KICC reportedly has £22.9m in assets and made a £4.9m profit in 2008. But is the mega church fleecing the faithful or using the money to reinvest in its community?
Established in 1992 by Matthew Ashimolowo, Kingsway International Christian Centre's (KICC) mostly African congregation has grown from 300 to 12,000, making the East London church one of the largest Christian establishments in Europe.
But with its vast wealth and reported expenditure, many wonder if the church is giving back to the community.
The Charity Commission reports that in addition to its millions in assets, KICC earned over £19m in 2008; £11.5m of it from voluntary donations, £6.6m from the sale of its previous property and the rest of the funds originating from a combination of ministry products sales, conference registration fees and royalties.
Such a profit margin is impressive in a climate of economic recession, so for a religious, minority-owned charity, journalist Marcia Dixon thinks this is encouraging: "Black Brits need to see, acknowledge and celebrate our own black success stories and the church is one of them.
"Furthermore, it's good for our young people to see that there are organisations within the black community that don't rely on grants from government or local council to be successful." ("Marcia Dixon PR Infomail", Infomail with Gospel Events Listings, April 22 2009).
Kingsway International Christian Centre Spending
According to government reports, Walthamstow, KICC's current location, is one of the most deprived areas in London; the region is among the poorest 20% nationally. But is KICC doing enough to uplift the area and the thousands that give so generously every Sunday, many of whom are on low income?
The church reportedly spent over £5m on Christian outreach that includes counseling services and supplementary schools, yet KICC pays its senior Pastor Ashimolowo a salary of £100,000, with four directors earning £60,000 - £80,000 each, compared to the Archbishop of Canterbury, who earns just over £60,000.
KICC also has a £10.1m church building fund (It's planning to build a £70m church complex and spent £1.8m on architects); £4.2m held in reserve, spent over £8m on its media ministry and advertising and £483,897 on "costs for generating voluntary income." Is this appropriate expenditure for a local church?
One Biblical example of church spending states "All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions were his own, but they shared everything they had...There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need." (Acts 4: 32 - 35, The Bible, New International Version).
Glide Memorial Church
Another example of a church impacting its locale is San Francisco's Glide Memorial United Methodist Church. Led by Reverend Cecil Williams, the church serves three meals a day, every day of the year (over 750,000 meals annually) to the city's poor and provides emergency funds and weekly survival classes for vulnerable women at its Women's Centre.
The church also provides subsidized housing for low-income families at the three buildings of over 800 living units owned by the church and facilitates apprenticeships, high school qualification classes and other educational support from its Training and Employment Services.
Glide Memorial also operates a community clinic and mental health centre treating over 3,000 homeless and low income people per year and helps families with accredited childcare, legal assistance, help with rent payments and educational resources for children and teenagers.
Praised by notable figures including Bill Clinton and Oprah Winfrey, Glide Memorial Church is well-known in America for its compassion in meeting the basic needs of its city.
"But there is still so much for Glide to do" it states on its website, "Poverty, drug abuse, violence, and despair persist in San Francisco as they do across the country. By working to combat these problems, Glide serves as an oasis in a desert of hopelessness." (Glide.org)
By contrast, Pastor Ashimolowo says that KICC's future vision is "to plant more satellite churches and to grow to 25,000 attendees by 2000. We plan to open churches in major cities of the world...We're committed to using modern technology, so we're buying TV time..." ("Revival- Are We Missing It? Evangelicals Now, May, 1999)
Stewardship of God's Money
For some, the issue is not the amount of money KICC have but the way it spends it. Past investigations by the Charity Commission reported some financial irregularities:
"Ashimolowo was ordered to repay £200,000 after it emerged he used church assets to buy a £13,000 Florida timeshare and £120,000 on his birthday celebrations, including £80,000 on a car." ("Richer than St Pauls: The Church that Attracts 8,000 Congregation to Disused Cinema", The Guardian, April 11, 2009)
Critics believe that religious institutions should be a model of financial integrity and any doubts about this reflects badly on the religion. Christian organisations can counter this by using their wealth to provide tangible assistance to the community not just for personal gains.
The Guardian article noted KICC official James McGlashan saying, "The teaching of [KICC] is very much about self-development, If that is preaching wealth then we are preaching wealth. Becoming financially independent, owning a house, getting a degree and a better job is good."
However, on its online donations page Glide Memorial Church emphasises its focus on uplifting those in need and tells donors, "Your donations work miracles...each year Glide touches the lives of thousands of individuals and families struggling to overcome the multi-generational cycles of dependency and poverty."
See also: Black Pioneers of the Church for a profile of Matthew Ashimolowo, Pastor E.A. Adeboye and others impacting the Black Church worldwide.
