Shows
MinistryWatch PodcastEp. 465: Roland Warren on the Merger of CareNet and ICU MobileYou don’t see a lot of mergers in the Christian ministry space, but one recent merger caught our eye here at MinistryWatch. That merger was between CareNet and ICU Mobile. We thought it would be good to have Roland Warren back on the program to explain why and how this merger occurred.
Regular listeners to the program will remember that we had Roland on the show last year to discuss his book The Alternative to Abortion: Why We Must Be Pro Abundant Life. I’ll have a link to that program in today’s show notes.
2025-05-1420 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 464: Cross Timbers Church, Evangelical Leaders Petition Trump, Donations Increase While Donors DeclineOn today’s program, Milestone Church in North Texas announced this week it is expanding its campuses by absorbing Cross Timbers Church in nearby Argyle. Cross Timbers has faced a series of challenges in the past year, including the forced resignation of its senior pastor. We’ll have details.
Plus, prominent evangelical leaders petition President Trump to allow Afghan refugees to remain in the U.S. Refugees face arrest, torture, and possibly death by the Taliban if deported back to Afghanistan. We’ll take a look.
A new survey shows the number of donors continued to dro...2025-05-0930 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 462: Dr. Michael Brown, Wycliffe Bible Translators, TD Jakes, and MoreOn today’s program, a team of elders is recommending Dr. Michael Brown return to public ministry in spite of a recent report concluding that he engaged in sexual misconduct. We’ll have details.
And, the Presbyterian Church USA—historically, very involved in evangelistic efforts—is now closing its missions agency. Theologians say they are not surprised given the denomination’s leftward drift.
Plus, more than a year after Wycliffe Bible Translators listed its sprawling Orlando headquarters for sale, its status remains unclear with the property still marked “under contract.” MinistryWatch reporter Shannon Cuthrell takes a closer look...2025-05-0233 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 459: Dr. Michael Brown, Bob Jones University, The Salvation ArmyOn today’s program, Dr. Michael Brown of The Line of Fire was the subject of an independent investigation late last year. The findings of that report have now been released, allegedly finding that Brown DID engage in misconduct with two women who were not his wife. We’ll have details.
And, is Bob Jones University facing closure? The school’s president says no—but alumni aren’t so sure. We’ll take a closer look.
Plus, The Salvation Army in Denver is embroiled in protests, violence, and a failed $3 million bid to provide housing to the city’...2025-04-2529 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 455: Bob Jones University, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Myanmar ReliefOn today’s program, Bob Jones University President Josh Crockett announced this week that he may be transitioning into a different role—he’s served as president of the school for less than a year. We’ll have details.
Faith Life Church in Ohio is facing backlash after sexual abuse allegations prompt further scrutiny into some of its financial and governmental practices. We’ll take a look.
Plus, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School is moving to Canada after agreeing to be acquired by another university.
But first, Pastor Rodney Finch’s Calvary Chapel Cary has sold its 9.8-acre church property in Apex, North...2025-04-1126 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 453: Johnny Hunt and the SBC and Paula White’s Passover ControversyOn today’s program, a judge dismisses all but one of Johnny Hunt’s claims in his defamation case against the Southern Baptist Convention. The SBC has already spent more than $3 million in legal fees on the Hunt case. We’ll have details.
Plus, Paula White is promising donors who give $1,000 to her ministry during Passover week seven “supernatural blessings” from God. MinistryWatch reporter Kim Roberts spoke with a scholar who specializes in the book of Exodus to dig into the Scripture Paula White uses to back her claims.
And, a new report shows that 1 in 12 Christians could be impacted by Preside...2025-04-0432 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 451: Willow Creek’s Dave Dummit, Steven Furtick’s Elevation Church & the State of the ChurchOn today’s program, Willow Creek Pastor Dave Dummit announced this week he is stepping down as leader of the influential Chicagoland megachurch. Leaders have also named his successor. And, revenue is down for Steven Furtick’s Elevation Church, while in-person membership is flat. We’ll take a closer look at the church’s 2024 annual report. Plus, the state of the church—Barna Group released its new report showing men have outpaced women in church attendance, reversing a longstanding trend. We’ll have details.
But first, more churches are leaving what’s known as ‘the Network,’ led by Steve Morgan. Nearly half of the...2025-03-2827 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 449: Robert Morris, USAID and Samaritan’s Purse, Steve LawsonOn today’s program, Gateway Church founder Robert Morris turns himself into authorities after a grand jury indicted him on child sexual abuse charges. We’ll have details. And, USAID unfreezes $19 million in funds for Samaritan’s Purse. We’ll take a look. Plus, nearly 200 ministries do NOT file a Form 990 with the IRS. We have that list, and many of the largest ministries in the country are on it.
But first, prominent pastor and theologian Steve Lawson breaks his silence six months after news surfaced that he was having an inappropriate relationship with a young woman. Steven Lawson, 73, who stepped...2025-03-2130 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 447: SBC Financial Challenges, Oklahoma Bible-Buying Plan Halted,On today’s program, the Southern Baptist Convention says the Department of Justice has wrapped up its investigation into the denomination’s handling of sexual abuse cases by its pastors and leaders. We’ll take a look.
Also, evangelical ministry leaders hold a vigil to protest the Trump Administration’s defunding of foreign aid. Plus, one ministry whose funding was canceled…then reinstated…but its operations remain in limbo. We’ll have details.
But first, Oklahoma’s state superintendent of public instruction is asking Americans to donate money to send Bibles into public school classrooms, though the Oklahoma Supreme Court has temporarily...2025-03-1428 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 445: Trump and NPO Resettlement Agencies, 50 Ministries Receiving Gov’t Funds, DOJ Intervenes In Behalf of ChurchesOn today’s program, the Trump administration cancels grants to refugee aid agencies…despite legal battles. We’ll take a look.
And, a staggering 30 percent of nonprofits don’t survive a full decade—but when they go under, what happens to their assets? Our finance writer Shannon Cuthrell digs into the hidden risks and loopholes of nonprofit dissolutions.
And, we’ve released our MinistryWatch list of the 50 Christian ministries receiving the largest government grants.
But first, the U-S Department of Justice has intervened on behalf of a Pennsylvania church trying to expand.
The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh. We ge...2025-03-0732 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 443: Ligonier Ministries, Elevation Church, Liberty University, and Church Planting in the Pacific NorthwestOn today’s program, Dr. Burk Parsons of Ligonier Ministries has been suspended from pastoral duties at St. Andrew’s Chapelwhere he is senior pastor. He is now under investigation by the Central Florida Presbytery. We’ll have details.
And, Elevation Church has fired its youth pastor amid allegations of sexual misconduct from a decade ago. We’ll take a look.
Also, after 16 months of wrangling and civil suits, Beverly Heights Presbyterian Church in Pennsylvania has officially left the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.
But first, a former Liberty University employee is suing the school for discrimination and retaliation.
The producer for today’s...2025-02-2827 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 440: Hillsong, TD Jakes, the Presbyterian Church in America, and Calvary ChapelOn today’s program, another congregation is leaving the Hillsong fold…leaving only 5 Hillsong churches in the U-S. We’ll have details.
