For decades, John MacArthur has railed on prosperity preachers, likening them to “greed mongerers” who led First Century cults.
Recently, he’s also taken aim at scandal-plagued evangelical leaders, like the late apologist Ravi Zacharias and former Hillsong Pastor Carl Lentz, saying these celebrities were in ministry only for the money. That’s why “liars and frauds and false teachers” are in business, MacArthur said in a recent sermon. “False teachers always do it for the same reason—filthy lucre, money.”
Yet according to financial statements and tax forms obtained by The Roys Report, John MacArthur and his family preside over a religious media and educational empire that has over $130 million in assets and generates more than $70 million a year in tax-free revenue.
MacArthur and his family and related companies have been paid more than $12.8 million from ministry and donor funds. And MacArthur owns three luxury homes worth millions.
In one year alone, MacArthur made more than $402,000 for part-time work at his broadcast ministry, Grace to You (GTY), and another $103,000 from The Master’s University and Seminary (TMUS). This was in addition to MacArthur’s salary from the megachurch he pastors, Grace Community Church, as well as book royalties and speaking fees.
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Also, in a scenario very similar to Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM), the board of GTY has been stacked for decades with MacArthur family members. Like RZIM, GTY also stopped filing IRS 990 tax forms in 2015, which enabled the ministry to keep executive salaries secret.
Grace Community Church (GCC) refuses to release its financial statements in violation of a core standard of the Evangelical Council on Financial Accountability (ECFA) of which Grace was a member.
When I contacted the ECFA about GCC, Compliance Team Lead Jake Lapp replied that the ECFA requires its members to provide a copy of their current financial statements upon written request. He added, “We have been in communication with the church regarding this requirement and expect you will hear a response soon.”
That was 10 months ago.
To date, I have not heard back from GCC, even after emailing the church again to request financial statements. However, I recently learned that GCC resigned from the ECFA less than two weeks after Lapp contacted the church about complying with ECFA standards.*
I also reached out to Grace Church elder and GTY executive director, Phil Johnson, inquiring about some of these matters. Johnson responded that some of the information I requested is “a matter of public record. A real journalist would know that.” (The composition of GTY’s board is publicly available; the answers to my other questions were not.)
Johnson further stated that his email, dated March 23, 2020, would be “the last correspondence you will receive from me. Nor will anyone who speaks for our ministry ever answer questions for you regarding any story you intend to write.”
MacArthur’s Millions in Homes
MacArthur first came under fire for his money in 2014, when several bloggers published MacArthur’s salaries, calling them “reprehensible” and noting that MacArthur “earns more than the president of the United States.”
In response, Phil Johnson posted a statement at the Sharper Iron website, defending his boss’ salary (see “MacArthur’s Salary” below).
Johnson also argued that “(MacArthur’s) lifestyle, not his income, is what biblically-minded people should look at if they want to evaluate his character.”
He added that MacArthur “has lived in the same house for the past 35+ years” and owns only one car.
“(N)o one who actually sees how John lives has ever accused him of self-indulgence or even thought in their wildest dreams to describe him as a lover of money,” Johnson stated.
While it is true that MacArthur has lived in his home in Santa Clarita, California, since the 1980s, the property is worth 1.5 million, which is more than twice the median value of homes in the area.
The five-bedroom, four-bath house sits on more than two acres and includes a tennis court and a swimming pool. The home also is not John MacArthur’s only residence.
Since 1996, MacArthur has also owned a $700,000 villa about an hour west of Santa Clarita, according to a document The Roys Report obtained from the Ventura County Tax Assessor’s office.
The three-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home is located next to a world class private club with a championship golf course, tennis courts, pool, and fine dining. The home also is just 11 miles from the beach.
MacArthur’s third and largest home—a seven-bedroom, 7.5-bathroom ranch on five acres in Colorado Springs—was built in 2007, according to El Paso County records.
The property was given to Circle M Ranch—a limited liability limited partnership (LLLP) owned by John and Patricia MacArthur—by David Wismer Sr.
Wismer is a longtime member of TMUS’ Board of Directors and has also served as TMUS Board secretary.
I spoke with Wismer and he told me that in 2007, MacArthur approached him, expressing that he wanted to build a home in Colorado Springs. Wismer said he owns a 2,600-acre ranch in Colorado Springs and was happy to give five acres to MacArthur as a gift.
Wismer said MacArthur then built a home (valued around $800,000) on the Colorado property using his own funds.
MacArthur’s Salary
From 2005—2015, MacArthur made about $3.4 million in compensation from GTY and TMUS, for an average of about $320,000/year.
On top of that, MacArthur also took a salary from Grace Community Church that was “well within the upper-medium range” for California church employees, according to Johnson’s 2014 statement.
This puts MacArthur’s annual combined salary at an estimated half-million dollars most years. And in 2012, when he was paid an especially high salary and benefits from GTY, MacArthur’s salary likely pushed three-quarters of a million dollars.
