: WASHINGTON (AP)- The top Republican on the Senate Finance Committee said Tuesday he has launched an investigation into alleged financial wrongdoing involving six well-known televangelists -- including two based in Georgia.
Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa sent letters to six Christian media ministries this week requesting information about their expenses, executive compensation and amenities given to executives.
Among them are Bishop Eddie Long of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia and Creflo Dollar Ministries of College Park.
Grassley said he is following up on complaints from the public and news coverage. He said the allegations involve governing boards that aren't independent and allow generous salaries and housing allowances and amenities such as private jets and Rolls Royces.
Also named by Grassley as targets of the investigation are Paula White Ministries of Tampa, Florida; Benny Hinn Ministries of Grapevine, Texas; Joyce Meyer Ministries of Fenton, Missouri; and Kenneth Copeland Ministries of Newark, Texas.
I MET CREFLO DOLLAR HE'S IN NYC ON SATURDAY'S I APPROACHED DUDE AND HIS DEACON OR WHATEVER SPOKE FOR HIM AND SHOOK MY HAND WHAT A MAN OF GOD...SORRY LORD WITH THAT BEING SAID I TRULY BELIEVE CREFLO IS A FRAUD ALL HE PREACHES ABOUT IS MONEY AND BEING PROSPEROUS
EDDIE, AND PAULA R COOL WITH ME SO I HOPE THEIR NOT FRAUDS AS WELL
This mega church thing is a major con. Their all theives and *** crapers. I'm sure the government has more than enough to put them all away. There certainly will be others added to the list. No minister and I mean none should be walking around with millions of dollars in his personal account. I know Dollar drives around in a Rolls Royce. For the last few years his wife has been a minister. Spirtual ***, taking advantage of the congretations desire to know and learn about the goodness of GOD. These crooks are taking advantage of every thing that holy. They should have to give it all back.
Benny Hinn reminds me of a fortune teller. Joyce Meyer was investigated in St. Louis and was hounded by a reporter so bad for her lavish living that she wrote a check for $5,000,000 for taxes. People get real. Churches are tax exempt and we that means a pastor can not build a mansion off of church dollars. He/She must use their own money. I'm not too familiar with the rest of them. However, religion is a BIG business these days.
HOW CAN A MINISTER LIVE BETTER THAN THE PEOPLE IN HIS CONGREGATION AND NOT HAVE ANY REMORSE.
THESE PEOPLE DRIVE AROUND IN ROLLS ROYCE'S AND SOME OF THEIR CHURCH MEMBERS HAVE TO BE PICKED UP BY THE CHURCH VAN IN ORDER TO ATTEND SUNDAY SERVICE. THE MINISTER ALSO LIVES IN HUGE HOMES AND HIS CHURCH MEMBERS ARE SCRAMBLING TO PAY THEIR RENT........ ........ THESE ARE THE SAME PEOPLE WHO LIVE BELOW THE POVERTY LEVEL AND CONTINUE TO GIVE MONEY TO THE CHURCH, SO THAT THE MINISTER CAN LIVE HIGH AND MIGHTY.
WHAT GETS ME IS THE MINISTER WILL PARK HIS MERCEDES 600 IN FRONT OF THE CHURCH, AND HIS MEMBERS WILL SHOW UP TO CHURCH IN THE CHURCH VAN BECAUSE THEY DO NOT HAVE A VEHICLE.
none of them are cool with me. There is no way you are supposed to take the "lords money" as they call it and spend it on penthouses and expensive cars. They are all frauds and is the main reason why I stay away from church. The bible says you are supposed to give money to the poor and needy, you dumb christians are giving your money to the rich while at the same time are about to be set out of your APARTMENTS
an investigation dont mean they guilty so whatever. these people aint stupid. & as for creflo dollar--is that his real name or his *** name? cause that *** sounds made up considering all the n*gga talk about is money. if anybody up there need to be investigated its him. i like joyce meyer tho that white lady keeps it real.
I know I SHO can't afford no 10% I just ask that God forgive me and understand. Then you see things like this and it's like why would anybody give up a nice chunk of their paycheck(a chunk of mine which can pay my dern car insurance!) For somebody to live a fantastic life while I'm strugglin!? Naw Boo. I got me and my baby to take care of and them folk aint gone break they pockets to help me when I'm in a jame! Creflo aint NEVA been right. I reacted the SAME way when my cousin Kisha in da A told me his name! And having to check your W2's for you to attend your church!? Let me had gone and they asked for that in order for me to become a memeber. I woulda stood up on that mic and told that whole *** CONGREGATION where to go if they agree with that type of thing. All you should need to be a member is your love for God and the thirst for a greater understanding of him and his word.
I thought Paula was coo tho I actually liked her...Dang man why the world so crazy today!? The 90's was such a simpler time lol
hotamale that IS a *** shame!!! So sad. and AMEN @ they ain't supposed to spend the lords money on that kind of stuff. I thought collections was always for something FOR the church the bake sales and all that! Wasn't that supposed to be to help improve the church or provide stuff for the kids or HELP OUT members of the church when they lights get cut off or whenever they in need!? That's how it was at my church when I was little. Now that I think about it...We had a building fund and My church still look the same 16 years later...Oh Lawd!
10% of anything is a lot. If you don't start off with much but you giving the minister 10% that's too much. How many of them folks giving they "10%" and can't even afford groceries, pay their bills? No light, gas, heat or hot water? Thinking that if you give 10%, the lord will look after you first????? Don't know about all that, cuz if that was the case, you would have groceries and all of your utilities. Wonder why the Pastor is riding around in luxury cars and wearing furs? And anyone that thinks that you need to give 10% to get in to heaven is wrong. Does that mean that rapist, killers and child molesters can go to church, give their tithe and still are guaranteed a place in heaven?? Yeah, right.
Ya'll have to understand they are full time ministry it's like a job teaching and preaching the word of GOD. They have a large church base and I am sure that they are not pocketing the money for themselves personally. But they have families and bills to pay just like a reg joe. ANd why *** a worker for the lord live in style, GOD wants all his children to be wealthy. Most of us just don't have the courage to step out on faith.
you should give money because you want to give it, not because some man in a suit made you do it. I go to New Birth (Bishop Eddie Long's church) and I always leave with a good feeling regardless of whether or not I put money in. The truth of the matter is that once you hand over your money to anybody, do you really know where it goes? Big church, medium church, small church .... hell small churches can ask why in the heck they've had a building fund going on for years and everything's still the same??