The copyright of the article Is London's KICC Church too Rich? in Religious Activism is owned by Kimberly Ward. Permission to republish Is London's KICC Church too Rich? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
which would you rather have GIVE THE POOR FISH OR TEACH THE POOR HOW TO
FISH. Why dont we as christians celebrate one another and our uniqueness. i
celebrate Glide memorial church and i whole heartedly celebrate KICC. God
bless
Aug 2, 2009 5:11 PM
Guest :
I agree with the last point. Celebrate dont castigate. Study successes to
duplicate n multiply them. Acknowledge errors to eliminate or avoid them.
The work being done by one should not be the yardstick for assessing the
commitment and earnestness of another. Whoever wrote that article surely
has a problem with the idea or being blessed to prosper, and prospering to
fulfill God's purpose. Each ministry has its assignment and the Lord will
hold the ministers accountable for how they've used His provision. While
here and now, so long as their works have not been against established laws
of the state governing their activities, then 'let no man trouble..'
them.Rather seek to know why those who recieve the most handouts keep on
needing it, while those who learn to rise up and are equiped to face their
lives' challenges end up not just being saved but training others in the
knowledge that helped them; hence becoming more of givers than
receivers.Selah... Well done to Glide church IN AMERICA.. keep up the good
work. Well done also to the KICC ..IN THE UK,..keep up the good work. In
all things, I believe the name of Christ is being glorified in these
places. All else is politics and secularism.
Aug 3, 2009 4:30 AM
Kimberly Ward :
Dear Guests,
Thanks for commenting. Just to clarify, my issue is
not with the amount of money KICC are able to generate as a church, but the
seemingly lack of evidence of how such huge amounts are used to make major
changes in the immediate (and disadvantaged)vicinity of the church's
building, as it should. In comparing KICC with Glide, I'm suggesting that
churches can make a remarkable difference in their communities and working
together with local councils can provide necessary and visible aid for the
disadvantaged.
With the millions KICC receives, spending it on
counselling and self promotion falls woefully short of their abilities and
remit as a church to make a change. If I'm missing some major outreach in
the inner-London locale that KICC is involed in (apart from the charity
walks it holds which is not an actual church expenditure), I'll be more
than happy to learn about these and write another article praising such
efforts.
Thanks Kimberly
Aug 4, 2009 3:53 AM
Guest :
There is a 'documentary' filmed by an electrical / sound engineer at on of
their meetings on the internet. This may be relevant to your discussion: http://shootingpeople.org/watch/film.php?film_id=51972
Personally I think that the KICC should be doing a lot more with all that
tax free income than they are.
Aug 6, 2009 7:45 AM
Guest :
When the church don't have money, you don't hear anything. When church does
and it is suppose 'oh what are they doing for the community etc' Giving
money to the poor won't take them out of poverty, its mindset and
education. People are responsible for their own success. Why hasn't
anybody asked Sainsbury's or Tesco what they are doing for the community.
They are making billions every year. No its only when its come to the
church. All i got to say is God's people are rising higher and
higher, so get use to the church and the people prosper cause the whole
earth is the Lord's and everything in it!
Aug 17, 2009 7:24 AM
Guest :
i go to kicc and i think the vision we have as a church is the way god
wants us to go i think we as people should just be glad that the money is
being used to bring people to god. i have been in KICC since i was born i
feeel i am growing with god im now 13 and i can tell you the presence of
god is in the house
Aug 23, 2009 4:01 PM
Guest :
Much of the income is actually from entrepeural endaevours rather than
offerings as many wrongly assume. Alot of these churches and pastors make
money from business endeavours, such as books, teaching materials as well
as general gifts from wealthy members (not offerings). It's not right to
compare the pastor's earning to that of the Archbishop, when was the last
time he did anything to advance God's kingdom? Wealth is a blessing and one
which we ought to celebrate. The church as a whole does ALOT for community
worldwide, let's not point fingers at just one church.
Aug 24, 2009 1:38 PM
Guest :
Good article Kimberly.
KICC seems to be one of a number of
churches with a similar approach.
UCKG is another one which is
currently making major waves, owing to alleged fraud. UCKG made big
promises to Lewisham Council about providing community facilities in their
building, in order to get planning permission. These turned out to be empty
promises. UCKG has a similar tithing system.
Aug 26, 2009 12:00 AM
Guest :
Hi Kimberly, we've read with interest your article here in Uganda.
However, as worldwide members of KICC, I am disgusted to hear what you say
about a church that has changed would-be muggers, drug-addicts, rapists,
youth stabbing citizens in major London boroughs including Walthamstow and
Hackney, to responsible citizens, building the minority to become major
contributors to the betterment of United Kingdom and the world. We believe
in KICC vision and I don't think one church should be tasked alone to help
your communities, while the British parliament and government looks on at
the rot they created. Get real and point the finger at the right culprits,
your system, which favours laziness through handouts and benefits, while
KICC teaches us to work and prosper and be a blessing to others. Bravo
KICC, the Church is marching on... Prudence and Paul. Kampala. Uganda
Aug 28, 2009 1:48 PM
Guest :
When we come to understand that as long as one walks in total obedience to
God, that person is blessed in ALL things. Christianity is not about
religion, and our mandate as children of God is to be fishers of men and be
a blessing to others. If those who attend KICC can confidently say that
they have applied the principles Matthew Ahimolowo teaches on and can
identify significant areas in their lives where there is changed backed up
scripturally then thats done. Only bible believing christians can fully
understand what is going on and how God is increasing the church and
expanding its coast to reach millions of His children. The end times are
here and it is pertinent that souls are saved. Lets not concern ourselves
with how money is being spent. The truth is that Jesus himself will judge
us for all our works here on earth. Let our energies be directed instead to
reigning with God in heaven and live a christ like life here on earth.
