February 07, 2008
How Much Leaders of Big Christian Groups Are Paid
Some leaders of large Christian charities are “double dipping” their salaries — receiving pay from two different organizations, writes Bernie Dehler on his blog, FreeGoodNews, which reports on Christian finances and ethics.
For example, Mr. Dehler shows that according to 990 informational tax forms William Franklin Graham earned $120,905 in fiscal 2005 as president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, in Charlotte, N.C. During that same time period, he also made $345,293 as president of Samaritan’s Purse, a disaster-relief group in Boone, N.C.
Mr. Dehler believes that the total salary is excessive. “For a salary of $120K from one, and $345K for another, that’s a whopping $465K,” he writes.
On his blog, Mr. Dehler has compiled a list of 20 large Christian charities and what they pay their executives.
While he writes that he has concerns about what his list shows, he also notes that a few leaders, such as James Dobson of Focus on the Family, in Colorado Springs, Colo., do not accept a salary.
“Dr. Dobson doesn’t live a life of luxury, and seems to be far-removed from money scandals … a rare and needed role-model for Christian executives in regards to handling money,” he writes.
What do you think? Does Mr. Dehler’s list raise questions about compensation of leaders of religious groups and other nonprofit organizations? Click on the comment link below this post to share your thoughts.
— Ian Wilhelm
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If I work two jobs, I expect to be paid for two jobs. The issue is not in how much money they are paid as a salary, but rather what they do with that salary. How much is Mr. Graham returning into the organizations, or into other charitable projects? Telling the amoung of his salary without following up on his use of it is meaningless.
— April Feb 7, 11:10 PM #
Who cares what Mr.Dehler thinks. When was the last time he stepped into an African civil war to help people? These people raise questions that create fodder for the world to throw stones. It is only excessive if there isn’t any accountability and a group of decision makers who really know what is going on in the organization.
— Terry Sartain Feb 8, 03:05 PM #
I think he could pick on someone else. Franklin has the two jobs that help futhering Gods Word to the lost and also helps in this hurting world with not just words but real help. The word says he will bless thoughs that bless him. I’d say that Franklin must truly be blessing God. Does not the word says our cup runth over.
I’d have to ask what would he have said about Abraham.
Whoa to them that touch(Speak) against God’s annointed.
— Johnnie Feb 8, 06:36 PM #
Lets ask how much Bill, and Melinda Gates make. The Bill, and Melinda Foundation pays them, plus Micro Soft.
Also Warren Buffett gave them money for their foundation.
Just because Franklin Graham CEO of (Samiartian’s Purse, and BGEA)are a Christian organization, that does not give you permission to pick on Franklin and Billy. Bill, and Melinda are doing nothing to build the kingdom of God while relieving suffering, and Franklin and Billy Graham are. With the donations from hard working American’s unlike donations to Bill and Melinda’s foundation from Warren Buffett. You ought to be ashamed of yourself Mr. Dehler…..
— Mary Jo Feb 11, 06:23 PM #