EP 35 MEGA CHURCH SCAMS

Allegations of financial misconduct and exploitation have been directed at various megachurches, with critics describing some as scams that exploit congregants' faith for personal gain.
A central issue involves the use of "honorariums," where prominent pastors are paid substantial tax-free fees to speak at one another's churches, creating a circular system funded by congregants' tithes and offerings.
Hillsong founder Brian Houston reportedly received over $1 million in such payments between 2011 and 2021 from churches within the Hillsong network and those led by his pastor friends, including Bill Johnson, Judah Smith, and Jentezen Franklin.
These payments, sometimes reaching $50,000 per appearance, were funneled into personal not-for-profit entities, raising concerns about transparency and misuse of tax-exempt funds