Religious broadcasting in Canada is big business. While I’ve been focusing on Crossroads Christian Communications Inc. there have been other developments, especially with Canada’s ‘TBN’ (Trinity Broadcasting Network). From Christian Week:
The Lethbridge-based station broadcasts via satellite and cable throughout North America and internationally. However, a financial downturn—an estimated drop of $3 to $4 million, estimates Mediwake—led to some staff layoffs and the cancellation of at least one cable agreement.
And in 2007, founder and then-president Dick Dewert resigned following revelations of an extra-marital affair.
However, says Mediwake, things are looking up for the new year.
“We’ve been able to contact some of the [donors] and it’s turned around. Not back to our glory days. We lost some staff. But this year has been the best year…operationally for the last three years.”
He estimates the station would bring in about $5 million by the end of December and “that’s really, really good from where we were.” Anecdotal figures put viewership in the range of 7.5 to 12.5 million.
“We believe it is the Lord’s work and He’ll provide the resources,” says Mediwake. “I like to think Leon is one of those resources the Lord has brought to us.”
Mediwake says as of mid-December the board and Fontaine hadn’t “really seriously talked about salary,” but indicated Fontaine “will be taken care of.” He declined to reveal what top executives at the channel are paid.
I seriously doubt the economic loss is merely the result of founder Dick Dewart’s affair; the CRTC has received and ruled on numerous complaints about the stations programming dubious fundraising tactics. Fontaine, who calls himself CEO of Springs Church Winnipeg/Calgary is being seen as an economic draw for the station in the sub-culture of neo-charistmatic viewers. Fontaine runs his own product line as well as conferences.
The Miracle Channel CRTC licence is up for renewal in August 2011.
CJIL – wiki
Springs Church
The Miracle Channel
The Miracle Channel Review
I’m sorry but the smarmy presentation of leon makes me feel less that appreciative when it comes to seducing us into another channel for god’!. Seduce is what is on offer here and smarmy with it. There seems to be a lot of that ‘manner’ about these days in ministry and Americas seem to have perfected the ‘art’. Frankly my lord would seduce them into not them trying to seduce us and him into. THE ‘THINGS’ OUT THERE DONE IN THE NAME OF JESUS AND GOD ARE REALLY BEGINNING TO WIND ME UP BIG TIME. The reality of and the meaning of Jesus and the Fathers love and hope they play with and ‘pretend’ with, thinking I suppose that he’ll never actually whoop them. False is something that leads us into more of the same and frankly really gets to me when what we need in a ‘manic’ sometimes crazy world is a grounding in the real, with a good dose of hope along with it, based in a place that goes beyond the imaginings of man and his needs. For me this kind of Jesus is only the spoken and not the miraculous and ‘never to be mistaken for another’ mover and shaker’ that he is. When he walks in there would be no ‘mistaking’ and no one left standing COME LORD JESUS COME, they are reducing you, now its time to reduce ‘them’ who call you lord and yet ? merely pay lip service.
This article by Leon Fontaine tells us a lot about his theology: http://springschurch.com/latestfromleon/index.php?articleId=151
I’m very very sorry the Miracle Channel is continuing to go in this direction, further and further away from biblical Christianity to a man-centred false gospel, in which God exists so that we mortals can become healthy, wealthy and wise, rather than we serving Him.
According to the Springs Church website, Fontaine is “extending his role” to become CEO of Miracle Channel while continuing on as CEO/Senior Pastor of Springs mega church. Lots of questions come to mind….Could this have anything to do with Springs Church and their congregation being a major donor base for the Miracle Channel? Wouldn’t this kind of mean that Miracle Channel becomes an arm of that church, or how does that work? I’m wondering about the potential for conflict of interest here. And will the good reverend receive part-time pay from each of his ‘employers’, or does he plan to put in 100 hour work-weeks? Is this unusual to be CEO of two major organizations at the same time, or is one mainly a figurehead role?
Smarmy is so the right word, Hopesome! My response to Leon’s little speech was, “Eeeewww”. And I half-expected to see a snake’s tongue flicker into view at any moment there! Believers are easily taken in by this (and this is exactly why we need to become as wise as serpents) – but the world sees it for what it is.
Leon was asked to help at the M channel because he has considerable ability to lead large organizations in directions that work in today’s environment. He studied business so that he could be effective in todays world. Too many churches fail due to lack of strategies / practices that would make a secular organization and its leaders cringe and fail. Being smart to grow the Christian church is a good thing. The nonsense rumors like showing your tax form for giving is simply ridiculous; what person in their right mind would do that? The degree to which ppl want to give or believe any/all aspects of any church’s (or other organization or philosophy) is really up to each individual, and varies amount participants. Can I go shopping regularly at any particular mall/store without mentally buying 100% into that place’s system ? of course. Never loose your brains, folks. And check your Bible to see if what is taught is in agreement with the Word of God.
You know what is sad, is that before he was a CEO, he was a pastor. I’ve yet to read where God wants pastors to be corporate mangers.
Scott
It’s about supporting Christian television. I’m tired of watching all the secular garbage that is being shown on TV. At least with the Miracle channel I can turn on to Godly teachings and be encouraged in the Lord and His work. I have the choice not to watch everything that comes on the Miracle channel just like with regular tv. But instead of knocking down Christians who are really our brothers and sisters, let’s pray more and come against the enemy’s plans. Instead of complaining about what other Christians are doing, look at what the enemy is doing. It’s time we stand together. We might not agree on every doctrine but let’s agree on who our Saviour is. When we get to heaven, do you think we will be told well done good and faithful servant that you put down other Christians????
