MinistryWatch Podcast

Here are some of the resources mentioned in today’s EXTRA episode: A recent defense of public schools appeared in Christianity Today, written by Stefani McDade, the magazine’s theology editor. She cited popular writer and speaker Jen Wilkin, who has made faith-led arguments in favor of public education. Here at MinistryWatch, we take an active interest in Christian education. We include Christian schools and colleges in our database. We think they are vital institutions, with the power to advance God’s kingdom and the mission of the church.

On today’s program, Bethany Christian Services is suing Michigan for religious discrimination after the state denied its contracts to resettle refugee families. We’ll have details. And, as we recognize another solemn anniversary of 9/11, we look at one ministry helping military heroes win the war back at home. Plus, a new survey shows that giving to churches and charities is down—by a lot. But first, China has closed its foreign adoption program, leaving families devastated. The decision announced on September 5 by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning brings the 30-year program to an end, with exceptions for international residents adopting blood relatives or stepchildren. The program officially ended August 28.  The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh. We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today’s program include Bob Smietana, Kim Roberts, Bobby Ross Jr., Paul Clolery, Brittany Smith, and Christina Darnell. A special thanks to Religion UnPlugged and The NonProfit Times for contributing material for this week’s podcast. Until next time, may God bless you.   MANUSCRIPT   FIRST SEGMENT Warren: Hello everybody. I’m Warren Smith, coming to you from Charlotte, North Carolina. Natasha: And I’m Natasha Cowden, coming to you from Denver, Colorado. And we’d like to welcome you to the MinistryWatch podcast. Warren: On today’s program, Bethany Christian Services is suing Michigan for religious discrimination after the state denied its contracts to resettle refugee families. We’ll have details. And, as we recognize another solemn anniversary of 9/11, we look at one ministry helping military heroes win the war back at home. Plus, a new survey shows that giving to churches and charities is down—by a lot. We’ll take a look. Natasha: But first, China has closed its foreign adoption program, leaving families devastated. Warren: The decision announced on September 5 by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning brings the 30-year program to an end, with exceptions for international residents adopting blood relatives or stepchildren. The program officially ended August 28. Natasha: What’s going to happen for families who were in the process of adopting? Warren: The State Department is “seeking written clarification from the [People’s Republic of China] authorities regarding the impact on intercountry adoption cases already in process and will maintain close communication with Adoption Service Providers and prospective adoptive parents.” Lifeline Children’s Services, the largest evangelical adoption ministry in the U.S., had about 48 families who had been matched with Chinese children and were in shock and disbelief at the news. Several of the families had met the children and spent time with them in their homes through a hosting program put on by Lifeline. Joshua Zhong and Lily Nie, two Chinese immigrants who founded Cherish Children Adoption International (CCAI), the largest adoption agency for Chinese children said China’s program for international adoption was considered a model for the world with more transparency and less corruption than others. It had been praised by the United States government. Natasha: What’s going to happen to the orphans in China? Warren: Zhong doesn’t know whether they will receive the appropriate counseling, especially those who were expecting to be adopted. The Chinese program is better equipped with resources than it was 30 years ago. CCAI will continue its charitable efforts, including childcare, foster care, medical services, educational funds, and disaster relief to help the thousands of abandoned children in China. Natasha: Next, Bethany Christian Services sues the state of Michigan. Warren: Bethany Christian Services has filed a federal lawsuit against the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and th...