Hell I'm watching the news on a church in Tampa that's been in trouble for trafficking food stamps!
These churches have MULTIPLE services with thousands of members in the congregation, people who want to put money in the collection plate.
If you don't want to put money in the basket when it goes around, then don't do it. If they're doing something wrong with the money, God will deal with them in the end. But you can't look at someone who's successful and all of the sudden believe he's getting his cut straight off the top.
And that man who wrote that book Snakes in the Pulpit is no better than anyone else because what's he gonna do with the profits from the book?
Creflo Dollar just doesn't talk about money, he teaches in depth the word of God and SELF RELIANCE! Paula White is ok.I'm unfamiliar with the other ones.BTW who's going to investigate the Senate.This is a witch hunt and the CONSERVATIVE (WHITE)CHRISTIAN RIGHT IS GOING AFTER THOSE PASTORS THAT AREN'T DOWN WITH THEM.
Whoa folks!! Why is it that a person of the "Cloth" has to be a suspect for fraud just because he knows how to work the Spiritual Law of Finances??? The "world" thinks that People of religious, spiritual practices are supposed to look POOR BUT GOD is NOT POOR AND DOES NOT DESIRE FOR HIS PEOPLE TO LIVE POOR! All GOD asks for is 10% of your income...people do not have to give more than that. It is suggested that outside of your "tithe" you can give an offering. Thats what puts the "spiritual" law into effect!! But recognize this...THIS "WORLD" system is what causes war, greed, murder and all these abominations. BUT GODS LAW does not require us to live like that at all! I am living proof that by paying my "tithes" has made me financially abundant LEGALLY!!!! Ease up on suspecting People of the Holy Cloth! They are just teaching those who are financially deprive how to grow into financial abundance....they are just teaching by example of what God says is possible!
@hotamale--i never i said i knew the *** personally, im talking about on tv. lol. she's funny to me & as for greedy. so what. how you think rich folks stay rich? *** im greedy--just try & take whats mine. put you hands on my *** & you wont get it back.
LOL@ aint they supposed to put the money towards bake sales? & who gon pay the camera guy? you think he gon take a cake as his payment? lol.
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Strwbrymuffin Flag post
Ya'll have to understand they are full time ministry it's like a job teaching and preaching the word of GOD. They have a large church base and I am sure that they are not pocketing the money for themselves personally. But they have families and bills to pay just like a reg joe. ANd why *** a worker for the lord live in style, GOD wants all his children to be wealthy. Most of us just don't have the courage to step out on faith.
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AGREE
akan5 CONSERVATIVE (WHITE)CHRISTIAN RIGHT IS GOING AFTER THOSE PASTORS THAT AREN'T DOWN WITH THEM. ---
that thought did cross my mind. and right in time for election season next year. this is a bit supspect. on the other hand chuck grassley is the only senate republican who has remained on the up and up.
@Strwbrymuffin---they dont get it. they think everything at church is supposed to be free. LOL. its a church but its also a business & HELLO! businesses need money. churches have employees & folks got to get paid! churches pay rent! the money also goes to outreach programs--& yes your pastor has to be paid too. are you gon work for free? hell naw you aint so why should he? the same people complaining about paying church tithes dont have a problem putting some money down on some bunk cd from rhiannas no singing *** or shoving more money in p. diddys pockets & what do he spend his money on HOES< PARTIES & DRUGS. LOL! ya'll are a trip.
How many broke folks, that attend church every Sunday....Sunrise Service, Regular Service, (Bake sale and dinner in between) Afternoon Service/Fellowship and the Evening Concert/Service/whatever, hit hard times just to have the back of the church that you have been giving money too, facing you?? You get burned out in a fire, they have a mention of you in the *** with some "prayers for you and your family", but all that 10% you put in the collection plate ain't guaranteeing you any help. Have they put you up or have they called the Red Cross to help you out? Churches are supposed to be for the community and members, now they are all about flash and to see who has the biggest following on TV. Church is way different from when I was younger and Moms had me in there all *** day.
Church is a business, but when they passing the collection plate 5 times before you leave, then it's a crooked business. Or, how about those envelopes? Some of those things have the smallest "donation" $25. That's food for me and mine for the week. I also don't believe that you need to pay someone to pray. I can read, say thanks to God and Amen at home. Keep my dollars in my pocket.
@ cat4everrr
Jesus did not want us to be tainted and lust for worldly goods HE said " I want you to prosper as your soul prospers" The lust for Worldly goods leads to greed and murder etc...take a look at whats happening around you today! His Disciples had what they needed provided by the Spirit of God!! Wherever they went they lacked nothing and needed for nothing.
AJBoogie Flag post
@ cat4everrr
Jesus did not want us to be tainted and lust for worldly goods HE said " I want you to prosper as your soul prospers" The lust for Worldly goods leads to greed and murder etc...take a look at whats happening around you today! His Disciples had what they needed provided by the Spirit of God!! Wherever they went they lacked nothing and needed for nothing. ----
bingo
Why don't we investigate the POPE? He lives in a palace and wears gold trimmed robes.People can pay Donald Trump for his hot air speeches on becoming rich but get upset because people of God give the same motivational sermon; with the Bible as a foundation.SMH.We don't have to die and go to heaven before we can live wealthy lives,that's just Roman Catholic propaganda to keep the poor in poverty.
@cat4everrr---yes you are a hypocrite cuz you sitting here passing out biblical advice to everyone that you yourself would never live by. & who said anyone was perfect? did anybody say that--we're all sinners, whether you a christian or not so what are you talking about? & if we're supposed to not have anyting & everyone is supposed to work for free why would the bible also tell you give 10% of your money to the church if nobody is supposed to have any? lol.
@ AJBoogie
he also said a rich man trying to get to heaven is like a camel trying to get through an eye of a needle. i don't like those odds. i wonder why some pastors welcome it.
A "rich man" refers to one that aquires wealth with no Spirituality and gained his wealth through maybe ill-gotten gain. When it would come to making a decision that would affect his wealth, working for GOD or NOT working for GOD....to save his wealth more than likely he would refuse to give up his wealth which leads to turning against GOD! "I am the Lord Your GOD put NO other gods (idols) before ME!"
All y'all christians need to get ya'll mind right and leave that false religion online. It's not helping you and it isn't going to help you. No jobs,but they keep building churches but the dollar is falling I bet your preachers aint telling you what you should know,because they too busy taking your money.
