Six televangelist ministries, under investigation by Iowa Republican senator Chuck Grassley, have until Thursday to submit their financial records to the Senate finance committee. The disclosures should cover the preachers' salaries, compensations, board oversight, and perks—from oceanside homes and expensive furniture to flights on private jets. Christian religious liberty and government oversight groups are watching with great interest, since state involvement in religious business affairs is atypical of past practice.

IRS rules for nonprofit organizations prevent pastors and other insiders from "excessive personal gain" through their tax-exempt work. But who determines what's excessive? And more importantly, are these preachers hot?