In Johnson’s 2014 statement, he explained that MacArthur’s “salary and benefits” topped $400,000 in the fiscal year ending in 2012 because the GTY Board gave MacArthur a “rare 1st-edition KJB” that year. The Bible, Johnson said, was a “one-time gift capping 40 years of faithful ministry.”
In addition, Johnson stated that “Grace to You paid John MacArthur zero salary or benefits for the first 30+ years of our ministry’s existence.”
However, this statement does not match the facts.
According to a GTY 990 from 2002—the earliest 990 The Roys Report was able to obtain—MacArthur made $88,336 that year. This was just 16 years after GTY was founded, not 30.
According ECFA, GTY was founded in 1986. (The GTY website says GTY became a nonprofit in the early 1980s.)
It’s possible that Johnson was dating GTY’s beginning to the first year MacArthur was pastor of Grace Community Church (1969). That’s when a volunteer reportedly began recording MacArthur’s messages and giving them to members of the congregation who were too ill to attend. But the ministry didn’t even have a name back then and likely didn’t require any extra hours of MacArthur.
I reached out to Johnson to explain the apparent contradiction, but he did not respond.
Also, in his 2014 statement, Johnson stated that sometime after 2000, the GTY board “made a deliberate decision to pay (MacArthur) a full salary rather than a diminished wage that was arbitrarily curtailed based on the fact that he has other income.”
While it’s true that MacArthur received a huge increase in his GTY salary in 2003 (72%), MacArthur never worked full-time hours at GTY. MacArthur’s GTY hours varied each year from 10 to 30 hours per week, according to the organization’s own 990s.
Yet the hours MacArthur claimed to work each year seem to bear little relation to the salary he received. For example, in 2007, MacArthur claimed to work 20 hours per week at GTY and received $174,191. In 2008, he reportedly worked 10 hours per week and received nearly as much—$177,083.
Similarly, MacArthur’s hours at TMUS varied from 10 hours to 40 hours per week from 2005—2015 and didn’t necessarily correspond to the amount he was paid.
MacArthur logged a tremendous number of hours for GTY and TMUS, especially considering that he also worked as pastor of GCC. In one year, 2012, MacArthur reportedly worked a combined 60 hours a week at GTY and TMUS. This was in addition to the time he spent pastoring GCC, a church with an average attendance of more than 8,000 people.
Below is a chart compiled by The Roys Report, showing both the hours MacArthur claimed and the salaries he received for the years analyzed.
(Though it is not documented below, Phil Johnson received between $160,000 and $238,927 per year between 2005—2015 for his role at GTY. He also received a no-interest loan of $50,000 from the ministry for the purchase of a home, which was fully forgiven over a five-year period.)
A Family Affair
On its website, the ECFA states, “When a ministry encounters failure—or even worse, scandal—its difficulties can almost always be traced to a breakdown in governance.”
A key characteristic of good governance, according to the ECFA, is maintaining “the reality, not just the appearance of independent board governance.” The ECFA considers board members to be independent if they are not related by blood or employees of the organization.
For decades, though, two of MacArthur’s sons have served on GTY’s board along with their father. Phil Johnson, a key GTY employee, has also served on the board for many years.
Since 2002, the GTY board has ranged in size from eight to 12 members. So at times, as many as half of the board was either a MacArthur or an employee under John MacArthur.
One of MacArthur’s sons, Matthew MacArthur, remains on the board and has been listed on every 990 since 2002 as the treasurer of GTY.
MacArthur’s other son, Mark MacArthur, is also listed on every 990 since 2002 as a GTY board member.
In February 2020, Mark MacArthur was charged by the Securities and Exchange Commission with defrauding clients in a $16 million investment scheme. As late as August 2020, Mark MacArthur was still listed on GTY’s website as a board member. Mark MacArthur is not listed as a board member today.
In his 2014 statement, Johnson stated that board members “with blood relationships or employment connections to John MacArthur recuse themselves from salary decisions.”
However, it’s not just John MacArthur who is potentially benefitting from his sons’ and Johnson’s presence on the board. GTY has also paid MacArthur’s son-in-law, Kory Welch, and companies Welch owns, millions over the years, as has TMUS.
Millions to Kory Welch
In 2008, Welch was an employee of GTY, making $83,677 as director of television broadcasting. Welch, who’s married to MacArthur’s daughter, Melinda Welch, also was enjoying a $20,000 no-interest home loan with total debt forgiveness from GTY.
In 2008, there were no other contractors providing video production services for GTY, according to the organization’s 990s.
The next year, however, Welch began working for GTY as a video production contractor through a company Welch had formed two years earlier, called The Welch Group. In 2009, GTY paid The Welch Group $741,000 for “post-production services”—nearly 10 times what GTY had paid Welch the year before.
Since then, GTY has paid either The Welch Group or Dorma Productions (another small company Welch owns) between $659,000—$790,000 per year for a combined $8.3 million between 2009—2019.