Slimbrotha101 Flag post
God predicted that people would be misled by power house preachers as he stated in the last dayz...Rev18:4 God represents the mainstreamn church as babylon the Great..mother of great sins that reach as high as heaven.
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umm hmmm, he aslo said beware of wolves in sheep clothing
It's about DANG TIME!!!!! I live in Atlanta and I REFUSED to attend any megachurch. They just seem so ***!!! I bet what sparked this was Junaita Bynum and her exhusband's public foolishness. The bible does say that God will reveal all false prophets. They have so many people brainwashed too!! So there will be someone who reads this and defends "Prophetess Bynum" or "Bishop Long" but you better be careful and mindful not to follow man but follow God
I am so glad these churches are being scrutinized for their financial activities. IT'S ABOUT TIME. As a person that has worked on the inside and seen how the money is allocated among resoures these pastors live a FREE LIFE. They incur LITTLE TO NO BILLS AT ALL. THE CHURCH ABSORBS ALL THE COST. The church pays for everything from home owners association, car note, mortage, cell phone bill, dry cleaning, petty cash,hotel expenses, restaurant bills, you name it the church picks up the tab. I've seen financial curruption in small and large churches (of course it happens on a greater scale at large churches). WAKE UP PEOPLE!!!! THE PASTORS ARE TAKING YOUR MONEY!!!!
When i lived in Georgia, Lithonia specifically, i had the pleasure of attending Bishop Longs church on a weekly basis. The ATMS in the lobby and the option to sign up to have your tithes directly withdrawn was a bit much for me. I also visited Creflo Dollars church on a regular and the reserved seating in the front for Evander Holyfield and other "celebs" left a bad taste in my mouth. Smaller churches are for me but i think this investigation is long overdue because i think a lot of these people are crooks in the worse way!!
i know most people are going to get mad,most pastors are "EX pimps". if your good with yuor mouth piece you can talk somebody out of anything. example:pimps "talk women into standing on corners degrading themselves and collect "ALL" of the money. your local scam artist (i mean pastor) talks very valnerable people in search of spirituality into giving "ALL" of there money to him (church).
women are vulnerable go they get "pimped,people are vulnerable so they get pimped" see the correlation? jim & tammy baker did it! if you dont mind being taking advantage of run to your local pastor i'm quite sure h'ell be more than happy to transfer your hard earned money into "his" bank account.
Psalm 92:14 "thy shall be fat and flourishing". It is God's will that all who are a keeper of His Word will be "FAT". The biblical definition of FAT is not "corpulent" (body heaviness), but "opulent" (having abundant resources). You say a Pastor should not prosper, but they should and you should too. If you are a doer of the Word of God, prosperty belong to you also. And know this "...The Lord is able to give thee (you) more than this". 2chronicles 25:9
huemanbro I agree
These pastors are crooks and thieves at the worst degree possible. I know of pastors that write out checkes to themselves, their spouse, and deacons (YES THE DEACONS ARE IN ON THE SCAM TOO)up to thousands of dollars whenever the feel like it and catagorize the free money as an expense of some sort. That is why I DO NOT GO TO CHURCH. If I want to get to know the Lord I do so in the privacy of my own home. These pastors are ruthless less when it comes to money. It's all a game to them. It's all a competition of who can have the grandest church, the most expensive cars, and houses. THAT'S ALL!!!!! On the chance that I do go to church I don't even put $1 in the offering cause I REFUSE to finance any vacation, house, car note, mortage, or anything of the pastors.
Its amazing how everyone's comments are already condeming these men and women of GOD. "WHO" are we to judge anything. Why not be positive and look for the good in people, why not pray that this information is false. We are so worried about the "preacher" and the "church" getting our money, but no one speaks about the dope dealer in the neighbor taking yall money too. They drive Benz, Hummers & Lexus and live in big homes. Why do we condemn the people who pray for us, speak the word of life to us and open up neighbor recreaction centers, schools and homes for so many of us in the communities, no one thinks about that work of the church and the preachers. It takes money to keep the doors of a church open, you have air in the summer time, heat in the winter and fried chicken after service!! If you really love the LORD pray for these individuals and the congregations and stop passing judgment!! These are great men and women of GOD and if anything is wrong with their ministiries let GOD take care of them. For the readers try reading Malachi 3:8-10..and it shows the importance of tithing and giving the tenth. When you give in love and faith dont worry about where your tenth is going just be obeidient to the GOD who told you to sow. Lastly, this is why religion may be important.. but RELATIONSHIP with JESUS CHRIST is more important, when you have a personal relationship with Jesus things like this dont matter, you instantly pray that all will be well. ..dont put all your faith in trust in man, TRUST GOD and let him lead, rebuke, and reprove individuals! That's HIS JOB not ours!!
Some of you people on here sound like you've brain washed! I believe in giving to the church but give what you can afford, don't go broke. I feel it's a travesty that these ministers are driving around in Mercedes, and a host of luxury vehicles, waving hello to the congregation standing at the bus stop. I can’t afford to give 10% of my income and still dress nice like the pastors wife and drive a luxury car like the pastor and live in a nice comfortable house like the pastor and his wife. It doesn’t mean that I don’t love the Lord. It just means during my time down here I’d like to live comfortable just like they do.
Where's all the regular's of MTO, see talk about God they get ghost!
Promise my last comment... to HUEMANBRO Your right "im being pimped" and if I being pimped I am being pimped by GOD! and in return.. HE HAS BLESSED ME and I am the one reaping the benefits from faith, love and tithing.. I am truly blessed, I have a great career, good health, a loving family, peace of mind, a beautiful home in the surburbs, beautiful luxury vehicle, money in my pocket and brighter days ahead. Not bad for a girl who is pimped out by the church huh???
TRY OPENING UP YOUR HEART AND MIND TO JESUS AND YOU TOO CAN REAP THE BENEFITS OF BEING PIMPED BUT I GOT LOVE FOR YOU - AND MOSTLY IMPORTANTLY GOD LOVES YOU MORE!! PEACE!
lol, wow I can't believed that you are so brainwashed so god will *** you@ caprice? The most high don't need your money. You christians are brainwashed and these vultures are taking advantage of ya'll. I'm about to open me a church and preach about false *** and have a collection plate going around so I can be in doulbe R just like creflo *** A dollar.
