WILSONVILLE, Ore.-The Living Enrichment Center church of 4,100 is struggling to repay $20 million in debts from operating losses and a failed broadcasting venture, according to The Oregonian.

The church told its members that about $8 million of the money owed came from members who lent their personal funds in hopes of solving the church's financial problems.

Marty McCall, Living Enrichment Center's vice president of operations, said the church has begun a restructuring plan and intends to pay off most of the congregant loans within five years.

As a major part of that plan, however, the church wants to persuade 25 percent of its congregant lenders to forgive their debt, McCall said.

"I'm sad, and I'm also very troubled," said Tom Holce, a prominent Portland executive and former member of the church who lent it more than $600,000. "I've never been a strong believer in organized religion. The Living Enrichment Center just fit me to a T. And now I just feel real deceived."

Holce said church leaders did not communicate fully with the committee looking into the financial problems. Some loans went directly to Mary Manin Morrissey, the church's founder and lead pastor.

"There's such a disconnect between what (Morissey) says on Sunday and the way she runs the church," said Karen Garst, a former church member who said she has not been repaid the $20,000 she lent to the church.

The church's financial trouble came to light last month after the city of Wilsonville sued the church seeking $76,029 in unpaid lodging taxes and utility fees.

The church has retained a bankruptcy lawyer to help in the restructuring process. It cut back operations to four days a week and will step up fund-raising efforts. McCall said the church will no longer borrow from church members.