And, T.D. Jakes filed an affidavit in response to allegations that he made sexual advances toward two other ministers decades ago. We’ll take a look.
Plus, the Presbyterian Church in America issued an apology and removed a webpage with advice on how immigrants can avoid being detained.
But first, after months of turmoil, Calvary Chapel Cary in North Carolina is closing. Months after Calvary Chapel Cary discovered its lead pastor, Rodney Finch, had secretly listed the church f...2025-02-2125 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 438: Archegos Capital Management, He Gets Us at the Super Bowl, T.D. JakesOn today’s program, two former leaders from Archegos Capital Management have dropped their financial claims against disgraced Christian philanthropist Bill Hwang. Why did they drop out, and what does that mean for the other staff members hoping to collect $32 million? We’ll have details.
And, the controversial ‘He Gets Us’ ads showcased its message again at Sunday’s Super Bowl game. After critics last year labeled the ads too political, this year’s version was decidedly less so. We’ll take a look.
Plus, Mission Aviation Fellowship co-founder Jack Hemmings dies at 103…in 2024, he became the oldest pilot to fly a spitfire.
...2025-02-1428 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 435: IHOPKC and Mike Bickle, Samaritan’s Purse Dodges Freeze on Aid, 50 Largest Relief and Development MinistriesOn today’s program, an independent investigation into the International House of Prayer in Kansas City and its founder Mike Bickle was released this week…finding 17 cases of abuse leveled against him.
Samaritan’s Purse dodges the Trump administration’s freeze on foreign aid. Other ministries—especially those working to resettle refugees—aren’t faring as well, however…many face furloughs as they scramble to support the thousands of refugees already in the United States depending on them for rent and basic necessities. We’ll take a look.
And, the 50 largest relief and development ministries in the MinistryWatch database.
But first, Church of t...2025-02-0726 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 432: The King’s College, Orphanages, Chinese Adoptions, and ImmigrationOn today’s program, The King’s College in New York City shut its doors in 2023 under a mountain of debt—now, it’s launching a ‘go-forward plan’ in an effort to reopen. We’ll have details.
And, a ministry in the U-K is urging Christians to stop giving to orphanages…and instead give to organizations that focus on family-based care. But when it comes to effective orphan care, is that the best way forward? We reached out to U-S based ministries to get their take.
Plus, a NC church is shutting its doors…and is leveraging an IRS mandate to donate its asse...2025-01-3126 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 430: Kanakuk, Climbing the “Benefits Cliff,” and Pastors and PlanesOn today’s program, the lawsuit against Kanakuk Kamps brought by Logan Yandell has been dismissed. Yandell was a former camper who was sexually abused at the camp by leader Pete Newman. We’ll take a look. Also, in the next episode of our Generous Living series, a story about how $4 an hour changed the life trajectory of a young mom. And, Pastors and Planes—after tracking planes owned by more than 40 ministries, who was the biggest user of private aircraft…and how much did it cost donors?
But first, an Ohio pastor has been found guilty of criminal charges for prov...2025-01-2428 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 428: Joyce Meyer Leaves Daystar, Financial Lessons From a Florida Church, Remembering “Coach Mac”On today’s program, Joyce Meyer joins a slew of popular televangelists who have pulled their programs from Daystar Television Network amid accusations the network’s president Joni Lamb covered up the sexual abuse of her granddaughter. We’ll have details.
Also, a long-time employee of a Florida church was sentenced to 2 years in prison for embezzling almost $1 million…the church is speaking out now with lessons it has learned. We’ll take a look.
And, legendary coach and founder of Promise Keepers, Bill McCartney, has died after a long battle with dementia. At its height in the 1990s, Promise Keepers dr...2025-01-1725 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 426 : Scandal Plagued Orange Merges, Sean Feucht Ministries, John MacArthur Health UpdateOn today’s program, Orange—a church curriculum publisher who faced its share of scandal last year—announces plans to merge with another organization. We’ll have details.
Also, an Atlanta Church gives $100 million to missions. We’ll take a look.
And, Sean Feucht Ministries’ transparency grade drops to an “F”—and its Donor Confidence Score plunges to a 21…out of 100.
But first, Grace Community Church responds to rumors that pastor John MacArthur is on the verge of death. California megachurch pastor and author John MacArthur remains in the hospital undergoing tests as he recovers from a difficult year of health issues, inclu...2025-01-1024 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 423: Chateauroux Fellowship, Olivet University, and Generosity Leads to HappinessOn today’s program, Chateauroux Fellowship claims to connect billionaires with Christian ministries…but we were not able to confirm with any ministries that they had received any of the funds. We’ll have details.
And, a small reformed denomination commissioned a report by Guidepost solutions to investigate handling of sexual abuse cases…then it reversed its decision. We’ll take a look at what happened.
Plus, a new study finds that Christians are the most charitable…and the happiest.
But first, California revokes Olivet University’s approval to operate—but the school says it plans to stay open anyway.
The producer for...2024-12-2029 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 421: Dr. Michael Brown, Bob Jones University, and PCUSA Decline ContinuesOn today’s program, author and teacher Dr Michael Brown of the radio program Line of Fire has agreed to a third-party investigation after being accused of sexual impropriety. We’ll have details.
And, we remember two anniversaries this week—the release of a GRACE investigation into Bob Jones University and their handling of sexual abuse cases, and the fall of Mars Hill Church. We take time to reflect on both—lessons learned and where things stand now.
Plus, overall membership in the Presbyterian Church USA continues to fall—except among people who identify as genderqueer. We’ll take a look.
But fi...2024-12-1328 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 429: Morningstar Dispute Settled, Bill Hwang Sentenced, and T.D. Jakes UpdatesOn today’s program, MorningStar Fellowship Church in South Carolina reaches a settlement with York County after a decade-long dispute over Heritage Tower—a building originally owned by Jim Bakker’s Praise the Lord Ministries. We’ll have details.
And, Christian philanthropist Bill Hwang was sentenced for a $10 billion fraud. We’ll take a look.
Plus, another Christian college is on the ropes. Saint Augustine’s University in North Carolina slashes its workforce by 50% in its fight to retain accreditation.
But first, a week after suffering a dangerous health incident during a Sunday morning church service, Bishop T.D. Jakes updated his...2024-12-0630 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 417: Texas Churches Help Ukranian Refugees, Gateway Church Developments, and Tony CampoloOn today’s program, a former member of Village Church of Bartlett in Illinois is suing the church for defamation after the pastor allegedly accused her of an affair. Another family who supported the victim was also excommunicated. We’ll have details.
And, last year, Texas Christians provided Thanksgiving dinner to a group of Ukrainian refugees. This year, those same refugees thanked the Texas church with a festive feast of their own. We’ll take a look.
Plus, Tony Campolo, sociologist and famed ‘Red Letter Christian,’ has died at 89.
But first, donations to Gateway Church has taken a nosedive following scandals t...2024-11-2225 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 415: Missionary Murder for Hire, Archbishop of Canterbury ResignsOn today’s program, the wife of slain missionary Beau Shroyer has been arrested in connection with his death—investigators suspect she hired the man she was having an affair with to kill her husband. We’ll have details.