All yall *** stupid. foreal. I go to a mega church and its not all about money. All the time. Don't get mad because the pastor tryin to help you come up. *** take his advice and ppl that think you just tithe and thats the end, if yall went to any of these churches you would know that when fires, loss of job, and all kinds of other inconveniences that occur, if your a member of the church. They'll give you money until u get back on your feet again. So stop hatin on Mega churches.....get some info b-4 you bash it.
I really did not want to hear this...My mother is the type to put in 100 dollars and then turn around and complain that all our church does is talk about money :/...I'm a firm believer in taking one to two hours out of your day on Sunday and reading the Bible YOURSELF and praying YOURSELF and even starting a little group YOURSELF. I don't feel like I love God any less just because I use my wits. I have to survive, too! I will not allow any pastor of mine to drive a Benz when I'm still a 98 Honda. They sin just like us. People have to realize this is the 21st century and people are more vicious than ever when it comes to money. If your church spends more than five minutes trying to persuade people to drop money into the collection bin, there's something fishy about that! All you need is one maybe two mentions. My old church for example LOVED to criticize people who hadn't dropped anything in the bin at all. HELLO? Maybe they just missed last month's rent trying to pay for you Ferari!?
I hope that this is not true. I really like all of those ministers a great deal, and I listen to their teaching often. Even though I have no proof that these particular ministers are guilty of these accusations, I do know that a lot of religious figures out there are not on the up and up, which I'm sad to admit. They are wearing $3,000 suits, driving fine cars, living in palacial-like homes because of the tithes and offerings they almost guilt people into giving. I have actually heard tv evanglists say that if you do not send in x amount of dollars, that God will not give you that blessing you are desiring. If you have the money to give, that is different, but what if all you have in your pocket is lint, but you have faith that can move mountains. There is no way that God would deny you a blessing when he knows your heart is genuine, and you honestly do not have a penny to your name. I am a firm believer in tithing and giving offerings, but unfortunately there are ministers that use it for selfish gain. With that being said, these are some of my favorite ministers to listen to, and it could very well be a test that they have to go through, and the truth will soon vindicate them.
This should not be a surprise, and to all those who apologized for questioning these preachers, you don't have to. They will pay in the end for what they have done wrong. Money is the evil when you have more than you need to live, hence "Money is the root of all evil", in other words, too much of anything will destroy you in different ways, some harsher than others, but will destroy just the same. Understand I'm not saying being rich is bad, but if you gain it at the misuse of others, that makes it bad.
Irv
If a man who runs a restaurant chain that brings in 10 million dollars a year can be called a CEO and paid as such... why can't a man who runs a CHURCH that brings in 10 million dollars a year be considered a CEO and paid as such?
She's loud, obnoxious, knows your business, *** with her and she'll TELL your business and then cuss yo azz out... she's Miss Pearl
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This should not come as a surprise to anyone. What's done in the dark eventually makes it into the light. If they are innocent then let the investigation prove it but until then I am suspect of them all. Money and power corrupts and yet another example of the commercialization of religion in the name of God.
Carrington, you really can't compare the two. Apples and oranges. Some pastors are asking the poor to give to the church (fine). But it's just wrong for a pastor to preach for a good two hours about greed and ten minutes later, he's basically pleading for people to send in tithes that he may use for material items. There's a proper way to ask and there are some things you just can't do.Like I sai before. It is 2007. Stop being dumb and teach yourself because do not be mad when your pastor drives up to church in a Bentley and has you wondering where he got the money to pay for that.
To stop all the doubt and speculation Yes, this is a true and credible story. In fact, I first heard about this story on the msnbc website so this investigation is one that should be underway very ***. I'm always amazed at the level at stupidity in this country. I mean how obvious can you get. These pastors have no discretion whatsoever when it comes to buying lavish things and still you have idiots that support them. I mean are people really that desparate for something to belive in, for a group to belong to cause I dont understand why people continue to give the money to these crooked pastors My mentor always told me that 90% of the POPULATION IS STUPID. At first I rejected this notion but I'm starting to believe it more everyday. I truly believe that when evidence begins to surface of corrupt financial practices these people will still be singing the praises of the pastor.
Okay people are bringing the bible in to this which can't really be compared. Jesus and his disciples didn't have money. No one had money then. They traded livestock and such. They did have gold and silver and bronze but the concept of money was much different than the terms we see today. I am a firm believer that if you are in tune with GOD, it doesn't take much to instantly tell a false prophet. I can listen to someone for a few sentences and know whether or not they are called. Some churches are good, some are run by corrupt people with corrupt congregants. A lot of people go to mega churches for the prestige factor. Just to say so and so is my pastor as if that makes them important because their pastor is recognized in the media.
Spirituality is GOD .... Religion is man, and the devil.. Religion is a tool used to control the masses. I don't subscribe to Religion. Jesus wasn't a Christian. I do think the "idea" of church is good because the fellowship with LIKE MINDED spiritual people keeps you grounded. But when we get into the fashion shows of who's wearing what, who's driving what, who is sleeping with whom, then those are the POLITICS of religion.
As far as 10 percent I disagree with that. I belieive you give what you can. If I can afford 10 I give 10, if I can afford 50, I give 50. However, I give directly to the people who need it. I give to the poor, the hungry, etc. There is no difference in giving money to a church than giving to a charity just as long as you give to someone less fortunate than you.
When I attend a particular church regularly then I give to that church because I am partaking of their facilities. It is not right to go to a church sunday after sunday, hear the word, eat the food, enjoy the song and not contribute. That would mean others are paying for your service. So I think it is ok to give to a church you attend, but the pastor is not your financial advisor, nor is he in any authoritative capacity to tell you what you can and cannot give.
Being a pastor is not supposed to be a JOB, like a computer technician!!!!! Being a pastor is a calling. That means basically it is a burden/blessing placed upon you by GOD. That means you are still supposed to work and have a job in addition to preaching the word. Jesus had an occupation.... lest we forget he was a Carpenter. So NO pastors are not supposed to get rich off the church, they are supposed to get rich on their own from their OWN occupations.
It is a different thing however when a pastor is taken care of by the congregation, meaning, they give him ***, transportation, meals, etc. I don't think anyone has a problem with that. I think he should be provided for. The problem is when the control is out of the congregation's hands and in the hands of the pastor to pay himself!!!!! HE should NOT have access to the money of the church. HE should not be writing any checks. He is supposed to be taken care of ... He is not supposed to use the church's money at his own disposal.