(RNS) — A group of evangelical broadcasters is suing the Internal Revenue Service over the Johnson Amendment, a tax law that bars nonprofits from supporting political candidates. National Religious Broadcasters convention attendees await Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (RNS photo/Bob Smietana) Lawyers for the National Religious Broadcasters, along with two Baptist churches and a conservative group called Intercessors for America, argue in their suit that the ban on engaging in politics restricts their freedom of speech and freedom of religion. They further argue that the IRS ignores the politicking of some charities, while threatening to punish others. In particular, lawyers for the groups claim that newspapers and other news outlets that have become nonprofits in recent years, such as the Philadelphia Inquirer, endorse candidates. Why can’t churches or other Christian groups, they want to know, do the same? “Plaintiffs believe that nonprofit newspapers have a clear constitutional right to make such endorsements or statements,” read the complaint filed Wednesday (Aug. 28) in the United States District Court of the Eastern District of Texas, Tyler Division. “Plaintiffs simply contend that they should also have the same freedom of speech.” The lawsuit is the latest challenge to the Johnson Amendment, a 1954 law that has long been the bane of conservative groups and, in particular, preachers seeking to become more involved in politics. The ban on taking sides in campaigns — including endorsements or campaign contributions — applies to nonprofits that fall under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. For years Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative legal group, organized “pulpit freedom” Sundays designed to have preachers violate IRS rules by endorsing candidates from the pulpit. As president, Donald Trump signed an executive order designed to give more leeway under IRS rules. The current lawsuit pitches its argument toward similar religious freedom principles. “For too long, churches have been instructed to remain silent on pressing matters of conscience and conviction during election season or risk their 501(c)(3) status,” said NRB President Troy A. Miller in a statement announcing the lawsuit. But the growing number of nonprofit newsrooms has added a new twist to the arguments over the Johnson Amendment that has to do with fairness. Those newsrooms, the complaint argues, should be required to abide by the same rules as other charities. Access to MinistryWatch content is free.  However, we hope you will support our work with your prayers and financial gifts.  To make a donation, click here. “Hundreds of newspapers are organized under § 501(c)(3), and yet many openly endorse political candidates,” lawyers for NRB and its co-plaintiff argued in their complaint. “Others make statements about political candidates that constitute forbidden statements under the IRS’ interpretation of the statutory prohibition against supporting or opposing candidates.” The Institute for Nonprofit News, with about 450 member organizations, including RNS, does not accept members that endorse candidates. “Nonprofit news organizations do not endorse candidates and, under IRS guidelines, should not favor any candidate for public office in coverage or other action,” the INN’s guidelines for members state. Karen Rundlet, the CEO and executive director of the INN, told RNS in an email that grants made to nonprofits often bar those funds from being used for political activity. The complaint points specifically to the Inquirer’s candidate endorsements, as well as articles critical of candidates in other nonprofit publications from 2012 to the present, claiming all violated IRS rules with impunity. While nonprofit newspapers such as the Salt Lake Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times no longer ma...

Here are some resources mentioned in this podcast episode: For a written version of this commentary, click here. Click here for my reporting on the Lakeland Outpouring for WORLD. I investigated more than a dozen so-called “miracles” here. Click here to read more about spiritual abuse. The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh. Until next time, may God bless you.

On today’s program, Morningstar Ministries is undergoing a leadership shakeup…after its CEO resigned, allegations of sexual misconduct began to arise. We’ll have details. And, many Christian colleges have fallen on hard times. But a Christian university in Georgia has been trying out new ways to grow enrollment…and it appears to be working. We’ll take a look. Plus, Trinity International University is on the look out for a new president….just six months after its current president took the reins. But first, the National Religious Broadcasters is suing the IRS over the Johnson Amendment. The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh.  We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today’s program include Bob Smietana, Kim Roberts, Chris Moon, Tony Mator, and Brittany Smith. A special thanks to the Christian Standard for contributing material for this week’s podcast. Until next time, may God bless you.     MANUSCRIPT   FIRST SEGMENT Warren: Hello everybody. I’m Warren Smith, coming to you from Charlotte, North Carolina. Natasha: And I’m Natasha Cowden, coming to you from Denver, Colorado. And we’d like to welcome you to the MinistryWatch podcast. Warren: On today’s program, Morningstar Ministries is undergoing a leadership shakeup…after its CEO resigned, allegations of sexual misconduct began to arise. We’ll have details. And, many Christian colleges have fallen on hard times. But a Christian university in Georgia has been trying out new ways to grow enrollment…and it appears to be working. We’ll take a look. Plus, Trinity International University is on the look out for a new president….just six months after its current president took the reins. Natasha: But first, the National Religious Broadcasters is suing the I-R-S over the Johnson Amendment.. Warren: A group of evangelical broadcasters is suing the Internal Revenue Service over the Johnson Amendment, a tax law that bars nonprofits from supporting political candidates. Lawyers for the National Religious Broadcasters, along with two Baptist churches and a conservative group called Intercessors for America, argue in their suit that the ban on engaging in politics restricts their freedom of speech and freedom of religion. They further argue that the IRS ignores the politicking of some charities, while threatening to punish others. Natasha: Do they have examples to support their claim? Warren: Lawyers for the groups claim that newspapers and other news outlets that have become nonprofits in recent years, such as the Philadelphia Inquirer, endorse candidates. Why can’t churches or other Christian groups, they want to know, do the same? Natasha: The lawsuit is the latest challenge to the Johnson Amendment, a 1954 law that has long been the bane of conservative groups and, in particular, preachers seeking to become more involved in politics. The ban on taking sides in campaigns — including endorsements or campaign contributions — applies to nonprofits that fall under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code.  Warren: The current lawsuit pitches its argument toward religious freedom principles. But the growing number of nonprofit newsrooms has added a new twist to the arguments over the Johnson Amendment that has to do with fairness. Those newsrooms, the complaint argues, should be required to abide by the same rules as other charities. The complaint points specifically to the Inquirer’s candidate endorsements, as well as articles critical of candidates in other nonprofit publications from 2012 to the present, claiming all violated IRS rules with impunity. A spokesman for the IRS declined to comment, citing the pending litigation. The NRB did not respond to a series of questions from RNS about the lawsuit. Natasha: Next, the president of MorningStar Ministries, a prominent charismatic ministry just outside of Ch...