And, a Pennsylvania church trying to disassociate from the Evangelical Presbyterian Church has been charged for sharing information with MinistryWatch. We’ll take a look.
Plus, South Carolina pastor John-Paul Miller—whose wife Mica Miller died by suicide earlier this year—has been hit with an assault charge just days after FBI raided his house.
But first, the Church of England head Justice...2024-11-1520 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 413: My Faith Votes, Turning Point USA, Gateway ChurchOn today’s program, Jason Yates—the former president of the Christian advocacy group My Faith Votes—has been charged with possession of child pornography. We’ll have details.
Plus, Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA is rallying young people to become active in politics by establishing chapters on Christian college campuses. We’ll take a look.
And, results from our quarterly survey of ministry leaders—revenue decline remains the top ministry challenge.
But first, Gateway Church has removed four of its elders over former pastor Robert Morris’ sexual abuse scandal. Four elders at Gateway Church, whose senior pastor Robert Morris stepped d...2024-11-0827 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 412: Care Net’s Roland Warren on Pro (ABUNDANT) LifeIf you’ve been around me for a while, you know that I’m a fan of Roland Warren.
He’s been the president of Care Net, the nation’s largest network of pregnancy resource centers, for more than a decade. He’s been an advocate for the unborn for much longer than that. Roland Warren has also helped bring fathers into the pro-life conversation, in part because of a tenure as president of the National Fatherhood Initiative, a post he held before coming to Care Net.
I’ve interviewed Roland Warren many times over the years, including twice for my “Listenin...2024-11-0627 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 411: Hillsdale College, GRACE, Operation Underground RailroadOn today’s program, a lawsuit against Hillsdale College has been dismissed after students alleging they were raped sued the college for Title 9 violations. We’ll have details.
And, the nonprofit Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment—known as GRACE for short—turns 20 years old. We’ll look back at where they started—and where they’re going.
Plus, those subscriptions you forgot your paying for?...A new law will make it easy for you to unsubscribe, but it could also impact the recurring gifts to Christian ministries.
But first, Operation Underground Railroad…who continues distancing itself from its embroiled fo...2024-11-0126 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 409: Operation Underground Railroad, Eric Metaxas, Joni and FriendsOn today’s program, Operation Underground Railroad founder Tim Ballard sues for defamation after six women accuse him of sexual assault. We’ll have details.
And, MinistryWatch reporter Marci Seither visits Joni & Friends in Tennessee as the ministry ships off hundreds of donated wheelchairs. They head to a prison, where inmates are repairing the equipment, even as they work to repair their own lives.
Also, the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference announces the launch of new health initiatives, including mental health and financial health. We’ll take a look.
But first, relatives and scholars of Dietrich Bonhoeffer have issued a warnin...2024-10-2524 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 408: What Does Generosity Really Look Like? A Conversation with missionary Anthony SytsmaMost Christians who are active in church have been in this situation before. You’ve just listened to a compelling presentation about a need in some far-away corner of the world. Or perhaps it was a television program, or a commercial on your favorite Christian radio station. The need seems so great, and the story tugs at your heart strings. I’ve never heard of this organization before, but maybe it’s the Holy Spirit prompting me to give. What should I do?
Hello, everyone, I’m Warren Smith, the president of MinistryWatch. And I think it is biblical to test the...2024-10-2324 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 407: Cru and LGBTQ Issues, United Methodists, and Pastor BurnoutOn today’s program, Cru will stop using its current LGBTQ training program for staff by the end of this year. The change comes after facing accusations that the long-time campus ministry is compromising on biblical sexuality. We’ll have details.
Meanwhile, United Methodist churches in Liberia face protests and unrest as it deals with the fallout of the global denomination’s shift on LGBTQ issues. We’ll take a look.
And, American pastors are burned out and exhausted—but experts say that can change.
But first, a group of people affiliated with Morningstar church in South Carolina are calling for founde...2024-10-1826 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 406: How the U.S. Government Can Stop non-Churches From Being Treated Like ChurchesChristian ministries and other non-profit organizations have played a huge, positive role in American culture. If you don’t believe me, just read Benjamin Franklin, Alexis de Tocqueville, Robert Bellah, Rodney Stark, Arthur Brooks…the list goes on. Because of the positive influence in our culture, our laws encourage their work. They are not required to pay taxes on revenue, and donors to them get tax advantages as well. In exchange for these advantages, we ask only a couple of things: First, that they actually do the good work they promise to do, and – secondly – that they disclose enough details about th...2024-10-1720 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 405: BGEA Sues, Turmoil in the EPC & Kanakuk Sex Abuse LawsuitOn today’s program, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association threatens to sue after the group Evangelicals for Harris uses video of Billy Graham to make an anti-Trump ad. We’ll have details.
Plus, a storm is brewing within the Evangelical Presbyterian Church—some are asking if the denomination will stay true to its mission.
And, the leaders of Kanakuk Kamps are the defendants in a sexual abuse-related lawsuit. They tried to get parts of that lawsuit dismissed—and the court has handed down its decision. We’ll take a look.
But first, a class action lawsuit has been filed against Gateway Ch...2024-10-1124 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 403: Hurricane Helene Relief, Barnabas Aid, Ethnos 360On today’s program,, Christian ministries are on the forefront of relief efforts as cities in Western North Carolina grapple with loss after Hurricane Helene. We’ll take a look.
And, a Georgia congregation locked out of their own building after splitting from its parent church. We’ll have details.
Plus, the missions organization Ethnos 360 faces a lawsuit after a victim alleges that another missionary child abused her…and the ministry is continuing to allow the perpetrator access to other children.
But first, the United Kingdom has launched an investigation into Barnabas Aid.
The producer for today’s program is Jeff McInt...2024-10-0426 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 401: Steve Lawson, Steve Morgan and The Network, and Vince BantuOn today’s program, longtime pastor Steve Lawson was removed as pastor of Trinity Bible Church in Dallas over an ‘inappropriate relationship’ with a woman...now, ministries are dropping the author and teaching fellow as ripples of his affair spread. We’ll take a look.
And, devastated families share stories of being cut off by adult children involved in The Network—an association of churches started by Steve Morgan. We’ll have details.
Plus, two prominent pastors announce their plans for retirement.
But first, Fuller Seminary Professor Vince Bantu is being accused of a secret second marriage. Covenant Seminary in St. Louis, M...2024-09-2729 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 399: What’s Going On With Evangelical Giving?Giving is down among evangelical Christians, according to a new study by Infinity Concepts and Grey Matter Research.
The study—called The Giving Gap: Changes in Evangelical Generosity— found that 61% of evangelicals say they gave to their church in the last 12 months. That is down 13 percentage points from 2021 when 74% reported giving to their local congregation.
On today’s podcast, we unpack the results of that survey with one of its authors, Mark Driestadt. He’s the president of Infinity Concepts and someone I’ve come to know and respect over the past few years as one of the “wise men” in ministry fund...2024-09-2516 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 398: Bible Society of India, Alistair Begg, Morningstar FellowshipOn today’s program, the former president of Bible Society of India has been arrested for financial corruption related to his position at another ministry…raising questions about how he handled finances at the Bible Society. We’ll take a look.
