Summary
Breakthrough is a dba for World Harvest Church, Inc. It is the preaching and speaking platform for Rod Parsley concerning thngs of the Bible and God. It is carried on more than 1,400 stations and cable affiliates, including the Canadian Vision Network, The Black Entertainment Network, The Trinity Broadcasting Network, The Armed Forces Radio and Television Service, which broadcasts to 160 countries and ENLACE, which reaches more than 54 countries, including 20 translated into the Spanish language. In addition to Europe 7, which allows Breakthrough to be seen in more than 39 countries from Northern Europe to Saudi Arabia. In addition, Bridge of Hope, the missions outreach of Breakthrough, reaches out to needy people around the world by preaching the Gospel and providing greatly needed items such as food and medical supplies. This ministry has chosen not to be open and transparent with MinistryWatch.com. As a result it is difficult to understand all aspects of its ministry.
Contact Information: [ Back to top ]
| Mailing Address: | PO Box 100
Columbus, OH
43216-3216 |
| Website: | www.RodParsley.com |
| Phone: | (614) 837-1990, (800) 637-2288 |
| Email: | You need to enable javascript to see the email |
Organization Details [ Back to top ]
EIN: 311053559
| CEO/President: |
Rev. Rod Parsley |
Tax Deductible: |
Yes |
| Chairman: |
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Fiscal Year End: |
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| Board Size: |
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Financial info from: |
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| Founder: |
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Member of ECFA: |
No |
| Year Founded: |
1985 |
Member of ECFA since: |
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Breakthrough is a dba for World Harvest Church, Inc. It is the preaching and speaking platform for Rod Parsley concerning thngs of the Bible, God and Christians.
It is carried on more than 1,400 stations and cable affiliates, including the Canadian Vision Network, The Black Entertainment Network, The Trinity Broadcasting Network, The Armed Forces Radio and Television Service, which broadcasts to 160 countries and ENLACE, which reaches more than 54 countries, including 20 translated into the Spanish language. In addition to Europe 7, which allows Breakthrough to be seen in more than 39 countries from Northern Europe to Saudi Arabia.
In addition, Bridge of Hope, the missions outreach of Breakthrough, reaches out to lost and needy people around the world by preaching the Gospel and providing greatly needed items such as food and medical supplies.
This ministry has chosen not to be open and transparent with MinistryWatch.com. As such it is difficult to understand all aspects of its ministry.
Prudent donors want to understand what it is they are going to support. Some ministries claim they have no legal obligation to share financial or other information — but they do have a moral obligation to do so. Without access to comprehensive ministry information it is not possible for donors to make optimal giving decisions. Ministries that seek to obscure critical information from scrutiny undermine the faith and trust of donors and damage attitudes that have a long term negative impact. For those few ministries that state it has no legal obligation, it should be noted that donors are even less so obligated with any legalist obligation to give, but they do have a moral obligation to give in a prudent and wise fashion. Transparency is a consensus of practical sound wisdom. Many Christians are willing to live ethically without a governmental entity mandating that they do so. Transparency is the key component to a growing and prosperous donor — ministry relationship and fundamental to long-term ministry success. Information, however, must be timely, relevant, accurate and complete for it to be used effectively.
Christians should have nothing to fear by being open. All will be judged at a future date, and with this thought in mind, how are we to conduct ourselves before God today? Organizations described as “Christian Ministries” are at least giving people an image of God. Is God characterized as closed, impartial and hidden; or, open, personable and knowable? Scripture enjoins Christians to conduct themselves honestly (1 Thes. 4:12; 1 Tim. 2:2), with due candor (Jms. 5:12) and grace (Col. 4:6), without deliberate offense to Jew, Gentile or the Church of God (1 Cor. 10:32), with decency and orderliness (1 Cor. 14:40), blameless, giving no occasion for rebuke (Phil. 2:15), and offering no opportunity for false accusation (1 Pet. 3:16). Responsibility for the resources God has placed in the trust of His saints is called “stewardship” in the Bible (1 Pet. 4:10), the person responsible for the resources is called the “steward” (Lk. 12:42; 16:1-8). Most Christians would not argue with the principle that the chief aim of man is to ...”to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” However, how can a “Christian Ministry” “glorify God” if they are not open? Are not organizations that hide things characterized as cults? Should not Christian ministries lead by example? Besides being characterized as a steward, Christians can be characterized as ambassadors and as light because God is light. Just these few summary ideas indicate that Christian ministries should be open and transparent. In addition, responsibility to God is linked to responsibility to government and mankind.
MinistryWatch.com's hope is that Christian ministries are indeed an example to follow and not otherwise. It is one of our premises that Christians should be light in a world of darkness and as such, Christians should be setting the standard by their conduct.
It is not enough for ministries to live up to the minimum of any written law, or to give all men their due. Ministries ought to give them more than their due. Ministries should be concentrating on the good of others, seeking reward in self-denial and sacrifice, and not of personal advantage. Therefore ministries should treat others as they would want to be treated by them, regardless of unworthiness and ingratitude.