For 2000 years Christians have heeded the call of The Great Commission to “go into all the world.” Christian missionaries have become some of the heroes of the faith, the subject of books, songs, and movies. But we rarely hear about the children of these missionaries. In the past few years, stories of spiritual and sexual abuse of missionary kids have started making news. Sometimes, even when there is no abuse, there is neglect and isolation, as many missionary kids, or MKs, are shuttled off to boarding schools, or follow their parents from one missionary assignment to another, often having to leave friends and support structures behind. Recent research suggests that there are more than 425,000 Christian missionaries in the world today, and many hundreds of thousands of current and former missionary kids. Recent research suggests that MKs experience childhood trauma at a rate nearly twice that of kids raised in the United States. The result is that MKs are often left with questions about God and their own faith if their own commitment doesn’t match their missionary parents. Joy Smalley was one of those missionary kids. Her parents were missionaries to Mongolia, and she was raised in conditions that at times compromised her safety and caused her to question her own faith. Ultimately, she did not reject her faith, and her story is one that evangelicals need to hear if we hope not only to be obedient to the Great Commission, but also to be obedient to Scripture’s commands to “suffer the children” in our midst, to protect them and raise them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Her book is Abraham’s Daughter: Healing Trauma from a Childhood in Missions. She spoke to me from her home in Tustin, California. The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh. I’m your host Warren Smith. Please join me on Friday when Natasha Cowden and I recap the week’s news. Until then, may God bless you.

On today’s program, three years after sexual abuse allegations surfaced against the late apologist Ravi Zacharias, imploding his organization and his legacy, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries appears to remain in operation…with little to no transparency. We dug around for some answers. Plus, a Knoxville-area ministry is restoring dignity and hope to its homeless population. We’ll take a look. And, the latest from a recent survey on the state of church compensation. We’ll have details. But first, the founder of Barnabas Aid has been forced to resign over allegations of financial mismanagement and a toxic work culture. The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh.  We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today’s program include Kim Roberts, Tony Mator, Marci Seither, Adelle Banks, Catherine Pepinster, and Christina Darnell. Until next time, may God bless you. MANUSCRIPT FIRST SEGMENT Warren: Hello everybody. I’m Warren Smith, coming to you from Charlotte, North Carolina. Natasha: And I’m Natasha Cowden, coming to you from Denver, Colorado. And we’d like to welcome you to the MinistryWatch podcast. Warren: On today’s program, three years after sexual abuse allegations surfaced against the late apologist Ravi Zacharias, imploding his organization and his legacy, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries appears to remain in operation…with little to no transparency. We dug around for some answers. Plus, a Knoxville-area ministry is restoring dignity and hope to its homeless population. We’ll take a look. And, the latest from a recent survey on the state of church compensation. We’ll have details. Natasha: But first, the founder of Barnabas Aid has been forced to resign over allegations of financial mismanagement and a toxic work culture. Warren: Patrick Sookhdeo, his wife Rosemarie, and two members of the United Kingdom board of trustees—Caroline Kerslake and Prasad Phillips—were suspended from leadership until an independent investigation can be completed. While the U.S. affiliate and fundraising arm of Barnabas Aid, also known as Barnabas Fund, has a different CEO than the U.K. affiliate, the Sookhdeos, Kerslake, and Phillips are all listed as board members of Barnabas Aid in the U.S.A. Natasha: What happened?? Warren: Following whistleblower complaints earlier this year, some members of the board began raising questions about the management of the charity and charity funds. The statement Barnabas Aid said it appears the Sookhdeos were among those who failed to comply with the internal policies and created a “toxic work environment” that undermined the staff’s feeling that they could voice their concerns. “In addition, we have also identified significant payments made to the founders (and to others close to them—including some Board Members/Trustees) which cannot be readily explained. Ample opportunity has been provided to the founders to explain those transactions but sadly they have refused to cooperate,” the Barnabas Aid statement added. Natasha: This wasn’t the first time that the founders have been in the news Warren: Barnabas Founder Patrick Sookhdeo was found guilty in 2015 for one count of sexual assault and two counts of witness intimidation, charges Sookhdeo vehemently denies. A few years later, in 2020, a UK employment tribunal found Sookhdeo guilty of condemning and shunning the ministry’s head of research, Dr. Martin Parsons. Barnabas said in a statement that at the time of the allegations, Sookhdeo was not working for Barnabas, but was working in its offices while carrying out his role for the Oxford Centre for Religion and Public Life. In the MinistryWatch database, Barnabas Aid (USA) receives a four-star financial efficiency rating, an A transparency grade, and the highest donor confidence score of 100.

