Televangelism, or preaching the gospel on television, radio and other media, has become a multi-billion dollar industry. Some of the most well-known televangelists command audiences of millions across the globe. However, over the years numerous scandals have plagued many big-name televangelists. Financial misconduct, fraud, sex scandals and other misdeeds have often made headlines. This has led many to question the integrity of televangelists and the prosperity gospel they often preach.
The Bible provides wisdom as to why there seem to be so many scandals among televangelists and prosperity preachers. Here are several relevant biblical principles:
Love of Money
One major reason is the love of money. 1 Timothy 6:10 warns that “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils.” Televangelism can be hugely profitable, bringing in millions in donations and product sales each year. When love of money and greed takes over, it often leads to cutting ethical corners and even blatant misconduct to gain more wealth.
“No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money” (Luke 16:13). The lure of riches can lead televangelists to focus more on money than ministry.
Lack of Accountability
Another factor is lack of accountability. Many televangelists head up independent ministries and mega-churches where they are the sole or primary authority. There are often no accountability structures like church elders, boards and denominational oversight to keep them in check.
This concentration of power runs counter to biblical principles such as servant leadership and mutual submission (1 Peter 5:5-6, Mark 10:42-45). It enables misconduct since televangelists become “a law to themselves.” They can get away with almost anything since no one will confront them.
Twisting Biblical Truths
Additionally, many televangelists present twisted versions of biblical truths. They selectively use isolated Bible verses to promise financial blessings in exchange for donations. This is known as the prosperity gospel or “health and wealth” teaching. It asserts that God rewards faith and generous giving to ministries with health, wealth and prosperity.
However, the prosperity gospel is an unbiblical distortion that does not reflect the whole counsel of God’s word (Acts 20:27). Nowhere does the Bible promise material riches to those who donate. Rather than fixation on earthly wealth, Christ taught things like self-denial and serving the poor (Luke 14:33, Matthew 19:21).
Exploiting People’s Needs
Moreover, some televangelists exploit people’s pain and needs. They make sweeping promises of healing, financial breakthroughs and other blessings to those who give to their ministries or purchase their products. This gives desperate people false hope.
James warns against selfish ambition and preying on others, saying “you ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions” (James 4:3). Some televangelists make merchandise of people, contrary to 2 Peter 2:3.
Lack of Spiritual Maturity
Furthermore, televangelists often lack spiritual maturity and Christlike character. They are not living out Jesus’ moral teachings on sacrifice, selflessness, integrity and virtue. Immaturity is revealed in greed, attention-seeking, pride, lack of self-control and failure to bear good spiritual fruits (Galatians 5:22-23).
The Bible makes it clear that spiritual leaders must exemplify maturity and godly character. “An overseer must be above reproach…” (1 Timothy 3:2); “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching…” (1 Timothy 4:16). Televangelists do not always meet these biblical qualifications.
Emphasis on Outward Appearance
Also, an emphasis on outward appearance over inward condition contributes to televangelist scandals. Some televangelists focus on looking good on television or social media. They want to attract large followings and donations. But Jesus rebuked religious leaders who acted righteous outwardly but were corrupt inwardly (Matthew 23:25-28).
Televangelists are not immune from Jesus’ warning: “Woe to you…For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence” (Matthew 23:25). A focus on outward perception rather than inner integrity can lead to moral failures.
Lack of True Calling from God
Moreover, some get into televangelism without a genuine divine calling. Their motivations are money, fame and influence rather than a spirit-led desire to advance God’s kingdom. But Jesus cautioned that unless the Lord builds the house, “those who build it labor in vain” (Psalm 127:1). Self-appointed ministry without God’s direction courts problems.
The Bible emphasizes that leaders must be called and equipped by God, not self-promoting. As Hebrews 5:4 states, “no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God.” Televangelism absent a divine commission invites ethical lapses.
Mega-Church Problems
Furthermore, scandals are more likely within huge organizations like mega-churches. Larger groups make accountability and transparency more difficult. There is greater potential for abuse of power, lack of controls, misuse of finances, secrecy and coverups.
But Jesus chose twelve disciples to train intimately, not massive crowds. Big does not always equal better in ministry. Smaller scale ministries can more easily follow New Testament principles of servant leadership, relationships and ethical practices.
Unrealistic Expectations and Pressures
In addition, televangelists face unrealistic expectations and pressures that can lead to misconduct. There is constant demand to raise more and more money. They must continually appeal to people’s greed and chase donations. It becomes easy to cross ethical lines out of greed or just to meet budget goals.
