Conversations

Ministry salaries, Life Surge, ECFA

EDITOR’S NOTE: From time to time we will publish letters and emails we get from readers, sometimes with a response, sometimes without comment. If you would like to share your thoughts about any of our stories or podcasts, please email us: [email protected]

Some ministry leaders making too much money

I am stunned at everyone making over $400,000 a year along with all of the other perks and benefits that come with non-profits. As someone who does biblical financial counseling, I want them to be well paid and well taken care of, but this is over the top.

Gail Neer

Reader describes experience with Life Surge

My wife and I attended a Denver Life Surge event and then two of the follow-on classes. I agree with everything you said in your article by Kim Roberts on July 23, 2024. I didn’t realize the article was that old! In particular, Adam S’s comments echo my own observations.

Furthermore, the purpose of the extra classes was not to provide real practical skills but to get attendees to sign up for ongoing mentorship programs costing thousands of dollars.

In spite of the Christian content, there was always a motivation to make lots of money with minimal work, which the mentorship supposedly would help you achieve. These are called “passive income streams,” which are real but not as easy as they suggest. One of the extra classes was on real estate investing and the other was on stock market investing.

I love your ministry, but it is often depressing! It is sad that it is so necessary.

Paul Dunlap / Aurora, Colo.

Warren Smith responds:

Thanks, Paul, for this feedback. By the way, I’m wondering if you saw Kim’s more recent story on Life Surge.

Also, since you brought up the idea that some of our stories are depressing, you might be interested in this one: When Bad News is Good News.

Again, thanks for your feedback. It’s a blessing to have thoughtful readers.

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ECFA and its Form 990

I noticed you have a “withhold giving” caution on your website for the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) because it did not provide their tax Form 990.

That is not true!! They have a copy posted right on their website for 2024.

This makes me wonder if any of your info is accurate after such a blatant error. It’s sad when people post info on someone that is untrue. I thought you should know and I hope you will fix this.

Karen Willson

Warren Smith responds:

They do not file their Form 990. An organization must file the form to get credit.