D eeper Life is a good - and bad - example of religious freedom in the United States, says Paul Nelson of the Virginia-based Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.

BOD: ``The good news is that anyone can set up a church, say whatever they want and pass the hat,'' he said. ``The bad news is ... anyone can set up a church, say whatever they want and pass the hat.''

Founded in 1979 by the Rev. Billy Graham, the council helps nonprofit organizations such as churches and charities practice sound fundraising and accountability.

It includes 1,100 independent churches as well as charitable and educational organizations across the United States. Lacking the oversight of large, denominational associations, the churches adhere to the council's standards to ensure confidence among their supporters.

Deeper Life is not a member.

No board oversees how Deeper Life raises or spends money, unlike practices in more mainstream churches.

The law doesn't require such oversight.

Deeper Life's fast growth, accumulation of wealth and charismatic leader are ingredients known to be ``corrupting'' to a church, Nelson said.

``If you're giving the money in a check in an offering plate that comes across the pew, and that church is meeting your needs, and you see what happens, you generally don't question finances,'' Nelson said.

Such is not the case when Deeper Life fundraising crews gather money from strangers.

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