And, an Illinois pastor has made it his mission to provide his community access to healthy food…by setting up a low-cost grocery store in a food desert.
Also, Alistair Begg announces his 20-25 retirement.
But first, Morningstar Fellowship Church in South Carolina is facing two more lawsuits that are alleging sexual abuse. Two more lawsuits have been filed against...2024-09-2027 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 395: Bethany Christian Services Sues Michigan, China Adoptions, 9/11 Heroes Get HelpOn 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 adopti...2024-09-1329 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 392: Morningstar Ministries Turmoil, NRB Sues IRS over Johnson AmendmentOn 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...2024-09-0626 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 391: Healing Trauma From A Childhood in Missions A conversation with Joy SmalleyFor 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 leav...2024-09-0432 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 390: Ravi Zacharias, Barnabas Aid Leader ResignsOn 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 produ...2024-08-3023 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 387: Gateway Church, Megan Basham, Turning Point USA, and MoreOn 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...2024-08-2326 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 384: Dave Ramsey, Andrew Wommack, Gordon CollegeOn today’s program, new life breathed into a lawsuit against Dave Ramsey’s company. A former employee claims he was fired for not sharing Ramsey’s religious beliefs on how to handle the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ll take a look at the court’s latest ruling in the case.
And, a Southern Baptist pastor in Florida faces a minimum sentence of life in prison without parole over harrowing child abuse allegations—but new state laws also mean the death penalty is on the table.
Also, Andrew Wommack announces plans to pass the baton to new leadership at Charis Bible College in C...2024-08-1626 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 381: Clint Pressley, Pastors and Politics,and Vineyard AnaheimOn today’s program, after a slew of controversies, Southern Baptists chose a low-key leader. We take a closer look at new SBC President Clint Pressley. And, Pastors and politics—legally, what are churches and other Christian nonprofits allowed to do when it comes to this year’s presidential campaign?
We also highlight the results are in from our summer survey of top ministry executives. They tell us their biggest challenges—and hopes for the future.
But first, a former youth volunteer for Vineyard Church in Anaheim, California, has been sentenced to more than 120 years in prison.
The producer for today’s...2024-08-0927 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 380: A Review of “Shepherds For Sale” Thoughts on the new bestsellerOn today’s MinistryWatch EXTRA episode, Warren Smith shares a review he wrote for “The Dispatch” of Megan Basham’s new book Shepherds For Sale: How Evangelical Leaders Traded The Truth for a Leftist Agenda. The fundamental flaw of the book is that it fails to note that the real problem in evangelicalism is that pastors have succumbed to the populist right in far greater numbers than they have to the progressive left, and the consequences for the Gospel and the purity of the church have been far more consequential.
Warren unpacks these ideas in this week’s EXTRA episode.
To read th...2024-08-0712 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 379: Liberty University, Steven Furtick, Robert Morris, and MoreOn today’s program, Liberty University reaches a settlement with former president Jerry Falwell Jr. after years of back-and-forth lawsuits between the two parties. Now, they say they are putting the past behind them. We’ll have details.
A small university in North Carolina is beating the odds…while other Christian colleges face closure, this school is thriving. We take a look at what they’re doing.
Also, Steven Furtick’s Elevation Church released its annual report—the Charlotte-area church saw revenue of more than $108-million in 2023.
The leadership at Gateway Church continues its shakeup following revelations that its founding pastor Rober...2024-08-0229 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 376: The SBC’s Reversal on Brent Leatherwood, First Baptist Dallas, Life Surge ConferencesOn today’s program, the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission—the public policy arm of the Southern Baptist Convention—fired its president Brent Leatherwood this week…then less than 12 hours later reversed course and said he was NOT fired. We’ll have details.
Also, Life Surge wealth conferences draw big audiences with its celebrity speaker lineup and wealth-building tools…we’re taking a closer look to see if it’s delivering on its promises. And, New York Theological Seminary closed its doors earlier this month—famous alumni include religious broadcaster Pat Robertson and author of the Message, Eugene Peterson.
But first, the historic sanct...2024-07-2623 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 373: Kirk Farney Discusses Radio Pioneers Fulton Sheen and Walter Maier Their influence on Christian radio still shapes the medium todayFor the past 100 years, radio has proven to be a persistent medium. Television, podcasts, and other digital media have taken their slices of the market, but radio has not gone away. In some ways it is as strong today as ever. About eight in 10 Americans over the age of 12 listen to terrestrial radio in a given week.
And as long as there has been radio, there has been Christian radio. In fact, Reginald Fessenden, a radio pioneer who held hundreds of patents, claims to have made the first radio broadcast, in 1906. And it was arguably a Christian radio program. He b...2024-07-1730 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 368: A Few Thoughts About Christian Higher Education and Cornerstone UniversityChristian colleges and universities are in a tough spot. Spiraling costs and shrinking demographics, plus technological and other cultural concerns, are putting unprecedented pressure on them. We’ve reported on the closures of many Christian colleges here at MinistryWatch, and our reporting has barely touched the magnitude of the problem. According to Higher Ed Dive, at least 116 colleges have closed since 2016. Between 2010 and 2020, 29 Christian colleges closed or merged with other schools.
On today’s extra episode, Warren Smith discusses what is happening at Cornerstone University, Montreat College, and LeTourneau University – and what we can learn from these institutions.
The producer for tod...2024-06-2613 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 367: Robert Morris, Paul Pressler, and Appalachian Bible CollegeOn today’s program, Megachurch Pastor Robert Morris resigns as senior pastor of Gateway Church after a woman claims he abused her decades ago starting when she was 12 years old. We’ll have details.
And, Lincoln Christian University closes its doors debt free…with plans to continue its ministry through a new institute. We’ll take a look.
And, Southern Baptist Convention legend Paul Pressler died earlier this month, his legend mired with accusations of sexual abuse.
But first, Appalachian Bible College fired two professors after they filed a complaint with the Association for Biblical Higher Education.
The producer for today’s...2024-06-2126 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 365: SBC News Round-Up, Tony Evans, and K-LoveOn today’s program, almost 11-thousand Southern Baptists gathered in Indianapolis this week, facing a long list of key decisions, including abuse reform, a constitutional amendment about women pastors, and the election of a new president. We’ll take a look .
Also, megachurch pastor and bestselling author Tony Evans is stepping away from his pastoral role due to ‘sin.’ Details have been few, but we’ll tell you what we know.
And, seven key executives at K-LOVE have left in the last 18 months…we’re asking ‘why?’.
But first, Southern Baptists elect a new convention president. Clint Pressley, a North Carolina megachurc...2024-06-1429 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 358: More Thoughts On The PCA/David French ControversyOn today’s EXTRA Episode, Warren Smith identifies four lessons we can learn from the controversy surrounding David French and the Presbyterian Church in America.
To read more about this controversy:
https://ministrywatch.com/editors-notebook-the-pca-david-french-debacle/
https://ministrywatch.com/pca-cancels-anti-polarization-panel-with-david-french-for-being-too-polarizing/
The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh.