Additionally, the online celebrity culture pressures televangelists to portray lives of holiness, power and success. But no one measures up to the fake outward image. This gap between illusion and reality can lead to immorality and fakery to keep up appearances.
Insufficient Discipline and Discipling
Furthermore, personal discipline and discipling of future leaders is often lacking. Spiritual disciplines like prayer, fasting, simplicity and scripture meditation help build Christlike character (1 Timothy 4:7-8). But some televangelists fail to devote themselves continually to such disciplines.
Also, there is often inadequate ongoing discipleship and mentoring of younger teachers and preachers. Paul exhorted Timothy to entrust Christ’s message to faithful individuals who can teach others and spread the faith (2 Timothy 2:2). Lack of discipleship leaves ministries vulnerable when older leaders fall.
Lust and Greed in the Heart
Additionally, scandals often stem from unchecked lust and greed in the heart. James 1:14-15 explains that sinful desire conceived in the heart gives birth to sin. Jesus said evil thoughts like sexual immorality come from within and defile people (Mark 7:20-23). Televangelists are as vulnerable to lust and greed as anyone.
They must heed Christ’s warnings to watch and pray against temptation, and take every thought captive to Christ (Matthew 26:41, 2 Corinthians 10:5). Without diligence, ministry success can nurture greed and carnality, leading to scandal.
Inadequate Safeguards and Testing
Moreover, lack of adequate safeguards and testing sets people up for failure. Accountability structures, financial controls, codes of conduct and other checks and balances are often absent in televangelist ministries. But the Bible says leaders should prove themselves blameless before being appointed (1 Timothy 3:10).
Also, prosperity and ease can create opportunities for sin. Many televangelists lack spiritual safeguards like Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” to humble and guard them (2 Corinthians 12). They do not pass tests of character that wrestling with hardship can bring. As Proverbs states, “As the crucible is for silver and the furnace is for gold, so a man is tested by the praise he receives.” (Proverbs 27:21).
Lack of Servanthood
Furthermore, televangelists often lack a servant mindset. Pride and ego come with having millions of admirers. But Jesus told his disciples that “whoever would be great among you must be your servant” (Mark 10:43). The most effective spiritual leaders see themselves as servants, not celebrities or prosperity gurus.
Televangelists can forget they are stewards of God’s message and resources, not owners. They can begin to see themselves as the source of their success rather than God. This pride and self-reliance is contrary to true servant leadership.
Ministry Becomes a Business
In addition, televangelism often morphs into a money-making business rather than ministry. With millions in revenue each year, it becomes easy to operate like a business dependent on sales, marketing and fundraising. Business-mindedness crowds out spiritual vision and dependence on God.
Jesus did no fundraising, nor did early apostles like Paul. But modern televangelism requires sophisticated fundraising operations to sustain lavish budgets. This commercialization of Christ’s gospel undermines integrity and spiritual authority.
Lack of Focus on the Gospel
Moreover, televangelists often lack focus on the pure gospel of Christ. They rely on worldly means like hype, entertainment and emotional appeals rather than God’s message. Shows are more about excitements, theatrics and manipulation than the gospel.
Paul, however, relied on simple proclamation of the cross of Christ rather than himself or clever words (1 Corinthians 2:1-5). Many televangelists have drifted from the purity and simplicity of the gospel that transforms hearts and lives.
Loss of First Love for Christ
Additionally, like the Ephesian church, some televangelists lose their first love for Christ (Revelation 2:4). Success in ministry and reliance on worldly tools can result in forgetting one’s love and devotion to Jesus himself. Closeness to Christ gets crowded out by secondary things.
But Jesus must be leaders’ first priority, not money, fame or reputation. Televangelists are not immune to Christ’s warning to diligently guard against forsaking our first love for him amid the busyness of ministry (Revelation 2:4-5). Our relationship with Christ must remain supreme.
In summary, there are many factors that contribute to televangelist scandals as outlined above. Lack of accountability, love of money, inadequate spiritual safeguards, unbiblical teachings, pride and exploitation of people for gain are some chief reasons. This points to the need for humility, integrity,financial prudence and a servant heart in ministry.
The Bible warns that teachers “who teach will be judged with greater strictness” (James 3:1). Responsible use of wealth and media along with sound doctrine and ethics in ministry is crucial. Televangelists must exemplify the self-sacrifice of the cross, not the prosperity gospel. As Jesus said, “Whoever would be first among you must be slave of all” (Mark 10:44).