His job is to preach the word, counsel, and lead the church as a guide spiritually to GOD and God's word. His job is not to be an accountant, he should have NO access to any communal funds of the church .. that is NOT his place. He is an employee of the church. That would be like the head fry cook at macdonalds having access to all the money and paying himself and writing checks for what HE sees fit!
Of course when you have a select few over all that money, they all get consumed with greed and are willing to share among themselves.
I personally don't care for Dollar. I have seen his sermons and they are more about business and personal finance than the actual word. He should work on wall street. he would probably do well though because he doesn't know anything about real business, he only knows about how to defraud the church.... He would be right in his element, corporate execs scam people all day everyday.
TD jakes does make moeny in his own right. He gets paid for speaking engagements, he has numerous books out, he's had the plays and movies.... all which generate HIGH income so he is ok with me ....
I also don't care for Dollar and the way he along with Holyfield tried to do a bait and switch on Mrs. holyfield to hide funds and make them look like donations to the church so holyfield would not have to pay her any money when they divorced.
The Church is NOT supposed to be used like that. If Dollar was any kind of man of GOD he would have been trying to counsel Evander and help him reconcile his marriage not helping him swindle his wife.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
P.S. When the pastor is taken care of by the church, He can drive a bently and live in a mansion if the church so decides. The difference is, at the end of the day, the CHURCH owns the car, and the house. So if he goes the possession stay with the church. It is a priviledge that goes with the calling.. So the next one who steps up will get the same treatment. As long as the Church provides and owns these things, then I can see it as GOD providing these things... but when HE takes it upon himself to help himself, then it is no longer GOD is providing .... it them becomes I I I I I I I ... the pride factor.... where you forget god and credit yourself .... Which Dollar definitely does with his bragging. He gives a little mention to GOD... for if it wasnt for God and people wanting a relationship with GOD, Dollar wouldn't be able to play upon their vulnerabilities as he does.
I wish I would go to a church and they ask for my W2.... puuuhleeese .... and then if you do get my W2 what are you gonna do? Garnish my check? Throw me out? Yeah I don't think so ... I mean this is church not a club ... since when did church require a cover charge and a 2 drink minimum ?
@MLExperience, why do you think your views are more righteous than these televangelists? People need to be careful, when accusing. A senate from IOWA. Who is he to covet someone elses possessions? Back to the prosecution of Jesus. These politicians are the ones that are filty rich, but folks so blind sided by someone teaching righteousness, that they don't see why young men and woman are in another country fighting a war with weapons that were sent right from the person that sent them to fight unknown folks. Who did these televangelist set up to lose innocent lives? THINK with an open mind and stop letting so much GARBAGE cloud your senses. Whoever said some can have luxury and others have to be poor and plain. If these televangelist was walking around with boots and sneakers and jean on they would have no problem
Fraud, you know what is a fraud, to deceive so many folks from not knowing their creator and ignoring his word. First prayer out of school,now the deterent of people knowing who is the true Creator. This is the plot and plan of the enemy, THE DEVIL. A deceiver, when the terrorist come and destroy your so-called piece you are going to be hollering for GOD. The politicians have terrorism out of hand, so now they want to pull folks from obedience and have them hateful and savage, so when their mess hit home you could be beasty like enough to fight for yourselves. DISTRACTIONS.
PREACH ML EXPERIENCE!!!! In the end I just think, ok let the Pastor or whoever benefit from a small amount of the money that is collected but YES he needs a job also. If you are called that's something you are CHOSEN by God to do and you should be happy to do his will but you also need to work as everyone else to take care of you and yours. Benefit yes. DROWN yourself in expensive cars, clothes, hair do's, suits and such material possessions NO that should not be the case. Dress nicely and be middle class atleast. I don't see how they do it anyway and look into their congregation and see the low working and or poor class. I can't do it. I have my curch group of 6 and we do our own thing at each others house. I donste to charities on a regular mainly helping people myself because you can't trust to just give away to charities either. Do what you do God knows your heart! Every last one of us! and in the end I know I'm alright!
TO ALL THOSE THAT ARE BELIEVERS, THAT CHRIST DIED AND WAS RAISED FROM THE DAY, YOU NEED TO START PRAYING FOR INTERCESSION. YOU DON'T HAVE TO TAKE THE DEVILS JUNK! THIS IS AN ATTACK OF THE DEVIL AND HE IS DEFEATED. AS A CORPORATE BODY OF CHRIST, BIND THE DEVIL AND GLORIFY GOD FOREVER MORE. VICTORY IS WON! CAST OUT THE EVILDOER AND REMEMBER TOUCH NOT MINE ANOINTED AND DO MY SERVANT NO HARM. NO WEAPONS FORMED AGAINST THEE SHALL PROSPER, AND EVERY TONGUE THAT SHALL RISE UP AGAINST THEE THOUGH SHALL CONDEMN FOR THIS IS THE HERITAGE OF THE SAINTS AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS IS IN US. PUT ON THE FULL ARMOUR OF GOD, AND KNOW THAT YOU KNOW WHAT YOU KNOW. YOU ARE A CHILD OF THE KING! IF GOD BE WITH YOU WHO COULD BE AGAINST YOU. GLORY BE TO GOD. AMEN
The time for Christians to pray is now. Let us pray without ceasing and drive this devil and his demons out of our churches. God promised in His word that if we are givers He will bless us abundantly. It is the will of God for all us to prosper including pastors. Why is it that pastors are expected to be poor? What Creflo A. Dollar preaches are God's promises for us on this earth. My fellow Christians let us pray and stand tall and be bold of who we are. Has anyone taken note of how much these pastors give to the poor? God says that he blesses the hand that gives and that's why they're getting the jets and luxury cars. He says prove me and see if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour you blessing that will overtake you. Lets stop hating on our spiritual leaders. Father in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ we come against this evil spirit, we command it to bow down to you in Jesus name. Satan you have no power over God's people. In Jesus name, Amen!