Until next week, may God bless you.2024-05-2214 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 350: Some Thought About The Mark Driscoll-John Lindell ControversyOn today’s EXTRA Episode, MinistryWatch President Warren Smith has some additional thoughts about the Mark Driscoll-John Lindell controversy.
The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh. Thanks to Casey Sudduth, Stephen duBarry, Kim Roberts, Rod Pitzer, and Christina Darnell for additional support.
Until next time, may God bless you.2024-04-2411 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 349: Mark Driscoll, Calvin University, Chuck SwindollFIRST SEGMENT
Warren
Hello everybody. I’m Warren Smith, coming to you from Charlotte, North Carolina.
Natasha
I’m Natasha Cowden in Denver, Colorado. We’d like to welcome you to the MinistryWatch podcast.
Warren
On today’s program, General Episcopal Theological Seminary thought it had found a solution to its financial woes—until 7 bishops intervened, saying they didn’t want to be in partnership with a conservative. We’ll have details.
Also, controversial pastor Mark Driscoll got booted off the stage at last weekend’s Stronger Men’s Conference after calling out the conference host for his choice of entertainment openin...2024-04-1929 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 347: State Department Proposes Rules that Could Hurt Ministries Salem Media Reports Big LossSHOW NOTES:
On today’s program, a proposed State Department rule could impact employment regulations for nonprofits…and some ministry leaders are voicing concern. We’ll take a look.
And, the North Carolina pastor who went viral for remarks he made from the pulpit about rape has apologized—but the controversy, which has sparked ongoing protests, caught the attention of lawmakers and inflamed the state’s debate over school vouchers. We’ll have details.
Also, Salem Media—one of the only Christian publicly traded companies—has reported a $46 million operating loss in its latest annual report. That story later in the program.
But...2024-04-1227 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 330: Remembering Joel Belz Founder of WORLD Magazine helped shape journalism of MinistryWatchOn today’s MinistryWatch EXTRA episode, Warren Smith remembers Joel Belz, who died on Feb. 4. His legacy includes his significant impact on MinistryWatch itself.
The producers for today’s program are Jeff McIntosh and Rich Roszel.
Until next time, may God bless you.2024-02-1509 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 325: Chi Alpha, Joel Osteen, Mike Breen and APEX ChurchOn today’s program, another Chi Alpha leader is out at the Assemblies of God college campus ministry. He was director over the regions where convicted sex offender Daniel Savala had access to students. We’ll have details.
Joel Osteen is brought to tears during a Sunday service as he announces that his Houston church has paid off a 100-million dollar loan.
Also, churches face fines for sheltering the homeless during brutal winter weather. More on that later in the program.
We begin today with news that author and pastor Mike Breen has resigned from his role as ‘lead communicator’ at APEX...2024-01-2625 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 322: Changes To The MinistryWatch WebsiteThis week MinistryWatch President Warren Smith walks you through some of the recent changes we’ve made to the MinistryWatch website, and why we think these changes will help us serve you better.
The producers for today’s program are Rich Roszel and Jeff McIntosh. We get database, technical, editorial, and other support from Casey Sudduth, Kim Roberts, Christina Darnell, Rod Pitzer, Stephen DuBarry, and others.
Until next time, may God bless you!2024-01-1608 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 320: Answering Questions About MinistryWatch’s Annual Compensation ListsMinistryWatch’s annual lists of highly paid executives (one for Christian ministries and one for colleges and universities), just published, are among our most read posts of the year. They also generate the most questions and comments. I’m going to take this EXTRA episode to answer some of these questions, and to ask a few of my own.
You can find Kim Roberts’ article about Glory of Zion here.
We’ve written about the relationship between IFCJ and evangelicals here.)
You can find Warren Smith’s article about ministries who fail to file a Form 990, as well as a list of th...2024-01-1012 min
Sharp ShootersSave the Date for the Lack of Player Safety DanceSpecial edition:
Wpg's Cole Perfetti live mic confirms Wild's Ryan Hartman's intent to injure.
The back-story of Kirill Kaprizov's injuries over two szns as Minnesota try to justify it. The divisional rivals, media and fan bases lit up over the escalating match-ups continue to amp up.
Arizona's Jason Zucker gets a 3-game suspension for a hit after the initial Nick Cousins one goes uncalled?
How little the NHL's player safety department has for hits from behind and cross-checks has resulted in players taking the issue into their own hands and only...2024-01-0555 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 318: Restored Pastors Should Show Real Confession, Repentance, and Retreat Are we restoring fallen leaders too quickly?Are we restoring our fallen pastors and ministry leaders too quickly? MinistryWatch’s Warren Smith things the answer to that question is “yes,” and he explains what he believes are the necessary – and biblical – steps for restoration.
To read more on what he has written on this topic, click here.2024-01-0413 minSharp ShootersWho is in Mid Szn Form to Start 2024New Years Day podcast as the Winter Classic was played in Seattle.
The Elite 6; The Pacific Kingdom 3 -Vancouver remains atop, Vegas battles LA and wins a key division game between the teams.
Central Division - Centralization Trio - Dallas and Winnipeg with identical records and Colorado a pt ahead in more gp.
The Wild Card group has Arizona and Nashville lead the pack. Edmonton, St. Louis and Minnesota remain outside looking in.
Seattle begins to settle but are they and Calgary to far out.
Anaheim, San Jose in the...2024-01-021h 36Sharp ShootersThe Playoff picture at the Christmas Break and Michigan's from Non-Playoff TeamsAt the Christmas break - World Juniors is a hot topic; The Elite 6; Vancouver takes over first in the Western Conference as Vegas plays through goaltender injuries and LA with fewer games played continues to play catch up.
Dallas last minute win has them atop the Central at the break. Winnipeg a point back of Dallas and Colorado in a tightly contested 3-way race.
The Wild Card hopeful group has the next four Central division teams vying for 2 spots - Arizona, Nashville, St. Louis and Minnesota while it's Edmonton after by point percentage.
...2023-12-272h 42Sharp ShootersThe Contenders and the PretendersWhy the Elite 6 teams are playoff bound in Vegas, LA and Vancouver in the Pacific; and Colorado, Winnipeg and Dallas in the Central.
The Wild Card hopeful group only has Edmonton from the Pacific and four Central division teams vying for 2 spots - Arizona, Nashville, St. Louis and Minnesota.
The boys also look at teams well below the playoff cut-off in Calgary, Seattle, Anaheim, San Jose in the Pacific and Central Chicago to wrap.
Recorded and Edited: Friday, December 15, 2023.
Published: December 18, 2023
Co-Hosted by: Tim Bigelow and Warren Smith
2023-12-181h 55Sharp ShootersSTL fans boo Kyrou; after Blues Fire Berube Cup Banner coach to hire interim coach Bannister.Stand alone St. Louis Blues edition this week.
Blues news was headlined by Cup Winning coach Craig Berube being fired and replaced by interim coach Drew Bannister by GM Doug Armstrong.
St. Louis fans boo Jordan Kyrou in the team's next game.
Vet D Robert Bortuzzo parts ways as he is dealt to the NYI.