Another company owned by Welch, called WeKreative, has also received more than $1 million in contract work from TMUS. From 2016 through 2019, TMUS paid WeKreative nearly $1.1 million for “marketing, public relations, and video production services,” according to TMUS audit reports and 990s.
During this time (in 2018 and 2019), TMUS also employed Welch as its COO, and for a time as its chief marketing officer, for which Welch received more than $138,000 in salary and benefits.
TMUS did not respond to requests for comment about Welch’s contract work or the potential conflict of interest concerning his positions at TMUS.
In addition to these jobs and positions, Welch is the CEO of The John MacArthur Charitable Trust (formerly The Master’s Grace Fund). This is a California nonprofit created “to support various ministries of John MacArthur, according to GTY’s 2019 financial statement.”
The sole member of The John MacArthur Charitable Trust is GTY and GTY elects a majority of the trust’s board. The trust does not file 990s, so it is not known if it pays Welch a salary for his services.
Money & Ministry
“You show me a person who preaches the money gospel, the money message, the wealth message—I’ll show you a person who has been corrupted by the love of money.”
So said John MacArthur in a 1987 sermon.
MacArthur added that he “never ever wanted to be in a position to look at ministry with a price tag.” That’s why, MacArthur said, he never asks for money when he preaches at other churches. “That is just too overwhelming a problem for my flesh to deal with.”
Yet clearly, MacArthur takes plenty of money from his own ministries. And though MacArthur may have never preached the prosperity gospel—a gospel that promises health and wealth—his income and portfolio looks an awful lot like those who do.
MacArthur may be America’s anti-prosperity gospel preacher, but his life, and the life of his family members, appears to be quite prosperous—and he seemingly has his ministries to thank.
*UPDATE: The original version of this story did not report that GCC had resigned from ECFA. Also, the aerial picture of MacArthur’s Colorado home has been changed. The original photo was of a nearby property, but not MacArthur’s.
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508 Responses
If the amounts reported in this articles are accurate then Dr. MacArthur is grossly under paid. He’s worthy of much much more. God Bless Dr. MacArthur
Stephen, I would like to know how you would feel if you could actually see the opulence and extravagance that John MacArthur and his family members, not to mention his friends that he takes care of, live in. All of this off the backs of the thousands of people that support him with their ties and offerings. I have experienced such a feeling, seeing the castle and wealth that goes along with it from the reprobate pastor, James McDonald. I understand of course that James McDonald is not John MacArthur. However any casual observer can see that a pastor/preacher who lives like a king is not one who handles his income wisely and more importantly to the honor of the Lord. I am all for a person, in any career, being paid what they are worth, and even what they may have accomplished, on income from published works. But this over the top lavish, extravagant, and even pompous lifestyle living is not only unnecessary but damaging to the perception of the body of Christ. People on the outside, those that are not saved, when they make even the most casual observations will easily conclude there is lots of money to be made and worse, to be missed used for a select, élite, relatively small group of preachers who make no bones about building their own kingdoms, making millions and millions of dollars, and dishing out truckloads of it to their family members and friends. Maybe entrepreneurs in the business sector can lay claim to that kind of large living. But preachers of the gospel? I’m not at all suggesting that just because you’re a preacher you should be living in a garbage can under a viaduct somewhere. What I am saying is living a lifestyle with regard to your wealth that is in keeping with modesty for any Christian is what I believe honors the Lord. I don’t care how good a preacher is. No preacher including John MacArthur is worth that kind of money. One more point. I would love to see anyone of a number of his congregants faces if they reviewed King MacArthur’s finances and properties, who struggle just paying a few bills and putting some food on the table. What do you think they would think or say? That is certainly an easily answered question.
Great reply “Sams”.
Your comments are correct. It would be interesting to have a rundown of the income of the church members at GTY church. I’m betting that JMac and his staff’s salaries are much more than “double honor” than the congregation.
I also was a long time JMac fan until I studied his book “The Gospel According To Jesus”. Without going into to detail, just read John Robbins take in his article “The Gospel According To John MacArthur”, and for you poor fans of Piper read the Trinity Foundation article “John Piper on Final Justification by Works”.
Sorry that some of you elevate these and others to hero status, but these two don’t deserve it; they have mangled the simple gospel.
When the people in the pews put up with this, defend it, and give money to these lifestyles, the church is cooked. No wonder our country is a mess when our churches are so screwed up. We are in a free faill where everyone is just grabbing as much as they can. Good luck with that.
You have no biblical justification for you claim. Jesus never promised wealth for those serving him. The apostles did not get paid such massive sums. You are deceived and trying to defend your hero rather than the Word of God.
Read your Bible much? How much did Paul make from from writing half the NT? Oh, yeah, he died on a cross.
First, Paul was beheaded; Peter was crucified. Second, Paul asked for and received support from the churches he planted. By no means was his life luxurious but there is a valid biblical principle for churches to support pastors.
If it were today, he’d be the richest pastor in the world
Umm, actually, Paul was beheaded.
Yes, he’s the fourth person of the Trinity! Give me a break! Stop idolizing man!
