Harold Camping leaves Family Radio

The Christian Post and Charisma Magazine are reporting that 90-year-old  false prophet Harold Camping has been forced to step down from Family Radio. The Christian Post:

Harold Camping, who predicted Oct. 21 to be the day Christians would be caught up to heaven and that God would judge the world, said on Oct. 16 that he is no longer able to lead Family Radio Stations, Inc. or his ministry, and his wife has confirmed that the 90-year-old radio evangelist has retired, a documentarian close to Camping told The Christian Post in an exclusive interview.

…The radio host has not been commenting on his prediction ever since he released the recorded broadcast concerning Oct. 21 on Family Radio’s website. After Friday’s apocalypse did not occur, Camping refused to speak to the press. Camping’s wife, Shirley Camping, was very suspicious of Tauszik when he appeared at their doorstep, wanting to make sure he was not working for any newspaper or magazine. She added that neither of them wanted to speak to the press.

…Camping has been at home ever since he left the hospital after suffering a stroke in June. In his last broadcasted address he sounded weak, as he did when speaking to Tauszik. He has not been participating in services at his church…

Camping’s statement on his May prediction has been removed from Family Radio. A statement on his recovery from a stroke he suffered in June is still online.

While it appears Camping is finally off-air, there is no word on his status as President and CEO of the company he co-founded in 1958.
Camping hasn’t left according to Family Radios media spokesman. The Church Report:

Reached by telephone on Thursday, network spokesman Tom Evans declined to comment on Camping or his prophecies, except to say that he had “retired” as a radio host but remained chairman of the board of Family Stations Inc.

On Sunday, a day after the latest failed prediction, a Family Radio announcer said:

“I trust that you too will pray for us often that we can minister in many ways. That God will provide wisdom to those of leadership and that we continue to minister to you, and to teach God’s word daily. Please pray for us and pray about continuing to support this totally listener-sponsored Christian radio network. We have a great need for daily operating funds. Without your generous support at this time we might be forced to face some very important decisions. I trust those of you who enjoy some of our programming daily will be able to share generously in the months ahead.”

It’s difficult to know who leadership is at the network, Ministry Watch doesn’t have the executive or board listed. According to a May CNN Money report the network, estimated to be worth 72 million, had only 1.5 million available in cash the end of 2009, most of the company’s net worth is tied up in broadcast licences.  Family Radio asked the IRS for a filing extension this year after the epic failure of Campings several million dollar end-of-the-world advertising believed to have run between 5 and 10 million this year, and the public outrage which preceded and followed his predictions. IB Times:

Family Radio, which owns 66 stations worldwide, including in the U.S., depends primarily on donations for its operations. Between 2005 and 2009, it has received $80 million in contributions. The IRS filings reveal that in 2009 alone, Family Radio managed to bring $18 million in contributions, and the total assets for that year was $72 million.

Interestingly in 2007, according to the financial statements in possession with MinistryWatch.com which grades Christian organizations on financial transparency, Family Radio’s total asset was $152 million, including contributions which totaled nearly $16 million.

Family Radio’s asset value has diminished by $80 million in two years. Where has this money gone?

According to Family Radio’s IRS filings, it has paid its 350-employees a collective $8.3 million, or roughly $23,000 per employee.

It’s difficult to understand why Christians would donate to this organization at this time. Their unwillingness to denounce Campings false teachings based on numerology and his denial of the Trinity, does not make this organization one which furthers the gospel or honours Christ. Family Radio has not demonstrated good faith and public trust, and I don’t understand why anyone would donate until there is repentance, and a  demonstration of good faith and solid fiscal management.  This 1994 report (Could “1994″ Be the End of Family Radio? ) by the Christian Research Institute shows the unwillingness or inability of the board and executives to do their job governing, to stand up to and stop Campings heresy. Repentance and cleaning house may not be possible. Family Radio publicly supported Camping despite past mistakes:

Given the overwhelming Biblical evidence, the Family Stations, Inc. Board of Directors made a determination to dedicate all available resources to proclaim the warning of May 21, 2011.  God has prepared Family Radio for this important time in history.

Camping going off air is hardly unexpected given the effects of his stroke.  If he is still President and CEO, and as Tom Evans states, remains chairman of the board, his grip on Family Radio sounds as solid as ever.

Mark Adams at Agabus has a solid series of posts about this troubled media organization.