God’s House Needs Cleaning, but Not by the U.S. Senate

Bob Burney | "Bob Burney Live," WRFD Columbus, Ohio | Updated: Jan 14, 2008

God’s House Needs Cleaning, but Not by the U.S. Senate


January 4, 2008

There has been a great deal of publicity in recent weeks about the investigation launched by Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA) into the financial dealings of several popular televangelists. The response to the investigation in the Christian community has been incredibly diverse. Some Christian commentators have warned that this is the proverbial “nose of the camel” into the Evangelical tent by an over-reaching and zealous government. Others have applauded the move stating that possibly the Senate Committee will force some extravagant ministries to finally clean house. One thing is certain: all Christian ministries will suffer under increased government intervention for the excesses of a few.

Of course, it shouldn’t have to come to this.

I remember once in first grade when a classmate realized her milk money was missing. I’m not sure how she knew, but our teacher was absolutely confident that the money—all $.10 of it—was not merely “lost,” but actually stolen. Our teacher, Mrs. Farmer, initiated an inquisition. She began by quizzing each of us about the missing dime. None confessed. Next, Mrs. Farmer had us cover our heads on our desk while asking for the guilty individual to secretly raise his or her hand. The promise was given that, in doing so, all would be forgotten. No hands. Every effort to find the “criminal” failed.

Finally our determined teacher announced that the entire class would miss recess until someone confessed. Mrs. Farmer then walked out of the room. At that point we first graders became a self-appointed posse and the perpetrator was uncovered. The dime was returned and we all enjoyed recess.

Why can’t evangelical Christianity patrol its own? Why do we need the government to uncover the unethical among us? In other words, why can’t the evangelical community be at least as responsible as a bunch of first graders? 

Should we really need a Senate committee to tell us that a television preacher who has multiple million dollar homes is not following the teachings of Christ? Should we need a politician to tell us that this “seed faith” nonsense of “send me $10 and God will give you $100” is sub-Christian? Should we need Big Brother to tell us that garages filled with exotic cars might not be part of the biblical description of a pastor? Sadly, perhaps we do.

Much of today’s church is motivated by the same principle motivating our culture, namely, greed. Many of today’s television preachers share the same message: God wants you to be rich. Not rich in love or joy or peace or service, but in money and material possessions.

The idea is that the more money you give to the church, the more money you personally get. It’s like a divine lottery—you can’t win if you don’t play. God becomes a supernatural slot machine. Put in a dollar and if you say the right words or have enough faith $100 will come out. You don’t need to work, sweat, apply yourself, sacrifice or exercise discipline—just sow your seed.

Of course, this flies in the face of numerous warnings in Scripture about greed and the necessity of work and perseverance. But hey, it’s easy and it seems to work—at least for the preacher. The excesses are obvious and at times obscene.

If the doctrine preached by the prosperity teachers has no place in Christian orthodoxy, then why are they so successful? Greed. It seems that the people who follow them are motivated far more by the all mighty dollar than the Almighty. 

Okay, man is naturally greedy, but why doesn’t the Christian community make a better effort to expose these teachers? Why do we need the United States Senate to uncover their excesses? One simple word: Power. American Evangelicalism has become so enamored with political power that we “wink” at false doctrine as long as we agree on political and moral issues. If “Rev. Johnnie Glitterteeth” and “Rev. Sendmeyourseed” stand against abortion and the homosexual political agenda then their false doctrine—no matter how aberrant—is overlooked for the greater political good. In essence, we’re undermining the church and its doctrinal integrity, but saving America (which in the end really doesn’t save America, but that’s another column). 

It’s time for a new Reformation. The great Reformation of the 16th century began from within the church. Brave preachers stood up and challenged the false doctrine of their day and demanded a return to biblical fidelity and authority—even risking their lives to do so.

One thing is clear: there will be no winners in this Senate investigation. Excesses will be uncovered, legislation to control them will likely be passed and, consequently, all ministries will suffer under increased government scrutiny. The excesses and unbiblical lifestyles of many of today’s ministry leaders need to be exposed, but not by the Senate. 


Bob Burney is Salem Communications’ award-winning host of Bob Burney Live, heard weekday afternoons on WRFD-AM 880 in Columbus, Ohio. Contact Bob at [email protected].

God’s House Needs Cleaning, but Not by the U.S. Senate