MinistryWatch Podcast

On today’s program, the Bible translation organization Wycliffe Associates continues to make ambitious claims about its work, but is able to provide few details or evidence of results. And troubles continue at McLean Bible Church in the suburban Washington, DC,…

Here at MinistryWatch we bring you news about Christian ministries, as well as the latest in charity and philanthropy, all designed to help us become better stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us. On today’s MinistryWatch EXTRA episode…

On today’s program, a prominent Anglican bishop is forced to take a leave of absence for his handling of a sexual abuse case in his diocese.  And the Wisconsin Attorney General has declared war on clergy sex abuse. We also…

On today’s MinistryWatch EXTRA episode I’m pleased to welcome back to the program Paul Glader.  Paul is the editor-in-chief at Religion Unplugged and the director of the journalism program at The King’s College in New York City.  His journalism experience…

On today’s program, more troubles with the Boy Scouts, and that trouble could create a financial liability for the churches that host Scout troops and Cub Packs.  And the Southern Baptists aren’t the only denominations having meetings this summer.  We…

My name is Warren Smith.  I’m the president of MinistryWatch, and this week we’re taking a break from our normal podcast schedule so we can give our staff a break, and so I can share with you a special message….

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…

On today’s program, a World Series Most Valuable Player sues his pastor.  And Kanye West’s Sunday Service gets tax-exempt status, while a ministry that encourages people to pray was denied.  We’ll explain later in the program.  We begin with more…

Here at MinistryWatch we bring you news about Christian ministries, as well as the latest in charity and philanthropy, all designed to help us become better stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us.  Every Friday we post our…

On today’s program, the Southern Baptists met in Nashville this week.  We’ve got extended coverage of the event.  Also, a new study on giving in the US indicates that giving is up, but religious giving is not.  We’ll unpack the…

On today’s program, Rick Warren asks Saddleback Church to start looking for his replacement.  Donor Advised Funds race new regulations.  And the Southern Baptists have some important – and difficult – issues ahead of them at their upcoming annual convention…

On today’s program, Russell Moore leaves the Southern Baptist Convention over the churches handling of sexual abuse and race issues.  And more accusations about Carl Lentz motivate hard questions about the culture at Hillsong.  We also have our list of…

Here at MinistryWatch we bring you news about Christian ministries, as well as the latest in charity and philanthropy, all designed to help us become better stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us. Regular listeners to the program…

On today’s program, one of the board members who went public with concerns at radio station WPOZ, “The Z,” has been removed from the board.  And we examine the strange legacy of Harold Camping, a radio preacher who falsely predicted…

Here at MinistryWatch we bring you news about Christian ministries, as well as the latest in charity and philanthropy, all designed to help us become better stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us. On today’s MinistryWatch EXTRA episode…

On today’s program, more from Orlando radio station WPOZ – Z88.  Troubles there are causing many in the Christian radio industry to look in the mirror.  And is prosperity gospel preacher Andrew Wommack trying to take over a Colorado town? …

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…

On today’s program, turmoil at a Christian radio station in Orlando has caused the entire industry to take a hard look in the mirror.  We begin today with the story of a ministry founder who has been asked to step…

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…

On today’s program, reality TV star and former evangelical ministry leader Josh Duggar is arrested on child pornography charges.  The latest in the ongoing Jerry Falwell Jr. saga, and news about Donor Advised Funds that you should know – even…

These mid-week “Extra” episodes are a chance for us to go deep with a particular topic, and today I’m delighted to have on the program Stephen Mansfield. Stephen Mansfield has written more than 20 books, but he first came to…

On today’s program, we take another look at the claims of the bible translation organization Wycliffe Associates.  And John Ortberg’s former church, Menlo Church in Menlo Park California, has yet more troubles.  We begin today with a story from the…

I recently did an interview about the book with my friend Bill Feltner of the Pilgrim Radio Network.  It’s one of the great Christian radio networks in the country, serving millions of people in the mountain west.  The interview was…

On today’s program, the massive ministry Gospel for Asia is attempting to rebrand itself, but is the ministry, which has been embroiled in scandal, really changing its ways.  And Liberty University files a $10-million lawsuit against Jerry Falwell Jr. Each…