MacArthur has claimed to work most years 90 – 120 hours/week and this has been going on for decades. Considering that there is only 168 hours in a week, this leaves him less than 7 hours a day to sleep, eat, and take care of himself. At 80 years of age, he must be superman. Or maybe he is lying?
Random thoughts:
Not sure what your report has to do with anything. There were over 3,000 people in church this morning. So apparently they’ve all drunk the Kool Aid and don’t really care. So if you ain’t givin’, ya probably don’t need to have an opinion.
MacArthur NEVER tells people “give to this ministry and you will be blessed or get rich”, like the prosperity preachers. In fact, his messages are very convicting and don’t win him any friends.
This morning in church, he only used about 20 biblical passages in his sermon. Very few pastors use that amount of scripture. One might say he’s pretty committed to Biblical instruction.
They barely even mention giving in church. “You can give your tithes and offerings with the ushers as you leave.” That’s it. No trickery or deceit.
Is it wrong to make a lot of money? He sells a lot of books. Job and Abraham were loaded.
Why compare to the President? He makes less than every executive in the country. Well, not counting the whole China and Ukraine thing.
Finally, why are you asking for donations on your webpage and when are you going to open your books for the world to see?Not just now, but 50 years from now when you’ve been in business that long, like MacArthur.
Thom,
My report did not allege that MacArthur preaches the prosperity gospel, but just the opposite. This isn’t a matter or orthodoxy (right belief); it’s a matter of orthopraxy (right behavior). Specifically, it’s about whether MacArthur’s walk matches his talk. Also, it’s about lack of transparency, allegations of nepotism, and abysmal governance (stacking the board of a nonprofit ministry with one’s own family members and a key employee).
So no, it’s not wrong to make money. It is a red flag, however, when someone takes hundreds of thousands of $$/yr from numerous nonprofits and then won’t disclose how much he’s taken. If MacArthur is not embarrassed by how much he makes, why won’t he just disclose it?
Lastly, you can read exactly how all the money donated to The Roys Report is spent, including the amount that goes to me in our financial statement, which is posted on our donate page. https://julieroys.com/2019-2020-financial-statement/
Julie, curious as to how you have a non profit status as a podcaster and journalist? Which litmus test for non profit status do you meet? As I read the article on JMac and his donations to his ministry, your plea for donations kept popping up. Please explain your tax exemption status for such common work.
Many Christian news media organizations, like Christianity Today and World Magazine, have nonprofit status and we’re in the process of obtaining it. In the meantime, Judson University (a 501c3) has set up a fund dedicated to The Roys Report where people can give tax-deductible donations. Our financial report with full disclosure of how we spend our money, including how much I’m paid, is posted on our donate page: https://julieroys.com/donate/
Julie-
Again, which litmus test do you meet to qualify as a non-profit?
There’s a legal standard. If she meets the standard, then that’s the litmus test.
I know the legal standards. I am asking which one or ones does she meet? This is fair question and should be public information.
Related question, under the 501C3 do you also receive the federal housing allowance?
Matthew, there are some great articles online that define what a nonprofit is. Nonprofits typically rely on donations, which is why you see those pop-ups you mentioned. The summary of this article should give you a good overview.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nonprofit_organization
Julie, what should we assume since you took my reply down?
You are running a 501c3 that does not meet the nonprofit status? And you are taking a “Housing Allowance?”
Please just answer the questions for everyone. Would Judson University be able to answer these basic questions?
Assuming anything is always a bad idea. You keep asking the same question. I already answered your question.
I’m with you Julie.
Random thoughts…All rich Christian leaders are getting a platform from their church or donors for FREE. Tithes and offerings are building a brand and TV/Radio time for one man or woman so that person can have a vehicle to write books. They make millions writing books, most have a ghost writer, and we paid for the infrastructure for them to get to that place. I don’t think that is what the Gospel is about. Listen to hours of “Christian” programing and hardly any Christian leader will tell you to read your Bible more. Instead they advertise their book to read instead of your Scriptures. This is on done on the backs of those in the pews. Yes. I have a problem with that. If a person wants to build that platform then don’t do it off the Saints tithes and offerings. Don’t get famous off the backs of other Christians giving you FREE advertising. We are not the backdrop for the Pastor’s, or Christian leader’s, brand building. Christianity in American has simply become a family business. The sad part is we Americans export this garbage to other countries.
Exactly. It is so unethical to use the platform and infrastructure you’re given (tax exempt) as the means to then promote and sell your books. Only industry where you can get away with it.
So the measure of a
Really? What about all those book sales? Do those people sit in his church? And you’re missing half the information here. People in his family are being given loans and then they are forgiven. What would you say to them? They are getting money and not having to pay it back. Geesh. Did you read the entire article??
We’re in the NEW COVENANT now.
Job and Abraham were granted wealth for unique and specific purposes of God. Not one Godly person in the New Testament is remotely wealthy. Paul’s principal income came through tent making so that he could support himself.
