Many Christians aren't very rigorous in their Bible study habits.  Many college educated people don't read a book after they graduate. 

 ***QUOTE*****1/3 of high school graduates never read another book for the rest of their lives. 42 percent of college graduates never read another book after college. 80 percent of U.S. families did not buy or read a book last year. 70 percent of U.S. adults have not been in a bookstore in the last five years. 57 percent of new books are not read to completion. 70 percent of books published do not earn back their advance. 70 percent of the books published do not make a profit.(Source: Jerold Jenkins, http://www.JenkinsGroupInc.com) ****END QUOTE***

Further, while developmental readiness for Algebra is traditionally considered to coincide with puberty, there are a few studies that conclude that many people never cross this intellectual milestone.  This does not mean they will not be able to graduate college.  It just means they need to stick to classes where their memory skills are helpful and abstract reasoning isn't important.  A remarkably high percentage of college graduates may fall into this category, depending on which study you believe. 

So I don't think these "ministers" need to connect with low income minorities to get a flood of checks in the mail.  They just need to connect with people who don't know their Bible very well and can't or won't engage in reason.  High income would be a plus!!!  Ethnicity probably doesn't matter. 

 Odder still, I'm never sure if these people intentionally fleece the sheep.   I think many of them may be charming people who are intellectually similar to their followers.  They may  simply be doing what has always worked for them, without wondering if it is right. 

I've personally known 2 people I would catagorize as con artists.  Neither of them was particularly good at abstract reason, nor did they have any viable life skills beyond being likeable and convincing.    I have to wonder, should we blame a crab for scuttling sideways?

You are also right that these types of ministries add significant fuel to secular (and Senatorial) viewpoints that television ministries are crooks out for money. 

While no one stands on Free Speach more than Chrstian broadcasters, the question might be would it be wrong for us to appeal to these "fringe" ministries to change their methods?  I believe God is faithful when we are faithful but I'm not sure I believe in the $1000 seed.  Would we be out of line questioning their faith or responsibly standing for the Gospel?

Just my two cents.  I'd love to know your opinion on this, Phil.

What saddens me about the request for seed money is that the focus of the broadcast is off. The purpose (I thought) is to be a bridge between the church (ministry) and the people who might not visit a church as well as to share with them who Jesus is? How is asking for a $1,000 seed beneficial in furthering the kingdom of God?

Additionally, if the “outsiders” already perceive us as using mind games to get our way, doesn’t the money give the same impression? And how does the seed further the image and story of Jesus Christ?

I really struggle with the whole seed-sowing principle. I get the basic gist of it but I can’t find anywhere in scripture where Jesus asked for money. He usually did without. So the principle has always smacked me as off kilter.

I sincerely hope that these ministries aren’t targeting low-income areas because that would indicate that we have fallen to an even lower level.

Thanks again for the book suggestion – UnChristian.

Remaining Steadfast,
Dominique
http://anunlikelyperspective2.squarespace.com