On today’s program, Julie and I discuss the latest from Liberty University.  Liberty has sued Jerry Falwell, Jr., for $10-million.  We also discuss a Baptist preacher who berated women for being overweight.  He has since apologized.  The Roys Report has…

On today’s program, we take a look at the cottage industry that has grown up to fight sex trafficking.  Anti-sex trafficking organizations raise more than $100-million a year in the US.  Where does all that money go?  Plus, Kanakuk Ministries…

Today, I’m pleased to have back on the program Michael Reneau.  Michael is the Editor of WORLD Magazine.  He came to WORLD after a successful tenure as an award-winning editor at The Greeneville Sun, a daily newspaper serving East Tennessee. …

On today’s program, more problems in the Bible translation industry, and Christian colleges are named in a lawsuit motivated by LGBTQ activists. We begin today with more news from Kanakuk Camps, a large Christian camp in Missouri. Each week, MinistryWatch…

Here at MinistryWatch we bring you news about Christian ministries, as well as the latest in charity and philanthropy, all designed to help us become better stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us.   Regular listeners to the program know…

On today’s program, trouble in paradise.  Kanakuk Kamps, the beautiful Missouri camps that host 20,000 kids a year, is rocked by sex abuse and financial scandals.  And Franklin Graham is taking heat from some of his supporters for encouraging them…

Dan Burrell is a teaching pastor at Life Fellowship in suburban Charlotte, and he had me on his podcast called “Life Talks.”  We recorded three 20-minute episodes discussing MinistryWatch, our work, why we do what we do, and some of…

On today’s program, more controversy at the Christian mega-ministry Youth with a Mission.  And we question why pastors need $800 sneakers.  We begin today with an update on last week’s mass shooting in Atlanta.  The church the alleged gunman attended…

Here at MinistryWatch we bring you news about Christian ministries, as well as the latest in charity and philanthropy, all designed to help us become better stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us. Regular listeners to the program…

On today’s program, we take a close look at Youth With A Mission and the possible financial liability Ravi Zacharias International Ministries may have toward victims of its founder’s sexual abuse.  We begin today with news of a women’s conference…

Regular listeners to the program know that these “MinistryWatch Extra” episodes are a chance for us to “go deep” with some of our editorial partners.  But today, I’m bringing you something a bit different, because the guest today is…well, it’s…

On today’s program, new developments in the Dave Ramsey and Gospel for Asia stories, and Beth Moore blows up the Internet with her decision to leave the Southern Baptist Church.  And evangelist Luis Palau is in hospice care after taking…

Today, I’m pleased to welcome back to the program Paul Glader.  Paul is the editor-in-chief at Religion Unplugged and the director of the journalism program at The King’s College in New York City.  His journalism experience includes a long tenure…

On today’s program, Bethany Christian Services caves in to LGBTQ activists, and the Boy Scouts make an offer to deal with tens of thousands of sexual abuse cases, but victims say that offer is not nearly enough.  We begin today…

Today, I’m pleased to have back on the program Julie Roys.  Julie Roys runs The Roys Report, an investigative journalism website.  She also has a podcast of the same name. Here at MinistryWatch we bring you news about Christian ministries, as…

Each week, MinistryWatch brings 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…

Today, I’m pleased to have back to the program Dr. Patrick Wright.  He is the Thomas C. Vandiver Bicentennial Chair in Business, and he is the Director of the Center for Executive Succession at the Darla Moore School of Business,…

On today’s program, a Southern Baptist church in the Atlanta area rebels against the denomination on the issue of homosexuality, and pastors who participated in the events in Washington DC on Jan. 6 are facing consequences from their home churches. …

Here at MinistryWatch we bring you news about Christian ministries, as well as the latest in charity and philanthropy, all designed to help us become better stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us.  Regular listeners to the program…

On today’s program, LGBTQ activists object to evangelical pastor Max Lucado’s sermon at the National Cathedral.  And pastors are caught up in a child porn sting operation in Florida.  We begin today with the story of well-known radio personality Eric…

Here at MinistryWatch we bring you news about Christian ministries, as well as the latest in charity and philanthropy, all designed to help us become better stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us.  On today’s MinistryWatch Extra episode…

On today’s program, the Museum of the Bible is making an expensive effort to get things right.  And Russell Moore, the Southern Baptist’s top ethicist, is the subject of a new report released this week by his denomination.  We begin…

Today, I’m pleased to have back on the program Michael Reneau.  Michael is the Editor of WORLD Magazine.  He came to WORLD after a successful tenure as an award-winning editor at The Greeneville Sun, a daily newspaper serving East Tennessee….

