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Docuseries 'The Religion Business' Exposes Financial Turmoil in Faith-Based Nonprofits

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  Published in Business and Finance on Sunday, November 23rd 2025 at 16:49 GMT by WTVF

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“The Religion Business” Docuseries Sheds Light on Financial Turmoil in Religious Nonprofits

The newly released docuseries The Religion Business—premiered on the Talk of the Town segment of NewsChannel5—delves deep into the often‑shadowed world of money handling within America’s religious nonprofit sector. Over the course of three hour‑long episodes, the series exposes how faith‑based organizations, which enjoy a unique tax‑exempt status, are grappling with financial mismanagement, regulatory scrutiny, and a growing call for transparency from both donors and the public.

The Premise

At its core, the series asks a simple yet profound question: How do religious nonprofits, which are traditionally seen as charitable and altruistic, manage their finances when the stakes—both moral and monetary—are high? The documentary adopts a narrative approach, following several churches and ministries across the country that have faced different kinds of fiscal challenges, ranging from internal accounting errors to high‑profile scandals. By interweaving interviews with church leaders, financial experts, former auditors, and disgruntled donors, the show paints a vivid picture of a sector caught between tradition and modern governance.

Key Themes and Storylines

1. Tax‑Exempt Status and Accountability

The series opens with a succinct yet detailed primer on how religious nonprofits obtain and maintain their 501(c)(3) status under the Internal Revenue Code. An IRS representative explains that while churches are generally exempt from filing Form 990, they still must adhere to internal controls and record‑keeping that align with federal guidelines. The docuseries highlights cases where the lack of required disclosure led to audits, fines, and, in extreme cases, revocation of tax‑exempt status.

2. Financial Mismanagement: A Case Study

One of the focal stories centers on the Grace Fellowship—a mid‑size church in Tulsa, Oklahoma—that came under fire after a whistleblower revealed that a significant portion of its tithes had been funneled into the personal accounts of senior clergy. The series shows a tense meeting between the church board and a forensic accountant, who explains how internal controls—such as segregation of duties and regular audits—could have prevented the misuse of funds. The church’s pastor, speaking in a recorded interview, admits that “the culture of secrecy allowed this to grow.”

3. The Pandemic’s Financial Shock

The docuseries dedicates a segment to the effect of the COVID‑19 pandemic on religious nonprofits. Many churches, unable to conduct in‑person services, pivoted to online giving and virtual ministries. This shift, while necessary, exposed them to cyber‑security threats and questionable donation handling. The show features an expert in nonprofit cybersecurity who discusses how small denominations were especially vulnerable to phishing attacks that siphoned millions of dollars from their online platforms.

4. Donor Expectations and Ethical Giving

An insightful conversation with a group of regular churchgoers explores the increasing desire for transparency. A senior donor, who has been contributing to the St. Augustine Cathedral for over 30 years, shares his dismay at discovering that a large portion of the church’s endowment had been invested in “high‑risk, high‑yield financial products.” He asks the question that many donors now face: When does a church become a corporate entity that needs robust financial governance? The series brings in a nonprofit governance consultant to explain best practices for donor communication, such as annual financial reports, independent audits, and clear stewardship policies.

5. Legal and Regulatory Pressures

Legal experts appear in the series to discuss recent changes to state and federal regulations that target misuse of charitable funds. A federal attorney points out that the IRS has tightened scrutiny on religious nonprofits by expanding the definition of “unrelated business income.” Moreover, the document cites a recent court case in which a church was ordered to repay $5 million in misappropriated funds—an outcome that has had a chilling effect on other churches contemplating similar financial maneuvers.

Behind the Scenes: Production and Research

The Religion Business benefits from rigorous research conducted by the production team in collaboration with nonprofit watchdog groups. The documentary’s research team visited 20 churches, examined financial statements, and consulted with over 30 experts—including a former IRS auditor, a tax law professor, and a nonprofit financial advisor. Interviews were complemented by archival footage of church fundraisers, sermons, and community outreach events, providing a comprehensive visual context for the financial narratives.

Takeaways and Implications

The docuseries underscores that religious nonprofits occupy a unique legal and ethical niche. While the majority of faith‑based organizations run their finances responsibly, the spotlight on outliers has sparked a conversation about the need for standardized accounting practices. Key recommendations from the series include:

• Mandatory Audits: While churches currently have some latitude in choosing when to audit, the series argues for regular, third‑party audits to ensure accountability.
• Enhanced Transparency: Churches are encouraged to publish detailed financial reports, not just net worth, but also expenditures on salaries, outreach, and administrative costs.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Regular forums with donors and community members can demystify financial decisions and build trust.
• Cyber‑security Protocols: With the shift to online giving, investment in robust cybersecurity measures is essential to protect donations.

The series concludes with a hopeful tone, citing examples of churches that have successfully reformed their financial practices and, in doing so, strengthened their relationship with congregants. “If we can hold ourselves accountable, we can better serve the mission of community and faith,” says Pastor Maria Gonzales, one of the many voices featured.

Conclusion

The Religion Business provides a sobering look at the financial challenges facing religious nonprofits—a sector that is both deeply cherished and, at times, deeply vulnerable. By combining on‑the‑ground storytelling with expert analysis, the docuseries invites both clergy and laypeople to consider the practicalities of stewardship and the importance of transparency. For donors, church leaders, and regulators alike, the show offers a roadmap for navigating the complexities of faith‑based finance in an increasingly scrutinized world. The series is now available for streaming on NewsChannel5’s online platform, and it has already sparked a wave of discussions in faith‑based communities nationwide.