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Saturday, May 5, 2012

Religion Lifestyles of rich and famous televangelists

Posted by Max Brantley on Sat, May 5, 2012 at 6:43 AM

PREACHING PAYS: His-and-her mansions are among the benefits for TBNs Paul and Janice Crouch

PREACHING PAYS: His-and-her mansions are among the benefits for TBN's Paul and Janice Crouch

If you don't read anything else today, read the New York Times report on a family battle that's roiling the Trinity Broadcasting Network religious TV empire and the luxurious lifestyle that's been revealed as a consequence.

Matched sets of mansions for Paul and Janice Crouch.

Private jets.

Hotel room and RV for dogs.

Slotting employees as "ministers;" as such Social Security contributions aren't required.

$1,000 dinners and meal expenses for mama, poppa and son running, in all, about $300,000 a year.

Employees said the Crouches believed their faith justified any extravagance. Among the explanations and defense offered by the empire's lawyer:

Extolling TBN’s prominence and programs, Mr. May said the spending that some call opulent “is necessary to convey the ministry’s position of accomplishment."

Viewers want a little of that prosperity gospel. They pour in almost $100 million a year in support.

Tags: Trinity Broadcasting Network, Paul Crouch, Janice Crouch

        
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