On today’s program, controversial pastor and ministry leader David Jang is in the news again, and we take a look at the growth of Donor Advised Funds.  We also ask:  Is Colorado Springs losing its cool as a home for…

Today, we discuss the investigation into Pastor Bryan Lorrits, the whereabouts and health of Pastor John MacArthur, the changes that are needed at Ravi Zacharias International Ministries, and developments at Dave Ramsey’s organization, Ramsey Solutions. Here at MinistryWatch we bring…

On today’s program, the annual March for Life is going virtual this year amid concerns of COVID.  We also have a deep dive into Ramsey Solutions, the company behind the popular money guru Dave Ramsey.  We begin today with news…

On today’s program, so-called modern-day prophets are coming under scrutiny for their false prophecies concerning the recent presidential election.  The mobile hospital of Samaritan’s Purse is saving lives all over the country.  And MinistryWatch President Warren Smith prescribes a way…

Today, we have on the program, Jim Denison. Jim is the founder of The Denison Forum, which in the past few years has emerged as one of the leading Christian worldview voices on radio and the Internet. We’ve had Jim…

On today’s program, updates regarding Hillsong and Ravi Zacharias, as well as a discussion of MinistryWatch’s list of Highly Paid Ministry Executives.  We begin today with the riot in Washington, DC, on Wednesday.  Specifically, with the reaction of faith leaders…

Today’s guest is Michael Reneau.  Michael is the Editor of WORLD Magazine.  He came to WORLD after a successful tenure as an award-winning editor at The Greeneville Sun, a daily newspaper serving East Tennessee. Here at MinistryWatch we bring you…

Today, I’m pleased to have on the program Julie Roys.  Julie Roys runs The Roys Report, an investigative journalism website.  She also has a podcast of the same name.    Julie and I are going to do something a bit special today.  This…

On today’s program, a new development with Ravi Zacharias International Ministries, Christian Finance Guru Dave Ramsey is throwing a big staff Christmas party that is drawing national attention, and in this age of celebrity flame-outs, we highlight the lives of…

Here at MinistryWatch we bring you news about Christian ministries, as well as the latest in charity and philanthropy, all designed to help us become better stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us.  Regular listeners to the program…

On today’s program, an update on the controversy regarding Carl Lentz and Hillsong Church.  We also examine how the COVID crisis has impacted Christmas outreaches, including Living Nativity Scenes and Singing Christmas trees.  We’ll talk about how churches are adjusting. …

On this week’s MinistryWatch Extra episode: the president of Colorado Christian University, Dr. Don Sweeting. Don is the president of CCU is a long-tenured veteran in Christian higher education leadership. Before taking over the presidency of Colorado Christian University in…

On today’s program, The United Methodist Church, which has been facing a split for years, finally cracks.  We continue our Shining Light series with a story about a program that helps at-risk boys become responsible men.  And the Supreme Court…

Here at MinistryWatch, we bring you news about Christian ministries, as well as the latest in charity and philanthropy, all designed to help us become better stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us.  Today, I’m pleased to have…

On today’s program, John MacArthur’s California church is cleared by local health officials as being the source of a COVID outbreak.  We have the latest in our “Shining Light” series of stories.  This week we feature a ministry that provides…

Today, I’m pleased to share with you my conversation with the president of Toccoa Falls College, Dr. Robert Myers. Colleges are the recipients of hundreds of millions of donor dollars every year.  They are also on the front lines of…

Each week, MinistryWatch brings 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…