A luxury 24-acre estate with six houses and 22 garage parking spaces may not meet most people’s definition of a parsonage. But the tax code says otherwise—this one Texas home is turning heads after being listed on realtor.com for $15 million. Located in a Houston suburb, the property is the home of Bishop I.V. Hilliard and his wife, Pastor Bridget Hilliard. It belongs to New Light Church (also known as New Light Christian Center Church), a multi-site, Word of Faith megachurch that the Hilliards founded in 1984.    The listing says the compound “boasts a lake stocked with trophy bass, a magazine worthy primary estate, five junior estates, a resort style pool with cabanas,” an office complex with a fitness center, and an owners’ suite with a 25-foot high ceiling, and its own private exercise room and jacuzzi tub. Other features include two wet bars, a banquet hall, a home theater, a hair salon, and a commercial-grade kitchen. Appraised in 2023 at $7,966,887, the property would have incurred an estimated $152,168 in annual property taxes. But thanks to the parsonage tax exemption, the Hilliards and their church enjoy a tax liability most homeowners in their 28,000-member congregation can only dream of: zero. According to The Christian Post, in 2021 an attorney representing New Light Church told the Houston Chronicle the tax exemption was justified because the estate is used as a minister’s retreat and conference center.  However, this is not the first time the Hilliards, who teach a form of the so-called Prosperity Gospel, have made headlines for their lavish lifestyle and use of church donations.  In 2013, Bishop Hilliard, who has an estimated net worth of $22 million, sparked criticism with a fundraiser mailing that asked supporters to donate $52 each to replace the blades of his helicopter. "I heard that still small voice of the Holy Spirit say 'tell your special partners who have special transportation needs' and their obedience will release favor for their needs and desires,” the letter read. "I believe with all my heart this message is for you and your doing something today is the key to releasing this favor on your transportation situation! Send me the transportation need or dream you have by completing the online petition when you sow a $52.00 transportation favor seed believing in 52 days or 52 weeks you will experience breakthrough favor!"  Hilliard defended the letter, stressing the importance of the helicopter for serving the church’s six campuses and denying he had made any “bogus claims, prophecies or guarantees promising the donor will receive their dream mode of transportation in 52 days or 52 weeks.” But one vocal critic, Pastor Saiko Woods of the now defunct His Word, His Way Fellowship Church in Sugar Land, Texas, argued, “I’ve seen this man’s home. I’ve seen where he lives. You can’t tell me you don’t have $50,000 you can pay out of your own pocket.” As to why the parsonage has been put on the market, no statement has been released. New Light Church Parsonage / Realtor.com In 2018, Bishop Hilliard passed the mantle of senior pastor to his daughter Irishea Hilliard, who lives across the street from him in a home valued at $4.7 million. Another daughter, Tiny Hilliard Egan, lives across the street in a house valued at about $4.15 million. A third daughter, Kermeshea Hilliard Evans, is estranged from the family and wrote a memoir, Going to Church to Catch Hell, about growing up in the ministry. According to New Light’s website, Bishop Hilliard and his wife continue to be active in the church, pursuing “passion projects” including Hilliard Faith University, Love City and B’s Girls. The bishop’s Facebook page indicates that he continues to do frequent speaking engagements, such as the recent Adventurous Faith seminar. New Light Church was once named by Church Report magazine as one of America’s 50 most influential churches.