I assume you have read 1 Timothy 6? He couldn’t have written that if he wasn’t living a modest lifestyle.
And don’t forget that the carnal mind is at ENMITY with God (Romans 8:7).
Anyone earning more than they need is evidently not content with spiritual blessings and desires material (i.e carnal) comforts instead.
“But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation” (Luke 6:24)
“But godliness with contentment is great gain.
For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness” (1 Timothy 6:6-11)
“For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Romans 8:6)
The enemies of the brethren, attack from the outside, dont forget that folks.
JB you are a liar and part of the problem because you actually don’t know the Truth , these are Jesus words , do you even know Him ? because HIS sheep hear HIS words (John 10:27) and here is your lie : Read MAT 10:36
33But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. 34Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36 AND A MAN’S FOES SHALL BE THEY OF HIS OWN HOUSEHOLD. 37He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. 39He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
I stand by my words. Unless you can prove MacArthur is guilty of doing it all for money. Laughable.
JB: It’s not about the false preaching of the prosperity gospel and doing it all for money that is in question. Is it is about John MacArthur’s behavior with regard to the opulence and extravagance that he lavishes upon himself and his family and his friends and off the backs of the congregants that support him. And as for your statement of those that attack the brethren are from the outside, consider the many brethren on the inside who idolize the man in the pulpit rather than the Son of Man. I don’t think you’re a liar like the previous post said but you’re completely missing the point of Julie’s report on this issue.
I appreciate your Christian tone SAMS. What do you mean “off the backs”? Ive been apart of His church before, and have given money to the ministry. I find it to be an outstanding legacy I am happy to participate in. If I had a million dollars to give, Id give it directly to him with instruction to spend it only on a boat. Now is my giving irresponsible, done in love? Not for anyone but the one on the throne to judge. Non of my business how the man lives, or anyone elses. I think too many people wrongfully consider themselves sheep dogs, and forget they are sheep too. Fallible sheep, fallen straight into the hands of the one behind the division of the bride, Satan. Let each man, including MacArthur, examine himself.
Sams, can you define how some may be idolizing MacArthur ? I know several people who love him, is that what you mean?
Three houses??? Forgiven loans to family members? Why is that necessary?? How many houses did Paul own? Or Timothy? Or John? Oh, yeah, he was sent to the isle of Pathmos. Must have been good times. And on top of that MacArthur says you can take the mark of the beats and still go to heaven. That’s not what my Bible says. You going to defend that?
Why is money so important to you?, sounds like your love of money has inspired so much outrage? If you count it all as rubbish as MacArthur does, we wouldn’t have anything to discuss. Ive worked on mansions for years, its all junk, and it all will crumble.. Dont hold it such high esteem.
I will–If you read your Bible enough, you’ll come to Matthew 12 (and, Mark 3). You will read about Jesus being accused of casting out a demon through the power of Beelzebul, instead of through the Holy Spirit. That blasphemy against the Holy Spirit in stated, by Jesus, to be the sin that will not be forgiven.
At no point in Revelation are we told that having the beast’s mark is unpardonable. In fact, what we are shown, is the greatest evangelism period in the history of man. Any and all sin results in the same damnation as those who are said to have that mark will receive, apart from repentance in the Name of Jesus. Revelations also says the beast “causes” all to receive the mark. Nowhere does it say that getting that mark, in and of itself, results in a complete loss of capacity to repent. So, it’s not a matter of whether some won’t repent–that much was seen by John, and is/will be so. However, it would also seem that others do/will repent of their sins, which would include that very action.
https://www.gty.org/library/blog/b131030
Please go back and read the report carefully without preconceived ideas about the man. Then you will understand the issues.
Look, MacArthur may be wrong sometimes , like everyone else. EVERYONE . But do you disagree with him that doing it for the money is wrong? I agree with him. And I see no evidence in this back biting article to tell me otherwise. Should he possess less than you to satisfy your rage? I can see you have a computer, while 70% of the world are trying to survive on $2.00 or less a day. Shouldnt you have less then them? The issue isnt having money, its money having you. Jesus was very clear about that.
I lived overseas in a third world country. The cost of living is much cheaper in other countries. Making 100 bucks a day in America is much different than making 100 bucks a day in a third world country. That argument doesn’t hold.
Taking tithes and offerings to build a Christian machine that enriches oneself and family is not what the Gospel is about. Please give me an example of any Saint in scripture that did that. Getting wealthy off the Gospel is not in my Bible but correct me if I am wrong. If these Christians want to get rich then get a business and do it that way. Take a loan out from a bank rather than taking God’s money to build one’s empire. The American Christian has normalized this brand building so everyone now thinks it is OK. Amazing that JM had complete control over three revenue streams and no one even questions it. We are seeing this a lot in Christian work in our modern world. Then they hand the machine over to a child.
Why isn’t ECFA enforcing their standards? We keep reading that these organizations have the ECFA logo but they don’t seem to be much of a watchdog group.
