Cornerstone Church Pastor John Hagee Has Prospered Along With His San Antonio Organization

San Antonio Express-News ^ | 07-06-02 | Nazareno, Analisa

[Hebrews 11:6]

Recently I started an outreach ministry, and in filing for the 501c3 tax exemption I learned that the IRS has stiff standards for granting such exemptions initially. For example, the majority of directors must be unrelated.

Of course, once the exemption has been granted, I'm doubtful that the IRS maintains much vigilance against inbred boards of directors.

[Common Tator]

If Hagee were Hillary,he would not have to preach and teach and write books for a lousy 1.2 million a year. He could just have a book ghost written for 120 thousand dollars and sell it for 8 million. He would not have to write a book a year... He could have one ghost written every 6.5 years and make the 1.2 million a year the easy way.

Hagee is not in Hillary's class. Hagee even writes his own books... ridiculous.

[Support Free Republic]

Any way I can talk you into making a donation?? Thanks if you will!

[Malcolm]

I recently found out that my pastor makes $250K/yr, via a former member, (if this is accurate info). I did not like it at first, but then again, I do not know what he does with that money, whether he turns around and gives it away, or some other similar activities. All pastors who make $$$ will have to stand one day and defend that, not to us but to the Almightly. I hope most don't fall under the "fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter" category.
I personally think that no pastor should make more than $50k/yr directly off the tithes of its members. If you want to make big bucks, get into a line of work where you can make it without involving the donations of others. Work for it in other words.
BTW, I have nothing against Hagee. I used to listen to him all the time, but his bellowing style of delivery tires the ears after a while. Same for that guy from Cleveland (Parsley?). LOL, if Rod were not a pastor, he could sell used cars like no other.....

[newgeezer]

Although there is little question that the "prosperity gospel" is fraught with error, the title of this piece and the implications it brings are cause for some concern.

Any criticism of Hagee's (or any other evangelist's) wealth must be measured in the context of 1 Corinthians 9:

1 Corinthians 9
⁹   For it is written in the Law of Moses, "YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING." God is not concerned about oxen, is He?
¹⁰   Or is He speaking altogether for our sake? Yes, for our sake it was written, because the plowman ought to plow in hope, and the thresher to thresh in hope of sharing the crops.
¹¹   If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?
¹²   If others share the right over you, do we not more? Nevertheless, we did not use this right, but we endure all things so that we will cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ.

Sure, it could be argued that Hagee is causing some hindrance to the gospel. But, it seems to me that's between him and his Maker, especially if he's up front rather than secretive or deceptive about it -- so that contributors know what they're contributing to. Because, when is a pastor/elder/evangelist/etc. "too" wealthy? Those who believe too much is going to the evangelist's pocket rather than the Lord's work are free to withhold their contributions from his ministries.

As for the IRS, I've always thought the so-called "muzzle" of the 501(c)3 law to exempt churches from taxation is somewhat self-imposed by the churches themselves. Render to Caesar what is Caesar's. If something needs to be said or done, say or do it and pay your taxes, and inform your contributors their gifts will no longer be deductible. After all, the Lord said He would provide, didn't He?

(Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.)

[ICE-FLYER]

The man is preaching garbage. You example is found in the woman who gave here mere penny. she gave from the heart, and she gave all that she had. It was not that you have to give all that you have nor out of your excess but from your heart. To emotionalize this and tell people God will not or has not given to you because you have not given to Him is gross and vulgar and blasphemy IMNSHO. He reminds me of Robert Tilton of Dallas who uses the same garbage to get people to give to his ministry. Its just a money grab.

[mombonn]

For their monthly contribution, the volunteers pray for them every day. And the partners have direct access to a toll-free partner prayer line where a partner-relations specialist patches the phone call to Hagee, who then prays for them especially.

I pray for a large number of people every day, for free. I find this charge for prayer by volunteers troublesome. I'll bet they have to cough up extra bucks to get through the Hagee.

Not good.

[MineralMan]

Jesus wept.

[AppyPappy]

I'm less concerned with their income as long as it is public information. When I was a Presbyterian, the ministers income was in the bulletin.

[AppyPappy]

The House That God's Money Bought

[MineralMan]

"The House That God's Money Bought"

Well, I'm sure this guy's deity want him to live in style, eh? Can't have the local preacher living in poverty, now can we?

More difficult than a camel passing through the Needle's eye, I guess. So, as a godless atheist, myself, I guess I'll see this guy someday. [grin]

[Sabertooth]

Hagee is not in Hillary's class. Hagee even writes his own books... ridiculous.

Agreed. Nor does Hagee moonlight by taking money against anyone's will and redistributing it to demonstrate his compassion.

[11th Earl of Mar]

I have nothing against Hagee. I used to listen to him all the time, but his bellowing style of delivery tires the ears after a while. Same for that guy from Cleveland (Parsley?). LOL, if Rod were not a pastor, he could sell used cars like no other.....

I think you are right... on both accounts.

[Tax-chick]

Interesting. I lived in San Antonio for years, and often wondered what went on at Cornerstone. I guess if one is preaching a "gospel" that God will make the congregants rich, then it only makes sense for the pastor to be the top exemplar. This gent obviously knows about getting rich!

[Matchett-PI]

"The man is preaching garbage. ...To emotionalize this and tell people God will not or has not given to you because you have not given to Him is gross and vulgar and blasphemy .... He reminds me of Robert Tilton of Dallas who uses the same garbage to get people to give to his ministry. Its just a money grab."

You got it. The sheep-shearing grifters are a dime a dozen on TBN/CBN

[y2k_free_radical]

Obviously,JESUS,THE APOSTLES,and the EARLY CHRISTIANS didn't understand how to financially prosper===if only they could have benefitted from the financial success messages of the NAME IT,CLAIM IT LATTER DAY RAIN ministries----P.S.-i think BENNIE HINN makes close to 4 X as much as HAGEE

[em2vn]

If he isn't breaking the law and the congregation isn't disturbed, there doesn't seem to be a problem. I think any objection I would have is based on envy and societal bias instead of a biblical prohibition.

[y2k_free_radical]

GREAT SITE-I RECOMMEND THIS TO ALL=has anyone ever wondered if BENNY HINN is connected to the VALLEY OF BINN HINNOM spoken of in JEREMIAH,CHAPTERS 9 and 19,i think

[y2k_free_radical]

AND I AM A CHARISMATIC !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!