Daniel Farias
Staff Writer
How do you evaluate the integrity of a pastor who asks for $60 million from his church just so he can buy a new jet? That’s exactly what prominent televangelist and prosperity preacher Creflo Dollar did when he asked individuals in his church to donate $300 or more to purchase a $65 million plane.
On Friday, March 16, Creflo Dollar Ministries posted a six-minute video asking partners to give their money towards buying a Gulfstream G650. Pastor Creflo and his wife Taffi Dollar claimed they would use the jet to spread the Gospel around the world. After harsh criticism from social media, the web page displaying the video disappeared.
What do you think of Dollar’s offer? I surely wouldn’t give money to an already rich and successful ministry, especially when that money could be used elsewhere.
Here are a few facts to chew on. Dollar, who is the senior pastor of World Changers Church International, a church based in College Park, Ga., has a net worth of $27 million. He also broadcasts on cable networks with his own television show, Changing Your World.
I’m not done yet. According to a New York Times report, Dollar owns a million-dollar Atlanta mansion, drives a luxurious Rolls-Royce, already has a jet that’s been transporting him around the world, and owns a $2.5 million Manhattan apartment.
In observation of the facts, it is a repulsive and even hedonistic thing for Dollar to propagate the need for such an expensive, plush aircraft. The average annual income of families in his town is just over $29,000. And he’s asking for $60 million?
What kind of message is Dollar sending to Christians who endorse his ministry? That one’s spirituality or commitment to God is somehow based on the opulence of their globe trotting jet.
There are millions of people all over the world suffering from hunger who die every day. On top of that, countless no-name missionaries and ministers travel to the unreached parts of the earth without any of the luxuries Dollar enjoys. They truly suffer to preach the Gospel.
I’m all for having money and being blessed by God. However, when you consider the plethora of other needs that the Church has, does it truly represent Jesus when you selfishly solicit $60 million for your own jet?
Creflo Dollar loves to preach health and wealth to his church, and there’s nothing explicitly wrong with that. However, it brings reproach to the name of Jesus when one’s ministry makes being rich the goal of Christianity.
The true Gospel was never aimed at achieving riches here on earth, but storing up for “yourselves treasures in heaven” as it says in Matthew 6:20. The verse goes on to say, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
I’m not going to judge the heart of Creflo Dollar because that’s between him and God, but I will make this point. If Dollar utilizes his resources towards buying lavish material possessions, does that not reveal where his inward treasure and his heart lie?