Is it true that T.D. Jakes will be making a movie soon? Talk about mega churches, my GOD. He brouhgt a church a few years ago. the mortgage was 4 million dollars. The church paid it off in two years. Now every Sunday, he takes in about 3 million dollars. This man own reaestate, writes books, got paid for organizing the million man march,and is ready to produce a movie. Sounds more like an entreprenure to me. This kind of image is what is ruining the church. With the kind of money these people collect and the way they live, there should not be a poor or hungry person on earth. Aide and protect the poor, isn't that their calling, seems to me the only one their aiding is themselves. Talk about evil spirits. People are desperate to learn of God and receive the holy spirit and these devils are taking advantage of their most important wishes. I hope the feds do a real good jobs convicting these thieves.
Wow! this is crazy. First of all, corporations get the most kick backs and incentives than ANYONE ELSE in AMERICA!!! so I think it is crazy to make the top ministers in America appear to criminals... I do not have all information, so I am unable to judge, but if a person like Britney Spears can make money being who she is..why is it christians have to be poor, I do not agree with people doing anything ILLEGAL but we need to expand our minds about what it means to love God and Christ.... I mean many of us may go on and get Masters or B.A. or open companies..or buy houses, does this make us less lovers of GOD??? the reality is money makes the world go round and we need more lovers of GOD and CHRIST with money so we can do things like build houes and communities...everyone can be a leader there is no monopoly..so these people are not robbing anyone of funds......I think this is ***...and we need to investigate WARS that are raging in IRAQ and the economic wars that are HERE IN AMERICA against the middle class and working class people!!!!!!!
@NOTIMEFORBS
I never professed to be any more righteous than anyone. I merely stated my beliefs. You are the one who ran up in here like Esther from Sanford and Son with ya HIGH GLORY's and such ... lol It all good though. If that's your belief and your faith then more power to you. I am not here to tell anyone they are wrong or right or to believe or not believe.
I am just tossing my own viewpoint into the myriad of views. Like I said, I am spiritual I am NOT religious. I don't subscribe to man and the rituals he says I must participate in to please GOD or show GOD I Believe in him. Wen God and I talk, God tells me what he expects of me.
The thing is people fail to see this but ....God is simple. Salvation is simple. God is so very gracious and forgiving. Being saved is the easiest thing in the world to be.... all you have to do is ..believe in God,Jesus(that he died for our sins), have faith and live right/honest......that is really not hard unless your heart is dark.
God is also understanding, he knows that we are prone to sin because we are imperfect beings. So when we do sin, we need to acknowledge it, repent with an honest heart and TRY not to do it again.
All of thee rituals with the wine and stale [EXPLETIVE], and rosary beads, sprinkling water, speaking in tongues, laying hands, etc. is for entertainment and to pacify us. The thing is ... GOD doesn't require these things. God doesn't need all these rituals to beleive we love and believe in him.
WE as HUMANS require rituals. We have a hard time believing that something so great and gracious as salvaton can be acquired so easily. So we feel we need to make it more complex because we think it should be. That is because we think with our human minds and in our Human mind we know we wouldn't give away something as valuable as salvation that easily.
BUT NEWSFLASH ..GOD IS NOT HUMAN God doesnt think like US. Also people are so quick to try to do GODS work like judging others, and condemning ppl to hell when they know no more than the next person. God doesnt need our help, trust God got all this under control.
ALSO LETS TAKE A HINT...... GOD is VERY FORGIVING. He can and does forgive us for everything we do when we are truly sorry, repent and ask for his forgiveness. HUMANS are the ones that are unforgiving!!!!!! WHY? If GOD Can forgive you so easily, why can't you do the same? Whomever said that Murderers, Thieves, Rapsts, Criminals won't go to heaven. What bible did they read and what GOD do they serve?
GOD didn't say that. Thats another instance of man trying to play GOD and tell someone elses FATE. HUMANS are so self righteous. TAKE A STEP BACK and REALIZE GOD Doesnt think as we do. NEVER Out of your mouth should you ever say someone is going to heaven or hell b/c you DO NOT know that.
Also,if sin sends us to hell, WHAT WAS THE POINT OF JESUS? if sin sends us to hell what did he die for? Nothing? Jesus Paid it all. I really think if people would live by the golden rule...... everything would fall into place.
The golden rule is the one instance where ALL LAW is on one accord. Man's Law, God's Law AND NATURE's LAW........ SO Treat others how you want to be treated.. you'll get what you put out.
Also, I don't think anyone has a problem with a pastor living well, having abundant wealth or any of that. We say all the time they are human which is true. The PROBLEM is WHERE the wealth comes from. The Church is not to be used as a Business. It is supposed to be a house of worship and the only business conducted should be to the glory of God and uplifting his name. If the pastor has his own business ventures funded by his own money that he worked for..... then there is no problem. However IF he is talking money from the collection plate for himself and becoming wealthy from it, that is NOT what the collection is for. Also, He doesnt have the right to PAY himself. That is decided by the church as a whole, he doesnt get that right to just help himself. Again, being a pastor is a calling placed upon you by GOD, not a JOB. But you know what..... I can put this all in perspective and be done. Any of these pastors that we are discussing did they apply for their positions? if they did, then HEY.... its a job not a calling. That said, we cant hold them up to any standard, becasue theya re not called, nor annointed, they are doing their job. You cant apply to be called by GOD ... so .... if they applied then oh well ... I guess the congregation chose them ... just like a ho chooses a *** ... if thats the case... then they are doing their jobs WELL..... just like Goldie!!!!!
I think many times we forget that the whole world is suppose to be bringing the kingdom of god on earth....we have to speak the truth, uplift people, learn from one another about God's principles... I am not religous, but I BELIEVE IN THE ONLY GOD, and JESUS CHRIST THE SAVIOR..period....I will not deny my faith to be politically correct...God is being taken out of schools, we forget to realize JESUS is the savior because we want to fit in..well at the end of the day.....there is a heaven and a hell, I know I want and will go to heaven..period.....anyways....many pastors also have their OWN companies...independent of their church!!! we automatically think pastors are taking peoples money this may not be the case!!!! if you live by the principles of the BIBLE GOD WILL BLESS YOU...if you want to be leader most likely you will know how to save and invest your money....these characterstics of a person go hand and hand...like I said before, there is no one stopping anyone else from leading others and being an agent of GOD's vision....this IDEA THAT PASTORS are MONKS IS STUPID.....get real.....stop being fake and holding up humans to a dumb as standard.....that GOd himself would question....if we were not meant to be human..God would not have put us here.....obviously we are all here on earth to make a change here....the only way to do this is my our spirits and our bodies.....when we die our bodies are gone...but we are here in life to do something with our bodies too...we live in a material world for a moment in time.....just like Katrina...the reason why black folks did not get help is that we so quick to divide ourselves...so quick to judge our lives by a messed up standard that makes us powerless......why cant we have a little heaven on earth.....this is how religon was used to enslave black folks minds to think we have to be poor and have nothing...and take scraps.... I bet we all here worship Gods like BMW's , Range Roovers, Trucks, Men, Women, ***, Education etc.... so when we all give that up and live naked in a Bush....then make that comment about materialism....
stop the fakeness please!!!