Many of our neighbors have succumbed to what the French philosopher Jacques Ellul called “the political illusion.” What is it, and what can we do to resist it? Here are a couple of resources mentioned on today’s episode: Ellul explained the “political illusion” in his 1965 book L’illusion politique. It was published in English in 1967. To read my interview with Christopher Watkin, click here.) According to a recent Gallup survey, a majority of Americans now believe abortion should be legal in all or most circumstances. That finding represents a significant shift in attitude in just the past few years. To read about the pastor’s conference hosted by Turning Point USA, click on our report here. To read a written version of this commentary, click here. The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh. Until next time, may God bless you!

On today’s program, Gateway Church in Dallas, Texas, continues to struggle in the aftermath of sexual abuse allegations against its founder Robert Morris—including NEW sexual abuse allegations, the cancellation of its annual Gateway conference, and more. We’ll look at the latest. And, Megan Basham is under fire from fellow journalists for naming an alleged sexual assault victim in her new book ‘Shepherds for Sale.’ We’ll have details. Plus, the largest seminaries in the U.S. But first, election season is in full swing, and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk is urging pastors to mobilize their churches for Trump. The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh.  We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today’s program include Tony Mator, Kim Roberts, Zach Rivas, Mallory Challis, Scott Barkley,  Chloë-Arizona Fodor, Jeffrey Walton, Brittany Smith, and Christina Darnell. Special thanks to Baptist Press, Baptist News Global, and the Institute on Religion & Democracy for contributing material for this week’s podcast. Until next time, may God bless you.   MANUSCRIPT   FIRST SEGMENT Warren: Hello everybody. I’m Warren Smith, coming to you from Charlotte, North Carolina. Natasha:  And I’m Natasha Cowden, coming to you from Denver, Colorado. And we’d like to welcome you to the MinistryWatch podcast. Warren: On today’s program, Gateway Church in Dallas, Texas, continues to struggle in the aftermath of sexual abuse allegations against its founder Robert Morris—including NEW sexual abuse allegations, the cancellation of its annual Gateway conference, and more. We’ll look at the latest. And, Megan Basham is under fire from fellow journalists for naming an alleged sexual assault victim in her new book ‘Shepherds for Sale.’ We’ll have details. Plus, the largest seminaries in the U-S. Natasha: But first, election season is in full swing, and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk is urging pastors to mobilize their churches for Trump. Warren: Point USA (TPUSA) founder Charlie Kirk pulled no punches in his keynote address to pastors gathered for a July 31-Aug. 2 political training conference in a Dallas, Texas, suburb. His message: Pastors need to vote for Donald Trump, they need to become activists, and they need to mobilize their congregations to do likewise. “There is only one way to save this country,” Kirk said. “Awake the beast that is the American church.” A lot of online commentators said that Kirk had a lot of fun with the unintended irony of Kirk’s statement. They noted that in Scripture, the word “beast” is often used to describe Satan, while the preferred metaphors for describing the church in Scripture is not beast, but Bride of Christ or Body of Christ. Natasha: That wasn’t the only irony of this event. Warren: While the “Igniting the Remnant Pastors” conference was ostensibly nonpartisan the event provided a receptive audience for Kirk’s overt endorsement of Trump. Natasha: Tell us more about Kirk’s talk, I heard he talked tough and hurled some insults. Warren: He said, “The American church is a joke in this country,” he said. “It is a church filled with cowards and people that call themselves pastors but are really motivational speakers. Natasha: Next, the latest in the ongoing saga of Gateway Church Warren: Gateway Church, the Dallas-area megachurch started by Robert Morris, is facing additional sexual abuse allegations in addition to those revealed against Morris earlier this summer that led to his resignation. Last week, a lawsuit was filed in Tarrant County, Texas, alleging a 17-year-old member of the Gateway Church youth group sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl also attending the church youth group. The alleged assault took place in 2017. Natasha: The lawsuit names Gabriel Reece Snyder, now 25,