The team waives forward Jakub Vrana who goes unclaimed to be sent to the AHL.
Recorded and Edited: Friday, December 15, 2023.
Published: December 16, 2023
...2023-12-1641 minSharp ShootersA Winning DestinationWinnipeg locks up another pending UFA in Nino Niederreitter on a 3-year extension.
Sharp Shooters asks where the summer media noise that NHL'ers didn't want to play in Winnipeg was wrong and no one seems to have share apologies for the bad takes.
Kings "Commonwealth Expansion" continues with setting new NHL record for road wins to start the szn.
Anze Kopitar overtakes a "Crown Line" milestone with the franchise.
Vegas only beat when an opposing goaler stands-out and Vancouver sees Hughes take flight as brothers face off.
Colorado has...2023-12-101h 54Sharp ShootersWild Axe Evason & Chicago's Terminates Perry from teamMinnesota GM Bill Guerin fires head coach Dean Evason and choses former Nashville head coach John Hynes as his replacement the week Minnesota plays in Nashville.
The rumors Chicago organizationally says are all untrue but for not meeting team rules - Corey Perry's contract is terminated.
The elite Conference 6 - Vegas, Vancouver, LA, Colorado, Dallas and Winnipeg.
Playoff wild card hopefuls follow - Edmonton, Arizona, Anaheim, St. Louis, Calgary and Nashville.
Finish up talking about Seattle and San Jose.
Recorded and Edited: Friday, December 1, 2023.
Published: December 2, 20232023-12-021h 54Sharp Shooters77% DecidedUnpacking the standings and stat that 77% of teams in playoff positions at US Thanksgiving end up playoff bound.
The flawed NHL point system and getting rid of the shootout.
The elite 6 - VGK; Dallas; Colorado; Vancouver; LA and Winnipeg.
2 of these teams will be playoff bound too. Anaheim; Arizona; St. Louis; Seattle; Nashville; and Calgary.
Is it impossible for Minnesota and Edmonton to turn their slow starts around.
A milk carton in Chicago and San Jose and skater depth and goaltending for the...2023-11-241h 18Sharp ShootersSophomore Snipers & Rookie Lamplighters & a Quick Oil ChangeAfter a quick Edmonton Oil change as they fire and hire a new head coach we focus on the Western Conference.
The Pacific Top 3 - Vegas; Vancouver and LA and Central's top 3 - Dallas, Colorado, and Winnipeg.
Sophomore snipers Dallas' Wyatt Johnston and Winnipeg's Cole Perfetti's impact.
Anaheim and Arizona sit 7th and 8th in the Conference with the help of rookies such as Anaheim's Leo Carlsson and Arizona's Logan Cooley.
The below the cut off teams of Seattle St. Louis, Minnesota, Nashville, Calgary and Chicago even with the Sensational rookie...2023-11-181h 24Sharp ShootersShark PartyIf It bleeds it leads - Edmonton and San Jose play in battle of the NHL bottom teams - and the Oilers weren't suppose to be this far out of contention. San Jose's trade with Minnesota.
Pacific High as Top 3 - Vegas; Vancouver and LA sit atop the Western Conference.
Dallas, Colorado, and Winnipeg slot as the Central divisions top 3 after that.
Minnesota trades away and for a D-man. Anaheim and Arizona stay competitive.
The hard to figure out Seattle St. Louis szns so far.
And...2023-11-111h 50Sharp ShootersAre Nucks, Ducks and Yotes playoff bound? Is Nic Ehlers trade chip for JetsAll but one team get to the 9 game mark. Vegas displays no hangover. LA has stays undefeated on the road in the Pacific.
Colorado & Dallas as expected off to great starts in the Central.
Playoff teams of a year ago Edmonton's tough start, Winnipeg's power play outage and Minnesota's injuries impact early results.
Are Vancouver, Anaheim and Arizona's playoff aspirations real?
The Krack down in Seattle. Nashville's early pp success not providing pts in the standings.
2023-11-042h 16Sharp ShootersFive Pacific Division Playoffs Teams This Year - We Say NoWe look at the Western Conference team the night after all 32 NHL teams played for the first time on the same game day.
Starting with the Undefeated teams and working through both the Pacific division and Central division teams we discuss the szn's start.
Recorded and Edited: Wednesday, October 25, 2023.
Published October 26, 2023.
Co-Hosted by: Tim Bigelow and Warren Smith
Warm Up & Show Introduction by: Chloe Knott
Warm up intro music: Excerpts of "Poison Kiss" by Warren John Smith Music & Servants Of Society. © 2022. U...2023-10-262h 26Sharp ShootersEarly ReturnsReal games as we look at the Western Conference teams. 3 of the expected top 4 Vegas, Colorado and Dallas are off to good starts - but Edmonton didn't.
Early returns included note-worthy traded away players returning to play against their old teams including LA's PL Dubois in Winnipeg and Edmonton's Mattias Ekholm's to Nashville.
Both Pacific division and Central division teams looked at and how the szn for each team has gone.
Recorded and Edited: Wednesday, October 18, 2023.
Co-Hosted by: Tim Bigelow and Warren Smith
...2023-10-191h 19MinistryWatch PodcastEp. 298: “Daily Wire” Article About “Christianity Today” Provides Teachable Moment“Christianity Today” and “The Daily Wire” Provide Teachable Moment
An article in the “Daily Wire” about the political contributions of “Christianity Today” staffers offer Christians a lesson in how to – and how not to – engage in truthful and fair public discourse.
You can find the “Daily Wire” article here:
https://ministrywatch.com/ministrywatch-guide-to-giving-to-support-israel/
You can find MinistryWatch President Warren Smith’s article about this “dust up” here:
https://ministrywatch.com/dust-up-between-christianity-today-and-daily-wire-provides-a-teachable-moment/
The producers for today’s program are Jeff McIntosh and Rich Roszel. Until next time, may God bless you.2023-10-1808 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 296: Will Journalism Save Evangelicalism?Regular readers of MinistryWatch (or listeners to this podcast) likely already appreciate the value of hard-hitting, truth-seeking journalism. But in this episode, MinistryWatch President Warren Smith goes deep into this topic with Christianity Today’s News Editor Daniel Silliman.
Indeed, you might even call today’s episode an apologia for Christian journalism with one of its master craftsmen.
That master craftsman, Daniel Silliman, has been at Christianity Today since 2019. He got his start as a crime reporter in the Atlanta area. He also holds a doctorate in American Studies from the University of Heidelberg. He’s the author of the 2021 book R...2023-10-1148 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 290: Remembering Robertson McQuilkinToday’s EXTRA episode is based on Warren Smith’s “Editor’s Notebook” column, which you can find here.
To hear Robertson McQuilkin in the YouTube video I mentioned in the podcast, click here.
The producers for today’s program are Jeff McIntosh and Rich Roszel.
I’m Warren Smith. Until next time, may God bless you.
Editor’s Note: This episode and the original “Editor’s Notebook” column are based on an article written by Warren Smith in 2017 for The Colson Center’s Breakpoint.org website.2023-09-2007 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 287: Solving The Christian Higher Education CrisisFor the past four years, MinistryWatch has an annual list of the 50 largest Christian colleges and universities in the nation. This year’s list published today, and you can find it here.