Thats why I pray at home! i dont trust preachers, evangeliests' pastors'..and the list goes on. They say you are supposed to give 10%. Well, I dont give 10% to the church, I give my 10% by donating to the Lupus Foundation, the goodwill, and If i see someone on the street who is in need, i am more than happy to help them out. I refuse to give my 10% so that the head of the church can floss down the steet in their maybach mercedes (whatever class it may be, and going to their 50,000 square foot mansion) while im riding in a 93 lex 400 - that ive had for years, and going home to a nice well kept 20 year old home. Long as i keep faith in God, I will prosper, but not by their way..but my own way. ***praise Jesus,...Amen****
@cinabrown I agree. I think some people tend to forget they are suppose to go to church to worship God not the preacher. The preacher is a man with a message. He/she is not God. People need to keep it in perspective. They need to read and interpret the passages of the Bible for their own understanding and not follow behind the preacher blindly.
There are alot of churches who don't even ecknowledge the meembers all they see is dollar signs. These preachers will be the first judged by god, I just know I won't join a church because of a preacher who has the lavish things in life when his people are in trouble. I don't care for none of these preachers because they are not real ministers if you ask me. They should have been the first ones to join the Jena 6 march. i don't remember seeing them involved in this movement. Are people are in trouble and all they can do is take your money, and want you to believe that the more you come and give and jump up and down, you're going to heaven, NOT!! The church is for saving souls not about getting your minister the bentley he wants like the Rappers or the rich tycoon he reads about in Fortune.i hope everything the built that not of God falls!
Every single one of these ministers is making a fabulous living outside of the church. They are #1 selling authors of many books, motivational speakers, and not to mention the sales of cd's and dvd's.........Why is it that when a Man/Woman of GOD is wealthy, people question it?? That is a trick of the enemy (Satan) to give you a reason to be turned off to the church.....FOCUS PEOPLE!
Whatever happened to Reverend Ike? He was an NYC minister who used to be on at 3-4am asking folks to send in $20 and he'd send back some special "prayer cloths" which were about as thick as 2ply toilet tissue lmao
Then there's Robert Tilton acting a fool on his show, crybaby Jimmy Swaggart begging for money and Benny "the Suami" Hinn actin crazy as well. I love these holy rollers!
There is only ONE judge. Media Takeout is not the judge, Senator Chuck Grassley is not the judge and neither is anyone who post on this website. ONLY GOD is the judge. Everyone will have to answer to HIM. It does not matter if you believe in GOD or not. You will still be held accoutable for what YOU do. SO please look in the mirror and ask Lord is it me standing in the need of prayer? I just pray for all church leaders. Because truly the devil is a LIAR and there is NO truth in him.
I LIVE HERE IN ATLANTA. I HONESTLY I HATE THESE "MEGACHURCHES". TO ME IT'S NOT CHURCH ANYMORE.
ALTHOUGH I KNOW IN ESSENCE WE ARE TITHING TO THE LORD BUT I LIKE FOR MY PASTOR TO KNOW MY NAME AND FACE HWNE HE SEES ME. YOU CAN'T TELL ME WITH THE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF FOLLOWERS THAT SOME OF THESE CHURCHES HAVE THAT THESE PASTORS AND/OR BISHOPS KNOW EVERYONE IN THEM
THEN THAT'S ANOTHER THING. THE BISHOP SITUATION. DID YOU GUYS KNOW THAT BACK IN THE DAY YOU HAD TO BE APPOINTED AND/OR SELECTED A "BISHOP"? ? THESE DAYS THESE PASTORS WAKE UP AND SAY, "YOU KNOW I THINK I'LL BE BISHOP EDDIE LONG NOW!"
IT'S DISGUSTING ! ! ! !
God cannot lie, the bible calls Satan the great deceiver and after the final battle the world will look upon Satan and say "this is the one who deceived many". Satan has deceived people into believing they don't go to church and don't listen to the preacher and trust the preacher is because they are all crooked and they only want money. BUT the real reason you don't listen to preachers is because you're scarred you might hear something that can change your life and save you. But God is not mocked, he is not fooled by this and he knows your heart. There are two many scriptures in the bible were God is telling man to beware of the schemes of Satan. He says to put on the whole amour of God so that you might be able to withstand the wise of the devil. People are so quick to judge a man/woman of God, why is that? When the whole Vick thing came out everybody was waiting to see the end result before the commented or they didn't want to believe it, they had so much sympathy for him (which you should) BUT when it's something about the people of God or the church people are so quick to pass judgment and assume it’s bad. Don't be deceived. Jesus told Peter upon this rock I will build MY Church and the gateS (meaning more than one) of HELL SHALL (meaning future) NOT PREVAIL AGAINST IT. People don't be fooled and don't harden your heart to the word of God over 10%. 10% that's all God asked for and he didn't say give it and see to it that it is used for what you want. He said bring all tithes to the storehouse so that there might be meat in my house. Well the preachers are apart of God's house and if they're not and they're using it wrong then God will judge them. God is so loving and so awesome if you let him lead and guide you. Don't let Satan deceive you and be the cause of spending eternity in hell because of money. That’s why God says it hard for a rich man to get into the kingdom of God. Not because they shouldn’t have money but because they love money more than God. Yes, you can desire something, you can desire money, but don’t love it. Don’t let it be the cause of you falling and forgetting or leaving God. God said seek (not look) but seek the kingdom of God and all these things will be added. God also said delight thy self in the word and God will give you the desires of your heart. Meaning your heart can desire but don’t lust and definitely don’t deny the man/woman of God over money!
THEY ARE HUMAN BEINGS.....STOP HOLDING THESE PEOPLE HIGHER THAN GOD!!!! THEY ARE GOING TO MAKE MISTAKES....THEY ARE GOING TO DO THINGS THAT MAY NOT BE PLEASING TO OTHERS!!!