The argument holds . The argument is there are starving Christians world wide. We slide our scale here in America based on who has more than us individually. The world and everything in it is the Lords. Be a good steward with what you are given. I have complete confidence MacArthur counts it all rubbish, do you? I suspect most who attack him for this, do so out of a love for money, it means so much to them, so hence the outrage. Something to examine in yourselves. We all should.
BTW Rich folk in the bible? Google that, too many to list, not all OT , Ill hand you Philemon for now. Owned slaves, property, forgave runaway slave morally, and financially. As well as Joseph of Arimathea
(Matt. 27:56-61; Mark 15:42-46; Luke 23:50-53) Pre-paid his own funeral
Donated his tomb for the burial of Jesus….Just to name 2. If you have plumbing, you live better than kings of old.
As far as getting wealthy off the gospel, you got me there, it says nothing for or against it, other than God blesses good stewards.
Well America is a third world country now.
Because of the way he runs his affairs it certainly looks like money has him.
Please reread Ms. Roy’s report again.
The Love of money, is the root of all evil. This love of money, just may make one so inclined to attack a man who has much, and it just may be, this man counts it all rubbish. Examine yourselves. I have a home full of stuff paid in full. Its just stuff. I count it all rubbish. I learned that from the Holy Spirit, through Johnny Mac. Dont hold riches so high people. Christ is so much more.
If a person sincerely counted material possessions as “rubbish” then they wouldn’t own any more than necessary.
If they didn’t enjoy pools, they wouldn’t own one.
If they didn’t value material comfort, they wouldn’t have luxurious homes.
Logically.
But rather, they would, as the Apostle Paul stated, be content with food and clothing.
Jesus is very succinct regarding this matter: “Woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation” (Luke 6:24).
And before you ask, on conversion, I did indeed “flee these things” (see below) and am now immeasurably content with food, clothing and abundant SPIRITUAL blessings.
“But godliness with contentment is great gain.
For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness” (1 Timothy 6:6-11)
I see you have a computer, proving my point. So by your standard, those who cannot afford a computer can criticize your wealth. See how that works? Never ending silliness. Not to mention having plumbing. Think Sir. LOVE of money is the issue. Accusing Jmac of loving money for how much he has is baseless, and pure hatred induced. Beware of those who, in having their own sins, think they have time to finger point everywhere else. Shameful.
What a great response. Did you even read the entire article? It’s worse than you think…but you don’t. You just attack based on your feelings.
JB That’s the standard reply from members of a cult when challenged by truth.
Richard, if it is a standard reply, surely you can show me 3 examples of someone else saying it.
How about 1 Rich
Waiting for a statement from GCC or JM…
J. MacArthur is no prosperity preacher. And for all we know he gives a large % away. He preaches the Bible with integrity. He conducts his life with integrity. Christians are told not to judge each other bc to his own master he stands or falls. And God will see to it that he will stand. So let’s Mind Our OWN Business and scrutinize our own actions.
He could start by giving two of his houses away.
Charles, he doesnt need to give anything away to satisfy you. He owes you nothing. If he feels compelled to prove to himself he counts it all rubbish, thats up to him. Dont hold yourself so high by thinking he needs to prove to you or any of his critics anything.
If they won’t even disclose how much he makes , how do we know how much he gives away ? “We all know ..” We all know what? From his own mouth ? Because he is so trustworthy? …kinda like he was there when MLJK was killed and was friends was Charles Evers .
How much he gives away is irrelevant . People donate and expect the ministry to be good stewards , not enrich people to make it their choice about how much they give away.
Well another hypocrite I guess. Is Jesus even real if NONE of His followers can live modestly and righteously? This country is a joke.
Good question, how much money do you live on? 70% of the world live on $2.00 a day or less. Are you living modestly? By what standard? Dont join the cancel culture. examine yourself, and seek to glorify God and be a good steward of what he gives you. You see the Earth is the Lords, and everything in it. MacArthur has nothing the Lord hasnt entrusted to him, and he will be held accountable for how he handled it. Just as you and I will.
Oh, so that’s the standard? I thought the Bible was. Silly me.
That cancel culture is getting bolder every day. Have you read how state Republican leaders are censoring members of Congress that voted to Impeach Donald Trump?
Shameful, just downright shameful. We need to get rid of cancel culture.
I’m more interested in MacArthur’s giving and less in his earnings. I’m more interested in what he does with those 3 houses as opposed to the fact he owns them. As someone else said, he is 81, works full-time for many years. I’m still not sure Phil Johnson has blatantly lied about anything.
Look, if there’s more to the story, I’ll wait to hear facts about that. Right now, I’m not convinced JMac has done anything wrong.
the fact is JM has judged many and condemned them ..even to hell Strange Fire Conference 2012 for example..well of course later he modified his statements and softened the blow just a wee bit..he has a way with words you know. Well now this is what he is getting…the ‘judge’ is being judged now
A lesson for all of us
You don’t mention anything about Dr. MacArthur’s book sales, which must be substantial. How do they affect his financials?
