The November 21, 1991 broadcast of ABC-TV’s Prime Time Live raised some allegations against three prominent charismatic ministries based in Dallas, Texas. The questions raised centered around how the personalities involved heal the sick and how they spend ministry funds. These type of charges are usually directed at new ministries which suddenly come into prominence. There is often a hidden agenda of the accusers to discredit Christianity, regardless of the sincerity of the ministers.

The same time-worn assertions have been with us for almost 2000 years. In the first century, the Apostle Paul was falsely accused of ministering for personal gain, although he supported himself through his occupation as a tent maker (1 Thess 2:3-9; 2 Thess. 3:7-9). The Apostle admitted, however, that there were some who preached out of selfish motives, but that others preach out of love (Phil. 1:15-18).

In the 19th century, the Salvation Army was the target of the same allegations. William Booth, the founder, was often accused of taking money for himself out of the millions he raised for the poor and sick. Booth was, in fact, supported by donations of private supporters who looked after his family’s welfare. Today, few people question the integrity and Christian charity of the Salvation Army.