A letter to Francis Chan

by Mark on January 20, 2010

In Francis Chan’s sermon Beware of Good Liars, he reads a letter from a single mother seeking his advice.

I’m curious how others would respond. I won’t comment yet. Just read it.

Pastor Francis, I made a covenant promise to a ministry [a TV ministry] in January for $100 a month. I’m a single mom with two teenage sons. One of which is mildly autistic with mild traumatic brain surgery.

I work really hard to make ends meet. I support my boys by myself. I have no family to help me and lately the ends haven’t been meeting to pay those bills, but still give my $100 covenant each month to the [TV ministry].

I was watching something recently about the $2.5 million pay check that he [preacher of this TV ministry] gives himself annually. And even more for each member of his family that works within the ministry. I saw pictures of his home and cars, etc. and I felt like someone punched me in the stomach.

I know I give to God with a genuine heart and that what the pastor chooses to do with that money is between him and God. That he’ll be judged if he misuses it.

But am I wrong to be disappointed and hurt that my money I work so hard for to spread the word and feed poor people goes into his pocket for beautiful homes and planes and luxury dinners for him and his family?

Here’s my question. Am I wrong to break my covenant and give to a ministry I feel is working solely for the Kingdom of God and not for personal gain while spreading the Gospel?

How would you answer?

I can’t help but wonder just how many people there are just like this lady.

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John Jordan

Ok....i've got to know....what was Chan's repsonse?

Mark

Darrin and Dan, thanks for the input. I agree with you guys.

sdansmith

She makes a good point in her own letter, saying how she knows that she gave in good faith and what the 'minister' did with the money is between him and God. Still, she now knows the truth, and the truth, in this case, can set her free. I say run fast away from this fellow.

Darrin

Yes, there probably should have been red flags to keep her from giving to this mess in the first place. But now being enlightened, she should immediately cease and put her funds to more noble ends.

Too bad that the concept of "covenant" has been twisted in this and other cases to be a negative, as in, "everything wise and good points the other way, but, woe is me, I've made this covenant...". That's not how it should ever be.

Mark

I agree that she is not under obligation. It seems there is a more important element missing here. The lady who wrote the letter should be part of a local church and have a pastor(s) to help her in a situation like this. If she has limited funds it seems that those should go to her local church first, etc.

Douglas K. Adu-Boahen

She is under no obligation to continue giving to such a ministry. He broke the "covenant" when he spent that money on himself and his luxury lifestyle - so if she feels that she can no longer do so, she is free.

Ed Goodman

I agree. If you view this type of covenant in metaphorical terms of marriage, we understand that Jesus granted divorce only in extenuating circumstances of unfaithfulness. This is a matter only reconcilable within her own conscience. However, my conscience would be clear to break something such as this, because I can't help but be suspicious that these types of teleministries purposefully call people "covenant" partners to shame and/or guilt them into staying on board the giving train.