Had it not been JMs incessant calling out of others without realizing that he too loves the finer things in life, comfort and money he wouldn’t be in this mess. Some pastors are just smarter than the others, they make more, remain silent and gets away with it.
Wow! The comments blow my mind!
And not in a good way!
Folks…leadership reflects the attitude of those who work beside them.
What I see is religious mafia.
With thugs doing the leaders dirty work.
It is a nice shell game jmac and Co. have going on!
I am impressed!
Religion is big business!
And this is religion…
What jmac has going on has nothing to do with winning souls for heaven.
None of the men and women who are famous today for preaching the gospel are in it for the cause of Christ…not ONE.
What they preach is apostasy; it is entertainment and entertainers are handsomely compensated.
The religious mafia is a well oiled machine…a business that is shady and no different than any other worldly business.
Reminds me of the Stepford wives: same people at the same conferences looking pretty and put together all preaching the same lukewarm gospel with no power and just content to go along and ignore Jesus…the real Jesus. You know, the one who died for our sins and rose again? We are blood bought! It is HIS blood that paid the price for our sins!
What gives an apostasy teacher or preacher away?
Their behavior is no different than the world’s…drugs, porn, greed, divorce, adultery, anger issues, domestic violence, arrogance…I know they are human. But where is Holiness? Where is accountability? Where is humbleness? Where is a setting apart and living as Jesus did; living for Jesus and Him alone!
Jesus did not give His life on the cross for any of us that are called to teach or preach to join an exclusive club (mafia) to create fame, wealth and power for themselves!
Jesus is ALL about serving ALL about relationships!
Not mega churches or bloated mega ministries…all shell games.
Jmac could be the leader he once was…open his books for all ministries, remove most relatives from boards or employment in his ministries, pare down the mega church mega ministries that are nothing but top heavy bureaucracies!
And start holding himself accountable to a core of Godly men that have nothing to do with the religious mafia.
Stop giving your $$$
Stop listening to them!
Put down the books..
Pick up your bible, pray for Holy spirit wisdom and discernment! Study it! Memorize the word of God!
Then you will see the deceptions and ungodly behavior.
Amen! Well stated!
Absolutely.
Julie, Just checked GCC website. It lists information from ECFA. Was this not up when you wrote the article?
If you go to ECFA website it lists GCC as “voluntary resignation.” Not sure I follow your post. Here’s the link to ECFA membership – https://www.ecfa.church/MembershipChanges.aspx
Just wondered who Dr. McArthur has triggered?? As the “Woke” community grows larger and more powerful, it stands to reason we will see more articles attacking those who tell the truth. It would be far more accurate if you had reported what Dr. McArthur gives, and then we would have had a more fair and balanced report.
What sort of crooked person tells a pastor how to spend his money? MacArthur works for three ministries, so yes, he makes a lot of money. On top of that the man has written more books that have helped instruct the church and protect the gospel than any other pastor I know of. Its not like he’s making millions off the church offerings (like most prosperity preachers do). He’s making lots of money (over time) from all the work he does in all the ministries he serves in. Who are you to tell him its wrong to have three houses, that doesn’t mean he’s a lover of money, it means he has money to spend and he wants to spend it on some houses. Maybe he’s going to give them to his kids one day. Who knows and who cares The man has the freedom to do with his money as he sees fit. This whole article is so foolish and dare I say dangerous. You better take care in how deal with someone God is so powerfully using for His glory. If he has sinned, show the verse, but nothing in scripture says a pastor must be poor or cant own more than one house, especially if most of the money he has isn’t even coming from the church offerings. Just remember men like Solomon (in his early years), Abraham, and Job. Godly men, tremendously blessed. Praise God for John MacArthur’s faithful 50years of global impactful ministry; he deserves more.
Matthew Mack: The man has the freedom to do with his money as he sees fit.
All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify.
— 1 Corinthians 10:23
Just because MacArthur has the freedom to do something does not make it wise, especially considering his long, outspoken position against preachers who gain wealth from the gospel. Furthermore, the issue is not just with what he does with his money, but how it was earned and the lack of transparency within these ministries. Phil Johnson’s reprehensible and illegal actions against Julie for posting this speak volumes as well.
Matthew Mack: How perfect. Could not have said this better myself. You’re brilliant.
Don Jones – you are right. I couldn’t find the ECFA accreditation on GCC website. It is on the affiliated organization Grace to You. At the bottom of the homepage. Thanks for the comment.
In John’s version of Jesus cleansing the temple, Jesus says, “stop making My Father’s house a house of merchandise.” With all the brand building, empire building, and so on, it makes me wonder if things are really that different now. Maybe Jesus just didn’t understand how things work in the real world.
