MinistryWatch, one of our allies in the battle for financial transparency in ministries, has compiled a list of highly paid ministry leaders.

Not surprising to us, executives at The Inspiration Networks and American Center for Law & Justice dominate the top of the list. The Inspiration Networks’ flagship TV channel INSP was previously Jim Bakker’s PTL Channel.

At least 16 ministry executives are compensated $300 per hour.

Excessive compensation is protected by an easily exploited loophole: By using “independent” compensation consultants recommending large salaries and then ministry officers recusing themselves from voting on the recommendations, non-profit religious organizations can legally pay large salaries.