Church Status Keeps Big Faith Broadcaster’s Finances Private

NPR examines the finances of Daystar, a $233-million Christian television network that files no disclosure reports because it is registered with the Internal Revenue Service as a church.

Based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Daystar calls itself the fastest-growing Christian network in the world, with a potential global audience of 2 billion people. It collects an average of $35-million annually from donors. Like other religious broadcasters classified as churches, of which it is the largest, it receives virtually no IRS scrutiny, according to NPR.

Though the organization does not disclose fiscal information, NPR reviewed audited financial statements included in court papers in connection with a 2011 employee lawsuit and details the network’s assets and spending, including a $9.5-million, tax-free broadcast complex and hundreds of thousands of dollars in gifts and grants to churches, schools, and individuals associated with Daystar leaders Marcus and Joni Lamb.

In a written statement, a Daystar spokesman said the organization complies with all IRS regulations and defended its status as a church, saying it conducts marriages, funerals, and other rites. Former Daystar employees allege it does not hold services or ceremonies and functions largely as a business.