The Exit & Support Network reported on CRI (Christian Research Institute) in 1995 in OIU Newsletter 4, Part 2 and compiled a 200 page report of documents and testimonies from about 20 former employees (Group for CRI Accountability), and miscellaneous information outlining the character and motivations of Hanegraaff. The packet from the Group for CRI Accountable was sent out by the authors to at least 100 different groups, agencies and ministries. At that time Hank was charged with a gamut of allegations relating to misappropriation of funds, plagiarizing, abuse of employees, plus violations of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA).¹

In the last few weeks CRI (Hank Hanegraaff) came under strong scrutiny again. Several CRI employees, concerned about CRI's misuse of ministry funds, tried to bring accountability (i.e., contacting ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability), but they were fired, let go, or ended up handing in their resignations. The number that have been "purged" has been estimated at half of Hanegraaff's staff, which would be over 10 to 15 people. This sounds similar to the past when others left CRI, or were wrongfully terminated for speaking up. Altogether there have been about 125 or more former employees that have, in one way or another, left CRI over the last 12 years, although not all have been willing to come forward. When ECFA investigated CRI in March 2003, they found out that sufficient internal controls were not in place and CRI had "breached compliance" with three out of seven of the key member standards: board governance, financial control and policies, and use of ministry resources.

When the Exit & Support Network phoned the ECFA in 1996 and asked about CRI's income, they were told that, as of June 30, 1996, CRI's annual income was $5.4 million. In 2003 CRI is now a $9.3 million ministry. Hank speaks against the prosperity gospel, exposing its teachings as heretical, yet he continually begs for financial assistance from his listeners. Many times he states that the ministry is in a "financial crisis," "falling further and further behind," or needs an "emergency gift right away," and if we don't raise "such and such" by a certain date, we will be "forced to make tough decisions." Then he appeals to his listeners to "send your most generous gift." However, Hank is known to drive a $66,000 blue Lexus sc, is a member of the country club (approximate $1500 dues a month), and receives a salary of $251,886, plus a $17,301 expense account (with raises each year). This is almost as outrageous as what groups such as Worldwide Church of God and Philadelphia Church of God have been accused of. In addition, Hank's wife receives a yearly salary of $87,600 for "director of planning," which doesn't include her $1,660 expense account.

In 1999 CRI had three board members. Today they have five members who receive large salaries. For instance, one of their board members is Paul Young who, in 2002, is reported to have received $130,000. The other employees live at near poverty wages with very poor benefits.

CRI employees said they will "pay back" the substantial amount of money that was misused and do a better job of tracking spending money. Given his track record, how much can Hanegraaff really be trusted? Any ministry that has received the allegations that he has received needs to be investigated thoroughly.

Hanegraaff and the connection to Worldwide Church of God

Hank Hanegraaff was known to be instrumental in helping Worldwide Church of God to become accepted by outside evangelicals.  Several CRI personnel acted as apologists on behalf of the WCG. [See Letters to Hank Hanegraaff] Hank was present at Joseph Tkach Sr.'s funeral and was photographed embracing Joseph Tkach Jr. (this photo appeared in the Oct. 1995 Worldwide News) Hank Hanegraaff wrote to CRI supporters in October 1996 that the Institute is committed to "actively assisting WCG leaders in mapping strategies for evangelizing the unconverted in the church's [WCG's] own ranks."

In an article in the Los Angeles Times (8-17-03) Hank Hanegraaff told the LA Times that "claims of intentional misuse of ministry money are false and part of a campaign by disgruntled ex-employees to discredit the institute." Those are familiar words to any who have been in organizations where one man has been given more authority and power than is necessary. Former employees of Worldwide Church of God who left in the 70's will remember similar words directed at them. In spite of Hanegraaff's defense, can hundreds of pages of testimonies from former CRI employees be wrong?

Info compiled by A. W.
Exit & Support Network™
July 25, 2003
Updated August 17, 2003

UPDATES:

CRI relocated from Rancho Santa Margarita, CA to Charlotte, N.C. in August 2005. Building #9, purchased at Crosland’s Blakeney Professional Center, totaled 8,078 square feet with a sales price of $1,211,700.

Final Dissolution of CRI/Hanegraaff vs. Alnor (June 20, 2007) [link updated 2010]

Footnote:

¹ It has been alleged that The Evangelical Council of Financial Accountability (ECFA) "purports to work on behalf of the donor but in reality exists for the spenders." Read: The Evangelical Council of Financial Accountability - Con Artists!

Expose` Report on Christian Research Institute

The CRI Story (more information; taken from OIU Newsletter #1)