“I’ve never seen such a visionary,” said Gary Krings, a financial adviser who joined First Family three years ago. “The guy is incredible. There are very few people I see that are making such an impact for Christ worldwide and locally.”
But among Johnston’s biggest critics are people who either worked for him or were in his inner circle — including former members of his board. Many were major donors, and several said they gave hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Although their backgrounds are diverse, they all shared similar concerns. They believe the church is in dire need of financial oversight.
“Jerry Johnston controls everything,” said Jerry Simmons, a Johnson County developer who served on the church’s building committee and helped acquire land for for its campus west of 143rd Street and Metcalf Avenue.
David Pinson, who is on the faculty at the University of Kansas Medical Center, said he left the church two years ago because Johnston refused to provide any financial information.
“There’s zero accountability,” said Pinson, who taught Sunday school and sang in the choir. “I did put money in the church, but I regret every penny of it.”
Under federal law, churches — like many other charitable organizations — are exempt from federal income taxes. The law also prohibits pastors and their families from excessively benefiting from the tax-free money they raise and states that their compensation must be “reasonable.”
Johnston and the board decline to reveal his compensation for his church duties or money he makes from a for-profit corporation he owns that handles his book and video sales and his speaking engagements.
But board member Jeff Anderson told The Star Johnston and his relatives could earn far more in the corporate world, although he also wouldn’t reveal any salaries.
Critics, however, complain about the Johnstons’ extravagant lifestyle and spending.
“There’s big money being spent by and for the Johnstons, and no accountability for it,” said Anne Balmer, who taught a Sunday school class with her husband, Glenn, before leaving last year over financial concerns. “His whole life is an endorsement of materialism.”
She cited expensive family photographs and pricey vehicles. Others complained about costly clothing and homes, and an exclusive American Express card.
Johnston said only the church’s board members were entitled to his salary information, and Ulrich agreed.
“Most industry and most churches do not publish that because of the privacy of the employee, among other reasons,” Ulrich said. “But I can say that the board has approved everything, and the board represents the congregation.”
Officials at several other large churches in the metropolitan area, however, said they provided their pastors’ salaries to members who asked for it.
Former First Family members say hundreds of followers have left the church over the past decade because of accountability concerns. They describe Johnston as a Pied Piper, luring people in with impassioned sermons and celebrity speakers, then reeling in the members’ money.
“If you’ve ever been to the church, you wouldn’t believe that a man who could preach from the Bible as he does could lead a life that is just the opposite,” said Shalberg, who left the church in 2004 after giving donations that he said totaled six figures.
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