While Leon has taken on his other CEO of the Miracle Channel, Springs Church in Winnipeg is dying. Who want to attend a church that shows how to videos during a Believer’s Service? The church has become a Home Depot video series. The Senior Pastor shows up less than twice a month to preach. Meanwhile his kids are saying on Twitter that they’re on a whirlwind tour across Canada for the Miracle Chanel.
I LOVE THE MIRACLE CHANEL. This chanel has saved my life more that once. I love the uplifting messages and the range of speakers and shows they offer. Let me tell you any other chanel on television today is pretty much showing us the fastest way to get to hell. I think they even have drive-thru’s now. Please do not tear down the one station that brings us the truth and the way God wants us to live. Not by sticking our heads in the sand and letting the evil continue to rule this world and keeping the devil lhao…I am sure you computer guru’s will figure out what that means.. Yes The Miracle Chanel does ask for sponsorship however: they do not have large advertisers to sponsor their hevenly broadcasts. Broadcasters can receive 1/2 a million dollars to show a 30 second ad that is probably not in line with what God would want us to be doing with our lives. Leon is amazing and is helping people learn how to live in these fast and evil times. Grow up people … God wants us to love one another, to help each other, to be patient with each other, to forgive as many times as necessary. God also said if you want to go to heaven after this life, all you need do is believe that God sent his son Jesus into the world not to condemn us but to save us!!!
To repent of our sins and he will forgive every single one of them. WOW…remember nothing is “IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD”. It’s not about money people…it about people, your family, your relatives your friends, your neighbours, people across the oceans, people all over the world! Things mean nothing without someone to share them with, sit at home all by yourself one night. No one calls, no one makes you dinner, no one says you look nice, nobody to fight with, trying staying completely by yourself for one week and see how great you feel not sharing with anyone. All the money in the world cannot stop us from feeling lonely. God has said, do not worry what you will eat, do not worry what you will wear, He knows we need these things. It is a time to share with others, and a funny thing happens…the more you share…the more you get. Everyone in the world deserves to know about God…why is it that people are so afraid to share their faith with others. Help save the world today and tell someone about God and all they have to do to become one of his children…Say this little prayer…
God I don’t know you, but I want to, I want to say how sorry I am about all the wrong things that I have done in my life. I am prepared to start a new life and start doing right things in my life. I also believe that you sent your Son Jesus Christ into the world. I believe that you loved the world so much that you gave your one and only Son that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life. After you say this little prayer from your heart you are one of God’s special children. Now is the time to start building a relationship with God. Pray every day. Read your Bible every day…(starting at Proverbs is a good starting point). Try and have a short quiet time everyday so that God can talk to you. Find a place where you can be alone and not distracted. Well remember that we all fall down, do not think that God won’t forgive you, with God everyday is a new beginning. Repent (this just means telling God the wrong thing we did) by having to admit your wrong action you lift off the bad feeling inside of ourselves. Depending on what you did you may have to go and ask forgiveness of someone. God will be with you, he will never leave you. Remember you are never alone God is always with us. He knows everything about us and works all things for our good even if we think we are at the bottom of the pit. Like anything it takes time and practice, before you know it you will be quoting verses from the Bible. May God Bless You and the Miracle Chanel and Leon…you are God sent.
p.s. One last thought…if something bad happens in our lives…what is the first thing we do but drop to our knee’s and beg God to make it okay. Why wait????
Wow what do I have to say about the Miracle Channel and “Leon Fontaine” Oh my goodness where to start. I have also yet to see where God has called a Pastor to be a CEO of so many organizations. We see him on TV he seems to love God and people soooo much but you wait my friend and work for him.. its a different story how he has treated the staff in Lethbridge at the Miracle Channel is shocking with his “Assistant” I’d rather not mention his name. VERY UNGODLY. They don’t care about people, they lie to get their own way. They hire SPRINGS CHURCH people and fire all the people who have sacrificed years of service and money into the starting of the Miracle Channel.. I’m sure its spells in Gods nostrils. He thinks he’s doing a good job… let me tell you Leon Fontaine you are the pits… there is no christian grace, mercy or compassion that comes out of you and your “ACTING CEO”. People in Lethbridge have really come to dislike you as a leader. Your style of leadership is very ruthless and oppressive God forbid… Trust me He will judge you for all that you have done to people in Lethbridge because the Bible says “Vengeance is Mine says the Lord I will repay them” so we trust that God will repay you at this own time and I would not want to be you and have to give an account for all the people you have mistreated and fired because you have a degree in Business … give me a break who cares did God call you to be business man or did He call you to be a Pastor? THE CHURCH/ MIRACLE CHANNEL is not to be run like a business its a Ministries which should be led by the Holy Spirit as your guide. The “MAIN GUY” as it were who is running the show at the Miracle Channel or rather the “ACTING CEO” surely acts like an EX-PRISONER… He has forgotten where he has fallen from and how much MERCY was granted him. Yet he cannot show mercy to others????? Let God be the judge and I hope you get to read this one….