re: Megachurch pastor buys wife a $200,000 Lamborghini

quote:

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It was almost as though we were insulting Jesus himself for pointing out how ridiculous it was that a pastor was able to afford all those luxury cars for his family based off gifts given to his "church."

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That's the hustle. Only satan would want to fight God's people. It's beat into every member of many of our churches.

Some issues that I have:

First, I hate these nondenominational churches that are structured like family businesses. Generally, denominational churches have certain requirements regarding their business structure. These requirements are very similar to IRS requirements for 501c3's. The business is a corporation, with the board being elected from the congregation, and that board selects officers for the church. These officers run the business side of the church, including selecting a pastor. Also, the denomination oversight generally requires a clause in the articles that all assets will go to another nonprofit styled organization if the church stops pursuing its purpose.

On the other hand, a lot of these nondenominational churches are structured IDENTICAL to family businesses. Whether structured as an llc or corporation, the pastor and his family constitute the entire board, officers, and/or members of the organization. Also, many do not include clauses in the articles that require the assets to flow to a similar organization after the church ceases to exist. When the family decides to shut down the church, they just walk away with the money.

Furthermore, with no oversight, these frickers treat the church like the Clinton Foundation. Friends and family have free access to use church property for their own personal uses, and most of the family members are on the payrolls.

If you go to one of these nondenominational churches, you should ask a few questions about its articles, bylaws, and/or operating agreements. I'd bet that 60%, or more, are organized EXACTLY like a family business, with no protections for the assets in the future. However, be warned; you will be doing satan's work by asking for accountability. Have fun looking for a new place of worship when they run your arse out.

Marvin Gorman would probably be a good example. The members of his church in NOLA likely took a fricking.