The Church is supposed to be the Bride of Christ and the hope for mankind. But has the church in America become nothing more than a business?
On this edition of The Roys Report, Julie speaks with Nathan Apffel, a filmmaker who’s working on a docuseries, called The Religion Business.
Nathan, who has more than 15 years of experience in TV and film production, is confronting megachurches and their pastors with their lack of financial accountability. He’s demanding to know their salaries and housing allowances—and he’s not taking no for an answer.
Last month, he got arrested when he showed up at Ed Young’s megachurch in Grapevine, Texas, carrying signs asking what Ed’s salary and housing allowance is.
Prior to that, Nathan had a run-in with the security team of televangelist Kenneth Copeland on Copeland’s expansive ministry complex, including a mansion and jet runway.
Why do megachurches have security teams that protect them from honest questions? Why do so few congregations know what their pastors make? And why do filmmakers get arrested when they demand transparency?
Buckle up, because this is a wild interview with someone who’s a bit of a cowboy when it comes to his tactics. But his exposés reveal some alarming practices within the church—and he says he’s on a mission to change them.
Nathan Apffel
Nathan Apffel, an Emmy-winning filmmaker based in Park City, Utah, aims to spur constructive conversations and action through his films and TV series. As a director and producer, his work has won recognition at numerous film festivals and two Emmy Awards. His upcoming seven-part docuseries, The Religion Business. sheds light on the business of Western Religion, and in particular, Christianity. Learn more about The Religion Business, set to release next year, at the official website.
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17 Responses
At the judgment seat of Christ every true Christian will have to answer to God for our deeds. So, I would not want to be in the place of those who abuse what God has given us. But, for those that are called to expose what we consider unwise, selfish and abusive use of God’s funds (He’s owns it all) we might want to take a hard look at the fact the Global Bank reports that half of the global population lives on less than US$6.85 per person per day. Millions of our fellow Christians are living on that every day, while we have hot running water, AC, TV, etc. What is some “reporters” from these nations in the Global South decided to report on our lifestyle? What would they have to say when they report on how much we spend on our cars, food, housing, entertainment, etc. something to consider. What would they have to say about our “lavish” lifestyle. Nathan Apffel asked the question when it came to housing allowances, “what is reasonable.” So, who determines what is reasonable on a global scale? I have done missions all over the global south and seen the hardship of those wonderful believers. Ms. Roys, they might be shocked on how much you and I spend on our “lifestyles”. Just something to consider as we publish our online Jeremiads.
Bob Maddux, when you say “we”, are you referring to your family?
Because you have no basis to speak for every Christian. (And no right to speak for Julie Roys, as you do either!)
I live in Europe and it’s certainly not normal for regenerate Christians (the only kind: John 1:12-13, Romans 8:9) to live “lavish lifestyles” here. We don’t have AC or cars (because they’re seen as a luxury since the public transport is excellent).
Our “entertainment” is fellowshipping with fellow believers and it’s free.
We are 1 Timothy 6:8 people.
I so wish that people who feel convicted would take ownership rather than use the “refuge of consensus” (i.e “we all…”).
“when you say “we”, are you referring to your family?”
“Because you have no basis to speak for every Christian.”
He is not speaking for every Christian, just to those of us who have seen the wealth abuse of the church, the “leaders’ of the church, and it’s members, who point fingers, but live the opposite of what they preach.
Bob M: “But, for those that are called to expose what we consider unwise, selfish and abusive use of God’s funds (He’s owns it all) …”
“I so wish that people who feel convicted would take ownership rather than use the “refuge of consensus” (i.e “we all…”).”
Really???
“We are 1 Timothy 6:8 people.”?
“We don’t have AC or cars …”
“Our “entertainment …”
Are you speaking for yourself, or all Christians of Europe?
Moira, not sure where you are getting the moral value for AC/No AC or cars/public transportation? Or to even go as far as to suggest that moral value is related to salvation? Even your claim of normality for European regenerate Christians as a dividing line is your opinion. Just because there is a mode (bus, car, AC, shade, etc) for a particular accommodation (transportation, environmental conditioning, etc) that a person or society is happy with or agreed to do, doesn’t make it morally superior or necessary. We have people in the US who are good with public buses and decided to pay higher local taxes. I don’t look down on them. They are no better or worse morally.
