What happens when the institution around faith becomes more powerful than the faith itself? This condensed 7-minute version (from the original 3 hours) of the Shawn Ryan Show with guest Nathan Apffel exposes how megachurches, tax rules, and opaque finances can shield leaders and divert giving. Hosts: Shawn Ryan; Guest: Nathan Apffel. You'll learn practical insights on financial transparency, church accountability, tithing theology, IRS rules (inurement), and legal workarounds like housing allowances and LLCs that can privatize donor dollars. Nathan outlines clear actions: read scripture, ask basic financial questions of ministries (top salaries, board composition, housing allowances), and use tools that direct donations to accountable charities. This summary highlights the difference between authentic ekklesia and institutional culture, offers examples of misuse of funds, and points to reforms that return stewardship to congregants. Keywords: megachurches, financial transparency, church accountability, tithing, nonprofit law. Listen now to get the key ideas in minutes.