Aug 29, 2009 4:44 PM
Guest :
I found Kimberley's article a good read and some of the contributors'
comments puzzling. Kimberley presents evidence within public domain and
states that she would welcome any contradictory evidence. By faith I
beleive KICC is a spirit filled church and the senior pastor an asset to
the community and all christians. However all regenerated christians should
depend on the Bible which is the complete word of God rather than any
created being no matter how spiritually blessed they are. Even christ
referred to the scriptures during his time on earth. God gives us the
ability to reason and challenge unholy practice which we must do without
fear. Christ challenged the religious people who turned their backs on God
and were worshipped by the people because they were in authority. Christ
was of course crucified for this. I think evidence suggests thst KICC
should be doing more openly for the poor and needy and have a visible
inpact on the local community, christian or not. This is what Christ
challenges us to do. It is right to point this out to KICC leadership and
remind them that God expects this of the church.Kimberly was just pointing
out what many KICC attendees constantly think about, me included. Perhaps
we need more openess about how the church funds are spent and on what
really matter to God's Kingdom. Having wealth is a gift from the Lord and
we all pray for this. But we must remember to use the church's wealth in
blessing the poor and needy whilst at the same time teaching them the
kingdom;s secret of wealth. Refusing to challenge questionable practice is
itself not holy.
Sep 3, 2009 2:34 PM
Guest :
The church will never take over from the United Nations or other NGOs.While
i appreciate helping the poor and providing for the less priviledge,i must
say that Pastor Mathew Ashimolowo and KICC is doing a great work teaching
christians and indeed humanity how to succeed and not throw a pity party
,sitting down to depend on anybody.There is no basis to compare two
churches.The basic and most important thing is that Christ be preached and
signs and wonders can only accompany sound teaching.
Sep 3, 2009 2:46 PM
Guest :
Who has bothered to ask Shell BP ,EXXON/MOBIL,Cheveron and all the
multinational companies operating in many countries especially the so
called underdeveloped countries what they have offered back to the
communities they have wickedly exploited.In many cases they repartriate
billions of petro dollars back home and leave the poor communities
impoverished,polluted and degraded.Yet when a church through biblical
principles teaches and help people to come out of poverty mindset and
failure someone will dare to criticise the church.Enough is enough.Ride on
KICC.You have helped people like me to shrug off failure.and to know that
failure is an event and not a person
Sep 26, 2009 8:47 PM
Guest :
I have read the article and I am quite unsure of what the writer really
means by doing more for the community, but if I am right, she was
suggesting that KICC should give hand outs to the poor in the community,
which from careful observation, this type of giving does not liberate the
poor. Pastor Mattew, understands his calling and he is working effectively
in that area, pastor Mattew's teaching transforms people's life, it gives
them the understanding of how to live a more victorious life, become
empowered to become a blessing to the kingdom of God and his/ her
community. I thank God for the Glide Memorial Chursh for the outreach work
they do in their community, maybe that is what they are called to do.
Oct 4, 2009 1:15 PM
Guest :
Sir, As a chief project coordinator of a registered charity organisation
helping the ex-offenders/convicts, rough sleepers and homeless people, I
can confirm that KICC are doing enough to fund local projects as well as
international projects that I beleieve would effectively build peoples
lives now and in the future. in this respect, my organisation has benefited
in the recent past financially immensely including pastor matthew's &
KICC(IGOC) teachings which we use to train our clients and have transformed
their lives tremendously. You cannot expect the institution (rather than
just a church) that teach people how to get out of recession itself to be
badly affected by that recession. no way. If you are pursuing YOUR PURPOSE
IN YOUR LIFE, which I beleive KICC/pastor matthew is doing, you'll continue
to generate sustainable income regardless of the state of economy - it's a
principle, try it, it works - BUT SIR, HOW MANY PEOPLE IN THE WHOLE WORLD
KNOW THEIR UNIQUE PURPOSE IN LIFE LET ALONE PURSUING IT ?. Besides, KICC is
looking forward to starting the construction of the £80m mega church
building soon, how are you expecting them to fund it when its obvious that
KICC is not a begger church but a pace setter by example. You'll earn more
respect for yourself if you are self sufficient and leave enough in reserve
for future projects. Finally, there are more lessons to learn from
many(not necessarily church) programmes on SKY channel 594 - check it,
you'll be glad you did. with confident - A.J.(kfls1@yahoo.com - only
if you need to get back to me).
Jun 12, 2009