In today’s EXTRA episode, Warren Smith discusses this list and explains how we can solve the Christian higher education crisis with one simple fix: Christian parents, don’t send your kids to secular schools.
The producers for today’s program are Jeff McIntosh and Rich Roszel.
Until next time, may God bless you.2023-09-0609 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 282: Barna Survey on Giving Doesn’t Tell Whole StoryA new survey from The Barna Group purports to highlight differences in giving levels between older givers and younger givers. But a closer look indicates that they may just have different priorities.
Read the original Barna study here.
Read Warren Smith’s reflections on it here.2023-08-1609 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 280: Should U.S. Reauthorize PEPFAR?The U.S. is debating the reauthorization of PEPFAR, the President’s Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief. The 20-year-old government program has now spent more than $85 billion. PEPFAR has been championed by evangelicals, and evangelical ministries have been major beneficiaries of funding.
But should funding continue? Some conservative and evangelical groups are saying no, and others say that new restrictions should be placed on the program to ensure that taxpayer dollars do not fund abortion or abortion-adjacent programs.
In today’s MinistryWatch EXTRA episode, we look at some of the issues. This episode is based on Warren Smith’s “Editor’s Notebook...2023-08-0911 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 278: MinistryWatch Update – August 1 EditionEvery month or six weeks MinistryWatch President Warren Smith drops a short episode updating our listeners on what’s going on at MinistryWatch. On today’s episode he fills you in on some of our recent initiatives, what to expect in the next month, and he includes a financial update.
So if you’re one of those folk who want an “insider’s peek” at what’s happening at MinistryWatch, today’s episode is for you.
The producers for today’s program are Jeff McIntosh and Rich Roszel. We get technical, editorial, and other support from Christina Darnell, Casey Sudduth, Stephen Dubarry, a...2023-08-0209 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 272: How Are We Doing With Our Fiscal Year-End Fundraising?Hello, everyone. Warren Smith here, coming to you from Newport Beach, California, where I’m attending a conference on Bible translation. If you listened to our recent podcast EXTRA episode titled “Just How Broken Is The Bible Translation Industry,” you know that I have a lot to say on this topic. We’ve written nearly 50 stories on this topic in the past two years.
But the group I’m meeting with this week is all about solutions, and I hope to be bringing a Part 2 to this story – “How To Fix The Bible Translation Industry” – in the next few weeks.
We’re able to do t...2023-06-2903 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 267: Dave Ramsey, Rick Warren, and Daystar Wants Its $25-M BackOn today’s program, popular radio host and personal finance guru Dave Ramsey is being sued for $150 million over some of his advice that allegedly turned out badly for those who followed it.
Also, one of the largest Christian broadcasters in the nation, Daystar Television Network, lost $25-million in the cryptocurrency market. Now they’re suing to get it back. We’ll have details.
Finally, we remember the remarkable life and career of Pat Robertson.
We begin today with Rick Warren’s media campaign to have Saddleback Church reinstated in the Southern Baptist Convention.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
I want to mention that this...2023-06-0925 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 261: Community Foundations Exclude Christian Groups, Southern Baptist Membership Drop, and More Hillsong, UMC DramaOn today’s program, we look at the Lancaster Pennsylvania Community Foundation, which has implemented restrictions that could keep Christian groups from receiving funds. It’s not the only community foundation in the nation to use non-discrimination policies to exclude Christian groups. We’ll have details.
And we also have updates on two stories we’ve been covering for a while: Hillsong, and the breakup of the United Methodist Church.
We begin today with news of significant membership declines in the Southern Baptist Convention.
LINK MENTIONED IN TODAY’S PROGRAM:
Here’s a link to the list of the largest missions and Bi...2023-05-1228 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 258: Corporate Worship With Kelsey Kramer McGinnisHello everybody. I’m Warren Smith, coming to you from Charlotte, North Carolina, and I’d like to welcome you to the MinistryWatch podcast.
Here at MinistryWatch we cover a lot of stories about scams, scandals, and frauds in the church. Every story is different, of course, but I find that most of the scandals have one of two origin stories.
The first story is the story of someone who sets out from the beginning to defraud people. These people have evil intent right from the start. But in my experience, these stories make up by far the smallest portion of th...2023-05-0328 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 257: John Ankerberg Sues Whistleblower, Hillsong’s Brian Houston Pleads Guilty, and Hope For The King’s CollegeOn today’s program, popular Christian apologist John Ankerberg has been under scrutiny after a former fundraiser for the organization filed a whistleblower complaint and shared it with both the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, and with MinistryWatch. Now, Ankerberg has sued the whistleblower. We’ll have details.
And Hillsong’s Brian Houston has pled guilty to DUI charges following a 2022 incident in California.
Later in the program we’ll have the latest from The King’s College. This Christian liberal arts college in New York City has been on the verge of closure, but dramatic developments last week are giving suppo...2023-04-2823 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 251: Bob Jones University, Convoy of Hope, and the United Methodist ChurchOn today’s program, the president of Bob Jones University resigns in what some media reports have called a coup by some of the hardline fundamentalist board members at the school. We also look at the remarkable growth of the relief and development ministry Convoy of Hope. We also look at why so many ministry leaders have been resigning lately. Is it part of a trend, and – if so – why?
We begin today with a major lawsuit against the United Methodist Church. More than 180 churches have joined together to sue the North Georgia Conference and its leaders, seeking to leave The Uni...2023-04-0731 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 246: A MinistryWatch Update With Warren SmithOn today’s abbreviated MinistryWatch EXTRA episode, I’m going to give you an update on what’s going on here at MinistryWatch.
Regular listeners know that late last year I started dropping in these monthly updates, and it appears that many of you find them interesting and helpful, as they’ve become some of our most listened to episodes.
Today I’ll give you an update on what we’re doing, and let you know what we have planned over the next few months.
The first things I want you to know is that February was a record month of us on the...2023-03-1612 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 236: Jason Jimenez and Warren Smith Discuss Matt Chandler and Church DisciplineOn today’s MinistryWatch EXTRA episode, we’re featuring a recent interview I had with pastor and author Jason Jimenez.
Jason has served as a pastor and ministry leader, and his books include The Bible’s Answer To Live’s 100 Biggest Questions, which he co-authored with Dr. Norman Geisler. He is also the author of Challenging Conversations: A Practical Guide to Discuss Controversial Topics in the Church.
Jason also leads Stand Strong Ministries, and he often posts helpful videos on Christian worldview and apologetics issues. I want to have Jason on the program today because of one of those videos. Jason rec...2023-02-0121 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 232: A New Year’s MinistryWatch UpdateHello everybody. I’m Warren Smith, coming to you from Charlotte, North Carolina.
Today’s episode is one of my periodic updates on how things are going here at MinistryWatch. I hope you enjoy it.
The producers for today’s program are Rich Roszel and Jeff McIntosh. We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Emily Kern, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth.
Until next time, may God bless you.2023-01-1814 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 229: MinistryWatch’s Top 10 Stories of 2022On today’s special year-end program, Natasha and I will countdown the Top 10 stories of 2022.