‘WE’ is Worldwide since Evangelical tele-crooks across, around the World, e.g., Daystar’s Joni Lamb Accused of Covering Up Granddaughter’s Sexual Abuse
Hi moria..you need to take into account..that in the USA. riding on public transportation . can be deadly.,where you live..your society.must have excellent standards , of law and order.not always here..and there have been times here..take chicago for example..they had to store the bodies of those who died from heat exposure..in refridgerated semi trailers..because the govermental,,facilities ran out of room also,,the USA. has an overwhelming. number of places..where no public trans exsits..and it would be impossible.to walk to all the places.to obtain..what is needed to sustian normal life. nomalicy is one thing in a given culture..but extravigance..has no excuse
Some good perspective here. Thank you.
Bob, you do hint at cost of living but you want to use a global scale to make some sort of judgement of those who live in the higher end. From what I could find, the average daily cost of living is ~$30 so by this reasoning everyone’s is living beyond their means globally. That is too simplistic and thus economies of scale are involved. One USD somewhere else is not the same as one dollar here in the US. It is not necessary to make your case on a global scale. Corrupt and immoral governments are primarily responsible for basic necessities in various places. You might judge some “wealthy” churches as having excessive buildings, etc. but who is funding this missionaries around the world? The biblical standard is contentment and helping those in need in love (not coercion). And I will concur that many churches do not seem to be holding their pastors accountable to that or are so desperate (not content) to be popular or comfortable.
Glad to see part of the church admitting to religion, especially Christianity being a business. A very profitable business.
Since a sense of community is a welcoming feature, there are likely many for whom that is the main reason for their attendance more than for a belief in god or the religion. The mega-churches know this.
Personally, as an ex-Christian,long-time atheist, Quora Space admin/owner, I find the topic of religion , particularly Christianity, interesting. I’ll follow your content.
Tax accountant here. So pleased with Nathan for accurately explaining the perennial IRS predicament.
As he stated, only Congress has authority to promulgate tax laws and fund the enforcement of those laws. The IRS, through no fault of its own, does not have the resources necessary to fully investigate the loopholes highlighted in Nathan’s film.
Most Americans loathe the agency, so members of Congress know that funding the IRS will displease voters. With insufficient staffing and outdated technology, the IRS is unable to deliver excellent customer service, and this causes taxpayers to complain further about the agency. It’s a vicious cycle. [I do not work for government.] Perhaps this docuseries will generate public pressure for additional scrutiny of religious organizations that misuse donations.
“A camera is more dangerous than a gun” to the wicked because in order to operate, they require concealment and cover-up i.e darkness.
Public exposure is their worst nightmare.
The demons in them tremble at the light i.e EXPOSURE.
Everyday evil thrives in obscurity and dies with disclosure.
I so admire people like Nathan and you, Julie.
I’m going to listen to the podcast, but guys showing up at churches with cameras and signs should be removed at all times, every time, regardless of their agenda, for or against that particular ministry.
If they showed up at my church, I would gladly assist our security personnel with their removal.
They do not gain credibility with their approach.
Posting now to see if my views change after hearing podcast.
Really interesting podcast. I noticed that when Ms. Roys asked Mr. Appfel what his budget is, he didn’t answer. That seemed a little inconsistent for a person promoting transparency.
Cynthia, I was about to say the same thing. Thank you.
Also, a little jarred to hear him take God’s name in vain.
“What starts as a movement eventually becomes a business, and ultimately turns into a racket “.
I worked in ministry for 40 years. And, I resigned over 3 years ago because I was told I couldn’t get my ministers license renewed because I wasn’t driving a vehicle. I chose not to drive because I had a traumatic shock to my nervous system after my mother’s death
I thought the ch huchurch was about ❤️ but now it is materialism. Are we preaching God word anymore or a new. Word?we are running people away
Author
Compare and Contrast:
This past Sunday, my church celebrated the end of the Western-Rite Liturgical Year, “The Feast of Christ the King”.
Many years ago on the same day, Ed Young proclaimed the “Seven-Day Christian Sex Challenge” from the stage of his Dallas Mega, sitting with his wife on a bed onstage..
Simply,,think it through in this manner ,who is the greater evil? the drug dealer or the drug user ? well you got the same thing here..and think this through.. – if -. a majority of these people..like in Coplands church.really arent saved..does it really make that much difference ? if they spend the money. just to see a show . if , you are a really true born again.and you go to this type of church..get out of it