The Pulpit And the Bling-Bling

¿ David and Joyce Meyer of Joyce Meyer Ministries of Fenton, Mo. In addition to supplying other documentation, they were asked to explain why the ministry spent $23,000 on a toilet with a marble top, $30,000 for a conference table and $11,219 to purchase a French clock.

¿ Kenneth and Gloria Copeland of Kenneth Copeland Ministries of Newark, Tex. They were questioned about their travel expenditures.

¿ Bishop Eddie L. Long of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church of Lithonia, Ga. Long has been asked to detail "love offerings," or direct donations from members.

¿ Creflo and Taffi Dollar of World Changers Church International of College Park, Ga. The Dollars were asked to list all vehicle purchases. In a television interview, Creflo Dollar indignantly disputed claims he owns two Rolls-Royces.

"That's not true," he said. "First of all, we don't have two Rolls-Royces. And secondly, the one Rolls-Royce that was purchased was purchased by the donors."

Here's the thing. I don't care what the Dollars drive. I'm not outraged over the couple's opulent lifestyle. The ministers in question haven't taken a vow of poverty.

In statements, the ministers said they comply with the laws that govern church and nonprofit organizations. Most said they would have their legal counsel review the requests from Grassley.

The pastors who run these mega-churches minister to tens of thousands of people. These leaders oversee an amazing amount of community outreach efforts. They're often on call round the clock. They are overworked and often overstressed trying to bless others.

There's nothing sinful about ministers being compensated on a par with chief executives who oversee for-profit operations with just as much revenue. As long as the ministers serve as examples of good stewardship and live within or below their means -- even if those means afford them a mega lifestyle -- it's none of our business what they buy with their own earnings.