When I was in the Air Force, an appearance of a conflict of interest was treated as if the conflict were a reality. We always had to be above reproach.

After this true story, I will have a checklist to help you determine if an appearance of conflict of interest exists on the pastoral staff and what you can do to make sure you always remain above reproach:

In late 1996, I helped a gentleman, who lost his wife after a long battle with cancer. He had already been negotiating the funeral and was checking to see if I could help him do better. I managed to save him another $2300. He was very grateful and sent me a check for a percentage of the money he saved.

Four months later, he went with his pastor to visit a lady who just lost her husband. His pastor recommended the local funeral home. My friend handed her my business card and said, "You need to call Ken Lambert."

His pastor interrupted and said, "No. The local funeral home has helped many families in our church. Plus they bury our babies at no charge. You need to let the local funeral home help your family." The lady took her pastor’s advice.

My friend called me and said, "Ken, you’ve got to call her and talk some sense into her." I told my friend that I never initiate contact. If she wants to talk to me, she must initiate contact. He was very frustrated that I did not call her.

But four hours later, she did call me, after she had visited the recommended funeral home. I saved the lady over $4,500 over what the local provider would have charged her.

As far as I know, this pastor still recommends the local funeral provider despite knowing what happened. I do not know his reasoning. But there appears to be a conflict of interest.

Repeatedly I have been told by several pastors, "Ken, we are not interested in hearing about your service. We are very satisfied with the relationship we have with the local funeral home. We are a community."

I am reluctant to criticize the Lord’s Shepherds. But unfortunately, I have often found what I did not want to find. Father Frank Wazieluski of Tempe, Arizona an outspoken critic, speaker, and guest on several national talk shows, found several instances of conflict of interest between the clergy and staff and funeral providers.  His outspokenness cost him his church position. No one wants to believe it happens. I don’t, but unfortunately, I have seen it too many times.

No one wants to confront your church staff directly. Neither will I.

I will not confront your church staff.  If the information in these web pages does not turn on the light bulb, it will do me no good to challenge you.   If your mind is made up, it is made up. And who is Ken Lambert to challenge you? 

A pastor I once knew who I respected immensely said, "When it comes to matters of conscience, if you can square it with God, you have squared it with me.  I am not your judge.  God is."

However, if God challenges you, then you will be challenged.

If after reading this information, you have doubts or you feel the Lord leading you to discuss the matter, and want to discuss the matter with me in private, them please feel free to call me at 281-357-0195 or toll free at 1-888-669-4947.  

As Christians, we are all called to "Call Sinners to Repentance" and tell the Good News.    We are called to make disciples of all men.  If I can educate you and your staff, it would be my pleasure to show you what I know.

Serving God's people is a special privilege.  I have been called to serve in my area of expertise.  I can make you and your staff better servants in this area, if you will give me a chance to share what I know.

Back to Churches