Testament whispers, “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (I Timothy 6:10).

The word of the Lord is still true. The love of money is the root of all evil. Let’s pray the Lord will pull this root out of the evangelical churches of America.