Here at MinistryWatch, we bring you news about Christian ministries, as well as the latest in charity and philanthropy, all designed to help us become better stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us. Today, I’m pleased to welcome…

On today’s program, a pastor in the popular Hillsong movement has been fired for an unspecified “moral failure.”  We’ll have details.  Compassion International reaches a financial milestone.   And we have the latest installment in our Generous Living series, the story…

On today’s MinistryWatch Extra podcast, a special presentation of my conversation with David Dockery. It is likely that Christian education in this country would look significantly different were it not for the life and work of David Dockery.  He has…

On today’s program, The Episcopal Church’s embrace of theological liberalism has caused such a steep decline that the denomination’s very existence is in question.  Jerry Falwell Jr. sues Liberty University.  Warren explains why MinistryWatch finally decided to cover the “peeing…

Here at MinistryWatch we bring you news about Christian ministries, as well as the latest in charity and philanthropy, all designed to help us become better stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us. Regular listeners to the program…

Each week, MinistryWatch brings 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…

Hello, everyone.  I’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, all designed to help us become…

On today’s program, A boarding school in Missouri was abruptly shut down after allegations of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse.  While cities, towns, and organizations are removing statues and re-naming buildings all over the country, the Southern Baptist Convention has…

Hello, everyone.  I’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, all designed to help us become…

Each week, Warren and Natasha 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…

On today’s MinistryWatch Extra podcast, a special presentation of my conversation with Kay Warren. I had this conversation with Kay in Dallas, Texas. Kay Warren, the co-founder of Saddleback Church with her husband, Rick, is a speaker, best-selling author, and…

On today’s program, new sexual abuse charges have been leveled against the recently deceased Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias.  We’ll have the latest.  Also on today’s program:  When unwanted or disruptive people log on to your Zoom meeting, that’s come to…

On today’s program, two of the nation’s largest protestant denominations – the Southern Baptists and the United Methodists – consider changing their logos and even their names as a way of putting past racial insensitivities behind them.  But the changes…

On today’s MinistryWatch Extra episode we have Bryan Owens. Mr. Owens has turned a highly specific, niche business into a multi-million dollar operation that has also become a significant tourist attraction. In the process, he has developed what he calls…

On today’s program, Dr. Charles Stanley is finally stepping down as the pastor of First Baptist Church in Atlanta – at age 88.  But don’t expect him to retire.  I’ll explain why later in the program.  And we have an…

I’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, all designed to help us become better stewards…

On today’s program, megachurch pastor Todd Wagner is taking a break from ministry following concerns about his leadership style.  And a beloved professor at Taylor University was fired for posting a video that he says is thoroughly biblical, but which…

Hello, everyone.  I’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, all designed to help us become…

On today’s program, updates to ongoing stories involving Jerry Falwell Jr. and megachurch pastor John MacArthur.  We’ll have the latest.  Also on today’s program, another church in California could be fined more than $25,000 for its defiance of COVID restrictions. …

On today’s MinistryWatch Extra episode, I talk with a man who is fueling a movement of generosity in this country, Brian Kluth. Brian has been called “America’s Giving Guy” because of his work to help Christians become more generous.  As…

On today’s program, Jerry Falwell Jr. has resigned as president of Liberty University, walking away with a reported $10.5-million severance package.  What lessons can the evangelical church learn from the Falwell Fiasco?  Also on today’s podcast:  Two hurricanes hit the…

Regular listeners to the program know that this month we began these “MinistryWatch Extra” episodes.  We will continue our regular Friday weekly roundup episodes.  Those are episodes I co-host with Natasha Smith.  But these MinistryWatch Extra episodes are a chance…

On today’s program, there’s been an explosive growth in donor-advised funds.  We’ll explain what they are, and why they’ve become an important philanthropic tool, even for those who aren’t wealthy.  We’ll also have an update on the stand-off between the…

I’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, all designed to help us become better stewards…

On today’s program, trouble at the Bible translation organization Wycliffe Associates continues.  We’ll have an update.  Also on today’s program, the latest in our Generous Living series.  Most of our stories focus on people giving away money, but in today’s…