That’s right. We’ll start with #10, and work our way to #1.
But before we get started, here are a few things you should know.
The first thing I’ll say is that we have organized this list by the number of page views it got on our site. That doesn’t necessarily mean they are the most important stories of the year. But I have a high degree of trust in our readers, and I think that all the stories on this list are important for...2022-12-2715 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 226: The State of Giving 2022 With the ECFA’s Warren Bird and Jake LappAs we approach year-end, the thoughts of children turn toward Christmas, but the thoughts of ministry executives turn toward year-end giving efforts. And the thoughts of many donors turn toward those ministries they have given to in the past as they try to decide how much, or even if, they will be giving to them this year.
One of the cliches in the philanthropy world is that the state of the stock market is a leading indicator of giving. A rising market doesn’t CAUSE giving, but historically it has correlated with increased giving.
But 2022 has turned that cliché on its h...2022-12-0724 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 217: Understanding Evangelical Mid Level DonorsHere at MinistryWatch we bring you news about Christian ministries, as well as the latest in charity and philanthropy, news that we examine from a Christian worldview perspective. Our goal is to help us become better stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us.
These mid-week “Extra” episodes are a chance for us to go deep with a particular topic, and today I’m pleased to have back on the program Ron Sellers, the president of Grey Matter Research and Consulting. Ron Sellers and I discuss a new study his organization has done in conjunction with Infinity Concepts. That study is c...2022-10-2627 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 215: Should We Be Paying Ministry Leaders More?An important part of what we do here at MinistryWatch – especially with these “Extra” episodes -- is to bring to you thought leaders who have important things to say both to donors and to ministry leaders. That’s why I’m pleased to have back on the program Phil Cooke.
Phil has written a provocative article for the MinistryWatch website about pastor and ministry leader compensation. Phil argues that we should be paying not less, but more. Before we let Phil make his case, let me tell you a bit about him.
Phil Cooke is a working producer in Hollywood who also has...2022-10-2014 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 208: Phil Cooke: The Loyalty Obsession – Why It’s Hurting Churches and MinistriesAn important part of what we do here at MinistryWatch – especially with these “Extra” episodes -- is to bring to you important thought leaders who have important things to say both to donors and to ministry leaders. That’s why I’m pleased to have back on the program Phil Cooke.
Phil got his start in media working on the television program of Oral Roberts, while he was still a student at Oral Roberts University. Over the years Cooke has become one of the nation’s experts on the use of media in a Christian context. He has also been outspoken on th...2022-09-0816 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 205: The Dorean Principle: A Biblical Response To The Commercialization of ChristianityIf you’re a regular reader of MinistryWatch’s daily journalism, or a regular listener to our podcast, you know that we care about integrity. The personal integrity of Christian leaders, and the integrity of the process and procedures of Christian ministries themselves. We advocate for transparency and accountability as a way of giving Christian donors the chance to make giving decisions for themselves.
But my guest today, Conley Owens, say that is not enough. He suggests that it’s not just the prosperity gospel preachers who have crossed the line when it comes to financial integrity. He makes the case that...2022-08-2435 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 191: More SBC News, A Pro-Life Activist Faces Scrutiny, and Fighting EmbezzlementOn today’s program, a pro-life activist, Jennifer Christie, is facing a credibility crisis after aspects of her dramatic testimony are not standing up to scrutiny. When a major ministry saw a 50 percent drop in revenue, it had to ask some hard questions about how it was doing things. But Cross International is back, and it’s a case study in how to make a strategic shift. We begin today with more news from the Southern Baptist Convention. The sex abuse scandal in the SBC brings us almost daily news. We’ll have updates.
For those who care about such things, Warr...2022-06-0325 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 190: Why Does MinistryWatch Do That? Warren Smith Answers Reader QuestionsOn today’s EXTRA episode, Christina Darnell and Warren Smith will be doing a question-and-answer episode. Regular listeners to the program might remember that back in February we did our first Q&A session, and at that time I said we’d be doing them every month or so. But what’s that old saying about the best laid plans of mice and men?
We haven’t done a Q&A session since March, so we’ve got some catching up to do, including updates on new MinistryWatch features.
If you have a story you’d like us to cover, or a ministry...2022-06-0119 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 183: A New Model for Missions? An interview with Timothy Initiative CEO Jared NelmsI’m Warren Smith and I’d like to welcome you to the MinistryWatch podcast.
Here at MinistryWatch we bring you news about Christian ministries, as well as the latest in charity and philanthropy, news that we examine from a Christian worldview perspective. Our goal is to help us become better stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us.
These mid-week “Extra” episodes are a chance for us to go deep with a particular topic, and today we’ll talk about a new model for missionary work.
For hundreds of years, the model for missionary work has been that a missionar...2022-04-2726 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 181: Evangelical Media HabitsI’m Warren Smith and I’d like to welcome you to the MinistryWatch podcast.
Here at MinistryWatch we bring you news about Christian ministries, as well as the latest in charity and philanthropy, news that we examine from a Christian worldview perspective. Our goal is to help us become better stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us.
These mid-week “Extra” episodes are a chance for us to go deep with a particular topic, and today I’m pleased to have back on the program Ron Sellers, the president of Grey Matter Research and Consulting. Ron Sellers and I discuss a n...2022-04-2025 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 180: HillsongOn today’s program, more news regarding the Hillsong controversies, which just keep growing. Virginia’s Governor Glenn Youngkin signs a bill into law that protects donor privacy. We begin today with another Southern Baptist leader throwing his hat in the ring to be president of that denomination.
I hope you will forgive us a bit of shameless self-promotion, but I wanted you to know that I was on the syndicated radio program Issues, Etc. this week to discuss the Hillsong scandal. You can listen here:
https://issuesetc.org/2022/04/13/1034-continuing-scandals-at-hillsong-global-megachurch-warren-smith-4-13-22/
Also, my former employer the Colson Center for Christi...2022-04-1524 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 179: How Journalism Can Save EvangelicalismI’m Warren Smith and I’d like to welcome you to the MinistryWatch podcast.
On today’s mid-week “Extra” episode I’m pleased to present to you a speech I recently did at the annual meeting of the Evangelical Press Association in Colorado Springs. The title of the speech is “How Journalism Can Save Evangelicalism.”
This speech outlines why we do what we do here at MinistryWatch, and I hope it will be both a challenge and an encouragement to you today.
Before we go: A quick reminder that this show exists because of the generosity of our readers and listeners. We...2022-04-1434 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 170: Warren Smith Explains The MinistryWatch 1000 Database And The New “Donor Confidence Score”I’m Warren Smith and I’d like to welcome you to the MinistryWatch podcast.
On today’s mid-week “Extra” episode I’ll be doing something a bit different. Regular listeners may recall that a couple of months ago I did a Q&A episode, an episode in which I answered questions about MinistryWatch. I didn’t know how that would go, but I was surprised to discover that it was one of most listened to episodes ever.
So today I’m doing that again, except this time I’m focusing on some of the questions I’ve gotten about the MinistryWatch data...2022-03-0110 min