Donors should be seeking information before they give as well as after. Before in order to have an idea where the money is intended, as well as if it corresponds to the donors values. And then after to see if it really happened. Trust but verify, so that they know if they would desire to continue to give.
Need Mission Statement
Program Accomplishments [ Back to top ]
Need Program Accomoplishments info
Statement of Faith [ Back to top ]
Breakthrough Ministries uses the following to express its Statement of Faith:
We believe the Bible to be given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, infallible, and God's revealed word to man.
We believe that Scripture teaches that there is only one true and living God who has chosen to reveal Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10,11; Matthew 28:19; Luke 3:22).
We believe that man is a sinful being in need of redemption (Genesis 1:26-31, 3:1-7; Psalm 51:5; Ecclesiastes 7:29; John 6:44; Romans 5:12-21; 1 Corinthians 2:14).
We believe in the virgin birth of Jesus Christ, that He is the Son of God and the son of man, that He came to save man from condemnation of sin by offering His blood as an atonement and making it available to all who exercise faith in Him (Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:31, 35; John 3:16; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21).
We believe that for salvation of lost and sinful man, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential (Luke 7:50, 24:47; Romans 10:13-15; 1 Corinthians 1:18; 2 Corinthians 2:15; Ephesians 2:8, 9; 2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 2:11, 3:5-7).
We believe the Scriptures ascribe to the Holy Spirit the acts and attributes of an intelligent being, and that the works of God such as creation, inspiration, giving of life, and sanctification are also ascribed to the Holy Spirit (Genesis 1:2; Job 33:4; Mark 3:29; John 16:8, 13; Acts 7:51, 10:19, 13:2, 13:4, 16:6; 1 Corinthians 2:11, 6:11, 12; Ephesians 4:30; 1 Peter 3:18; 2 Peter 1:21).
We believe in the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a holy life (Romans 8:5; Philippians 2:12, 13; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; 1 John 2:29).
We believe that the baptism in the Holy Spirit is given to believers who ask for it (Joel 2:28; Acts 2:4).
We believe that all mankind is subject to the death of the body as a result of original sin. The soul and spirit do not die, but immediately after death enter into a conscious state of happiness or misery according to the character here possessed by rejection or acceptance of the Savior (Ecclesiastes 12:7; Romans 5:12; Philippians 1:23).
We believe in the bodily resurrection of both the saved and the lost; the saved to everlasting life and the lost without Christ to everlasting damnation (Matthew 24:31-46; Acts 24:15; Revelation 22:11).
We believe in the personal, imminent return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
We believe the redemptive work of Christ on the Cross provides healing for the human body in answer to believing prayer (Isaiah 53:4, 5; James 5:14, 15; 1 Peter 2:24).
Need History Info
This organization has not offered MinistryWatch.com with specific needs to be posted on the profile. At such a time that MinistryWatch.com receives a response from the ministry, it will be posted immediately.
Research Analysis
Transparency Grade [ Back to top ]
| Transparency Grade of : F |
| Criteria category | Grade | Other Comments |
| Timeliness: | 0 | |
| Financial Information: | 0 | |
| Foundational Clarity: | 0 | |
| Level of Cooperation: | 0 | |
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MinistryWatch.com 5 Star Financial Efficiency Ratings [ Back to top ]
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MinistryWatch.com's 2011 list of 30 Donor Alert MinistriesMinistryWatch.com's 2010 list of 30 Donor Alert MinistriesMinistryWatch.com's 2009 list of 30 Donor Alert MinistriesNon-Transparent Ministries: Are they Faithful in the Small Things?
MinistryWatch.com’s Take
By J. Andrew Preslar
August 2005
The “Electric Evangelist”
Charisma magazine once ran a feature article on Breakthrough Ministries’ leader Rod Parsley in which he was referred to as “the electric evangelist.” Others, less friendly to the cause, have dubbed the energetic preacher “the raging prophet.” The point is well taken, and no one seems to be arguing about it: Parsley is a regular whirling dervish of a minister. His on-stage antics, brought into national and international prominence via the popular “Breakthrough” television broadcasts and crusade events, have endeared him to many, drawing thousands each week to Parsley’s World Harvest Church. Many thousands more are catching the fever through the 1,400 stations and cable affiliates which carry “Breakthrough” to millions of television homes. Many of these viewers appreciate Parsley’s frequent criticisms of liberals, evolution and “judicial tyranny.” Breakthrough Ministries has even established a ministry dedicated wholly to commenting upon social and political issues – The Center for Moral Clarity. However, it is safe to say that Parsley’s success is built more upon his constant promise that a “supernatural” bounty is waiting for anyone with the faith to claim it. Miraculous healing and financial prosperity are a just a prayer away, provided that the prayer is accompanied by a generous gift to Rod Parsley and Breakthrough Ministries.