This is the first of our “MinistryWatch Extra” episodes.  Today’s guest is Paul Glader.  Paul talks to us about “Religion Unplugged,” a website with which MinistryWatch has a content-sharing relationship.  We’ll go deep into our editorial processes and look at…

On today’s program, the US Capitol and the state of North Carolina came up with an elegant solution to the confederate monument controversy when they replaced the statue of a white supremacist with the statue of Billy Graham.  Also on…

On today’s program, the Texas-based ministry Gospel for Asia files for creditor protection in Canada.   Also on today’s program, a British ministry that believes it;s possible for homosexuals to change says it has been the target of death threats.  We’re…

On today’s program, one of the nation’s largest software providers for non-profit fundraising, Blackbaud, was hacked, and the data of millions of people were potentially put at risk.  Also on today’s program, theologian J.I. Packer died last week.  We have…

On today’s program, the Paycheck Protection Protection Program was designed to save jobs at organizations that didn’t have the money to pay its staff.  But some churches and Christian ministries that are flush with cash took the money.  We’ll take…

Welcome to the MinistryWatch podcast. On today’s program, a COVID outbreak at Kanakuk Kamps, a popular Christian camp in Missouri. Also on today’s program, pastor and author John Ortberg is in the midst of a family drama involving his transgender…

On today’s program, The Supreme Court is handing down decisions on an almost daily basis.  We look at a couple of those decisions that will have an impact on churches and Christian ministries.  Also, GOD TV gets booted off the…

On today’s program, the campus ministry Christian Union is learning new ways to minister in the age of COVID-19.  A new survey says that while many Christians WANT to return to church, they still have plenty of concerns about safety. …

On today’s program, an Alabama pastor is under fire for liking a couple of posts on Twitter.  Now the city of Birmingham is canceling contracts with his church. Also on today’s program, Moody Bible Institute apologized for yearbook photos from…

On today’s program, well-known pastor Tim Keller announced that he has pancreatic cancer.  Also on today’s podcast, non-profits are growing increasingly frustrated with Facebook.  And we hear about a doctor, whose conversion to Christ in 2014, transformed not only his…

On today’s program, the death of Ravi Zacharias due to cancer has caused some Christians to start promoting alternative therapies. We examine both their claims and their effectiveness. We also look at how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the nation’s…

On today’s program, more media outlets are converting to non-profit status.  Will that change how news is reported?  Also on today’s program, conservative Anglicans win a major lawsuit against Episcopalians in Texas.  And a well-known ministry leader, Bryan Loritts, is…

On today’s program, Norma McCorvey, the Roe of Roe v. Wade, is the subject of a new documentary that has pro-life groups up in arms.  Also on today’s program, GOD-TV is generating controversy because of its programming in Israel.  And…

On today’s program, our ongoing investigation of the Bible translation organization Wycliffe Associates continues. Also on today’s program, Liberty University makes significant cuts to its philosophy department. Is it a sign of things to come? Plus, the people who give…

Samaritan’s Purse closes its hospital in Central Park as the COVID Crisis abates there.  Some churches are re-opening, while others are making plans.  And the “new normal” could include a new financial environment: Habitat for Humanity joins the ministries who…

On today’s program, the COVID-19 Crisis is having a significant impact on church giving. A new survey has the details. Also on today’s program: The COVID Crisis is giving churches an opportunity to shine.  One LA Church has given out…

On today’s program, we have an update on the massive Bible translation organization Wycliffe Associates.  The group’s PR and fundraising material says it can complete Bible translations in a matter of weeks.  But are their claims true? Also on today’s…

Pro-life activist David Benham gets arrested outside an abortion facility.  He was charged with violating a local stay-at-home order.  The case has attracted national attention.  Also on today’s show:  a program that allows larger churches to help smaller churches. We…

On today’s program, the Christian ministry Samaritan’s Purse opens a hospital in Central Park to aid with the crisis there, but LGBTQ activists are not happy about it. Also on today’s program:  we look at the recently passed COVID Relief…

On today’s program, more stories about the consequences of the COVID-19 virus outbreak, including how churches and Christian ministries are responding.  Also on today’s program:  A Christian group that ministers to the children of military personnel. We begin today with…