Good Grief! I think the truth is somewhat in the middle. I’ve never been a JM fan, but I do think the hyperbole is a bit much. Compare his income to actual prosperity gospel preachers and it’s still significantly less. HOWEVER (before you all start crucifying me for those words) – I’m not sure it was wise to attack his preaching. His preaching was always somewhat level headed, albeit – not always what I necessarily agree with (but that’s the true definition of tolerance isn’t?). We live in the OUTR-age where everyone is looking for something to be angry at. His three homes are rather extravagant, and I have serious issues with the nepotism on his boards. That may be worse part of it, not the $. I have to hand it to JB. He has kept a cool head and remained rather respectful in his polemics. While we may disagree with his points – he still presents them well. All this is to say what I said at the start! I think the truth is somewhere between all this emotional hyperbole. I can’t wait to see the stones some of you are going to fling at me when, in reality, I haven’t really said a whole lot here. Your Canadian Friend.
So the author thinks Dr. MacArthur has too much money. That’s enough to prove six decades of service to the Lord is a sham? He leads a seminary, a Christian college, a church and his sermons are the basis for a radio ministry heard daily by millions. He points people to Jesus as the Savior of the world. Most pastors of churches with more than 5,000 members will have the same finances. Should they have family members on their boards… probably not, but other than that practice, I do not see what he has done wrong exactly. Seems like he should be compensated for wearing all those hats.
He has money and he speaks out against the corrupt prosperity gospel. That makes him a hypocrite? So I guess mega rich pastors like Joel Osteen and Kenneth Copeland are not hypocrites because they preach “God wants you to be rich”?
A very slanted article with twisted motivations from what I see.
James Gregory. Thank you.
Hi James. If family members are indeed members of the body, I see no reason for disqualification. What do you think? . This article has encouraged me to give more to the ministry, and although a long drive, Im thinking I will join the Church. Your words I find encouraging, thank you for your thoughtful Christian approach to it.
Julie, what Federal litmus test do you meet that qualifies you to be a 501C3 nonprofit? And do you receive a “housing allowance” under the 501C3? Can Judson University receive a donor directed donation and then funnel the money directly to you? Just curious.
No, I do not take a housing allowance. Also, Judson does not funnel the money to The Roys Report. It disburses money from the dedicated account as invoices come in. Judson holds all the funds and provides a second layer of accountability.
And the litmus test that you to qualify to meet the 501C3 Non Profit status?
As I’ve stated earlier, The Roys Report is not a 501c3 at this time. We are in the process of applying. Right now, Judson, which is a 501c3, takes and holds all our donations.
What qualifies as a nonprofit is available online. I’m not going to repeat all the qualifications here. However, a very short definition from the IRS is that 501(c)(3) organizations “operate for religious, charitable, scientific, literary or educational purposes.” The Roys Report is both religious and educational.
But I’m sure the IRS will fully review our application and grant our status accordingly.
What a fascinating article. And I always thought he was one of the good big church leaders. Great research!
Well, do not believe in all these hypocrites. Talk is cheap and condemning others is easy. How on earth John MacArthur thought he was sacrosanct while whole ministry was monetized for his family? People should be ashamed to defend him. There ought to be a higher standard. What is the difference between John MacArthur and any other fake pastor – the answer is nothing.
The apostle Paul denied himself what he was entitled to so the gospel is not hindered. JM simply took his entitlements to the hilt. The staff elders wanting to have a slice of the action simply feed JM his desire for more entitlements so they can feed themselves with more. Thanks to JM the enemies of the cross have more reasons to ridicule the church, prosperity pastors are having a field day with this revelation.. that they are no different from JM. Who knows they might be neighbours. Unbelievers have more reasons now to be suspicious of the church. JM and his elders who arrogantly maintains that they answer to no one has caused many to stumble. Thank you John. Interview the many who have left or been jettisoned for questioning JM and you’ll find more skeletons than the 3 JM mansions can fill. Lastly, The Believers Foundation is Republican first and christian a means to a political end. Which explains why JM was an open advocate of the Iraq War, even twisting scripture to support a senseless war of aggression based on a lie during an interview with larry King in March 2003. JM’s opposition to the Social Justice movement, Black Lives movement, denial of the pandemic and defiance of the ordinance is nothing more than a Republican campaign endorsement in exchange on both through the misuse and abuse of the pulpit for a big fat bonus from the Believers Foundation. JM has done extremely well with the republican party on the backs of his church members, shepherds conference attendees, seminary and university students who are just too willing to be of service to him.
My guess is that Dr. MacArthur could make 10 x what he is currently allotted if he worked “outside the church.”
I would be interested in Julie’s response to Phil Johnson’s comments posted in the Christian Post: https://www.christianpost.com/news/official-denies-john-macarthur-makes-more-than-500k-a-year.html
This article is not very convincing at all. I live in southern California where my 1000sqft condo goes for $0.5million. A house where GCC is easily a 0.7-1million investment to live somewhere you feel safe- remember GCC is about 15min drive from Hollywood, CA. You need a six figure salary just to make it around here. Also, comparing JM to prosperity teachers is not valid on several levels. This seems more like a hit job than an actual journalistic investigation.
BINGO