“I Want Your Money”
When addressing the issues of financial contributions to Breakthrough, Parsley is unabashed: “I just love to talk about money; I just love to talk about your money. Let me be very clear – I want your money. I deserve it. This church deserves it” (http://www.myfortress.org/RodParsley.html). And people do give. Perhaps they are encouraged by Parsley’s claims to personally control over the “spiritual forces of darkness” such as demons, disease and poverty. During one meeting, he told viewers that “I’m gonna put this shofar to my mouth and the moment I blow it every demon is coming off your shoulders, outta your mind, outta your finances.” For Parsley, the promise of the Gospel includes not only deliverance from sin and spiritual death, but also deliverance from sickness and poverty – if only we will name it and claim it.
Parsley’s favorite fund-raising appeal, which ties in directly to his “health and wealth” message, is called “planting the seed,” which is a metaphor commonly used by many television evangelists. The basic concept is that if you will give whatever money you have to God (i.e., planting the seed), even if you do not currently have enough to meet your needs, then, by a spiritual law of cause and effect, God becomes obligated to give you a manifold financial return on your investment. In many cases, according to Parsley, God has miraculously healed people who have “planted a seed” by giving to Breakthrough.
People living in debt and/or poverty are particularly susceptible to these kinds of claims. Some of Breakthrough’s fund-raising letters contain stories of people burdened by debt who, upon giving a marginal sum to Breakthrough, found that there problems suddenly disappeared. At times, Parsley performs a kind of “priestly” rite whereby he invokes the debt-canceling power of God for people who give to his ministry. The following, excerpted from a Breakthrough fund-raising letter, exemplifies this tactic:
I [Parsley] am going to place your enclosed prayer form on our brazen altar at World harvest Church . . . during our ENOUGH IS ENOUGH DEBT BURNING SERVICE and burn the totality of your debt as a symbol of faith that God will Rebuke the Devourer on your behalf! Here is what I want you to do:
- Total up all your debts . . . write that amount on the space provided on your Enough is Enough Prayer Form.
- Pray about what special seed gift God would have you to sow in faith. Take what God has placed in your hand and pour it out to break the bondage of debt and lack in your life. For a significant need, plant a significant seed!
- When you enclose your seed gift, write “Enough is Enough,” then place your prayer form and your seed gift into the enclosed reply envelope and return them TODAY!
Such theatrics undoubtedly have the capacity to rivet the attention of some, in particular the less studious of Scripture, and the blessings which supposedly flow from Parsley’s “priestly intercession” would surely be welcome by anyone, especially people in financial crises. Parsley bases his “seed planting” idea on biblical texts such as 2 Kings 4, in which a widow’s last jar of oil (her “seed”) was miraculously multiplied through the intercession of the prophet Elisha. Of course, Parsley fails to mention that Elisha did not ask the woman to give her oil to him; rather, her seed was multiplied without any money going to the prophet himself.
A characteristic teaching of Parsley’s is that most of the troubles which plague us can be traced to demonic influence. Because Parsley markets himself as an anointed prophet with peculiar spiritual powers, this teaching, along with the “debt letters” and various other practices (e.g., miracle working prayer cloths), has the effect of leading people to associate spiritual and material blessings closely to the intercession of Parsley and Breakthrough Ministries. People come to believe that they need sensational/miraculous solutions to everyday problems. These are just the type of solutions which Parsley offers. Critics see this tightly knit mix of theology, “electric” antics and promise-filled fund-raising as little more than a ploy whose primary purpose is to enrich Breakthrough Ministries while leaving people with false hopes based upon a non-biblical model of spirituality and stewardship.
Of the many criticisms which have been levied against Parsley, one of the most troubling is that no one knows exactly how Breakthrough uses donor dollars. More than a decade ago, the Columbus Monthly magazine reported that the financial successes of Parsley’s ministry has led some members of World Harvest Church to call for better accounting of how their donations are spent. Parsley adamantly refuses to provide this information. Ohio state records give some answers to this question: Parsley owns a gated 21-acre compound on which are built two homes, each valued at around $800,000. Parsley also owns a private jet costing over $500,000. Things have not changed much in the meantime. Breakthrough refuses to make its financial statements available to the public, leaving us all in the dark about how the money is being used.
Ministry Activities
Breakthrough does engage in some identifiable program activity. The television program is the most important way in which the organization attempts to accomplish its objective of becoming “a means through which [God] can reach countless lives with his life changing power. . . .” Breakthrough also claims to support overseas mission outreaches. Projects include: providing food, medicine and other supplies to Sudan; provision of supplies to support Tsunami Relief efforts in Southeast Asia; provision of emergency shelter for earthquake victims in El Salvador; emergency supplies sent to New York in the wake of 9/11; food and emergency supplies sent to Kosovo to aid war refugees. Ministries related to Breakthrough include Parsley’s World Harvest Church, the Center for Moral Clarity and the World Harvest Bible College. Parsley recently kicked-off a tour in promotion of his latest book, “Silent No More,” in which he attempts to address both sides of the American political spectrum in order to promote Christ-centered answers to tough moral issues. Parsley is the author of numerous other books, including: “The Backside of Calvary,” “Holiness,” “My Promise is the Palace,” “No More Crumbs,” “Ten Golden Keys to Your Abundance,” and “Touched by the Anointing.” Parsley regularly takes his rip-roaring preaching show on the road. His 2003 Ministry Tour visited a total of 16 cities all across America.