UNDERSTAND THAT GOD IS THE ONLY ONE THAT THEY HAVE TO ANSWER TO!!!
STOP LETTING EXCUSES OF OTHERS DETERMINE WHO YOU ARE!!!
NEVER STOP BELIEVING IN WHO THE TRUE GOD IS AND THAT IS THE GREAT JEHOVAH!!!!!
READ YOUR BIBLE!!!1 THESE ARE THE TIMES WHERE CHAOS WILL TRY TO PREVAIL!!!
GET RIGHT OR GET LEFT!!!
The thing is this people: by reading the actual article in the AJC, the senator just wants proof that the churches money is being put to good use and religious things that have to do with the church. If the church money is being used for family trips to Hawaii, then there's a problem, because they aint paying NO *** TAXES on this ***, and if it is a JOB to spread the word like some of yall holy rollers on here sayin, then Uncle Sam needs to get his CUT first just like he do when I work. Eddie Long doesn't have a problem showing these financial records, but Creflo the Crook says he wants to "consult counsel" first to see if it's the right thing to do. Ask yourself this.....if you guilty, what's the first thing you gonna do when you get arrested and taken to interrogation? Ding ding ding, that's right, you gonna LAWYER THE *** UP aint ya? Same thing applies here.
MTO YOU HAVE IT ALL WRONG AS USUAL IF YOU PAID ATTENTION TO CNN AND MSNBC BEFORE YOU POSTED THINGS ON YOUR SITE, IT IS 1 SENATOR THAT IS INVESTIGATING AND IT IS NOT FOR FRAUD THEY DO THIS EVERY YEAR AND THEY ARE LOOKING IN TO THE BOOKS OF S LOT OF TV MINISTERS NOT JUST THE 4 YOU LISTED. MOST OF THE MEGA CHURCHES HAS THEIR BOOKS OPEN AND AN AUDITED DONE EVERY YEAR. THE REPUBLICAN SENATOR THAT IS INVESTIGATING SENT A MEMO SAYING IT IS NO WRONG DOING HE IS JUST DOING SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE DONE BECAUSE ALL CHURCHES LARGE AND SMALL ARE TAX EXEMPT AND HE SAYS THE PUBLIC DESERVES TO KNOW HOW THIER MONEY IS SPENT. I GUESS HE DO NOT KNOW LARGE CHURCHES SO THEIR FINANCIAL RECORDS TO THE MEMBERS OF THIER CHURCH. PASTORS OF LARGE CHURCHES ARE JUST EASIER TARGETS BECAUSE THEY ARE ON TV AND SOMETIMES THEY CAN AFFECT AN ELECTION IN THEIR AREA.
THERE IS WRONG DOING EVERY WHERE YOU LOOK!!
I DON'T SEE ANYONE ASKING TO LOOK AT MOST OF THESE POLITICIANS BOOKS!!!!
ESPECIALLY THE GOVERNMENT!!!!!!
PEOPLE WILL ONLY TRY TO DIVERT YOUR ATTENTION FROM THE TRUTH AND THE REAL ISSUES!!!!!!
THERE ARE BIGGER ISSUES IN THIS WORLD THAN THESE PEOPLE!!!!!11
PEOPLE WILL ONLY TRY TO DIVERT YOUR ATTENTION FROM THE TRUTH AND THE REAL ISSUES!!!!!!
THERE ARE BIGGER ISSUES IN THIS WORLD THAN THESE PEOPLE!!!!!11
PEOPLE WILL ONLY TRY TO DIVERT YOUR ATTENTION FROM THE TRUTH AND THE REAL ISSUES!!!!!!
THERE ARE BIGGER ISSUES IN THIS WORLD THAN THESE PEOPLE!!!!!
I AM NOT TAKING UP FOR ANY PASTOR OR CREFLO DOLLAR BUT HE GO THROUGH THIS ON A LOCAL AND FEDERAL LEVEL EVERY YEAR AND EVERY YEAR EVERY THING UP TO THE PENNY IS ACCOUNTED FOR. HE ALWAYS HAD AN OPEN BOOK OF HIS CHURCH FINANCES AND HIS PERSONAL FINANCES. I GUESS JUST BECAUSE HIS LAST NAME IS DOLLAR HE IS AN EASIER TARGET THAN ANY PREACHER IN THE WORLD. SOME OF THE POLITICIAN NEED TO BE INVESTIGATED MORE ESPECIALLY THE MONEY FROM A CAMPAIGN AND WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO THAT THE POLITICIANS HAVE LEFT OVER FROM AN ELECTION. HMM NO ONE SPEAKS ABOUT THAT...LOL
Why are the fed going after them! *** they being going after suspected terriots that they let into this country many years ago! Or maybe this illegal immigrants who are now extreme criminals and are on the run from the law!
but i will say that paula white ALWAYS TALKS ABOUT MONEY. Let God have his way with them, not the feds
ONE GREAT THING ABOUT MEGA CHURCHES AND THE PASTORS OF THOSE CHURCH, THEY EMPLOY A LOT OF PEOPLE IN THEIR AREA ESPECIALLY POOR BLACK AREA AND THE REACH PEOPLE WHEN THEY ARE REALLY IN NEED. WHEN HURRICANE KATRINA HIT NEW ORLEANS AND THE GOVERNMENT WAS SLOW TO RESPOND IT WAS THE MEGA BLACK CHURCHES HELPING THOSE PEOPLE AND THEY ARE STILL DOING SO AND THEY PAY PEOPLE GAS BILLS IN THE WINTER WHEN THEY CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY THEIR UTILITIES AND OR RENT. WHERE IS THE GOVERNMENT THEN. HELL INVESTIGATE THE BIG CEO'S OF COMPANIES WHO STEAL RICH AND POOR PEOPLE MONEY AND MOVE IT AROUND ALL OVER THE WORLD A PREACHER CANNOT DO THAT. AND THESE ARE THE SAME PREACHERS THAT HELPS THIRD WORLD COUNTRIES LIKE AFRICA AND THEY CARE ABOUT THE STATE OF PEOPLE THE GOVERNMENT DO NOT GIVE A ***. SO FUNNY NO INVESTIGATE THE CATHOLIC CHURCH EVEN WHEN THEY KNOW ABOOUT THE PRIESTS THAT SEXUALLY ABUSE CHILDREN AND TO THIS DAY THEY STILL HIDE IT AND AND NOTHING IS EVEN DONE ABOUT IT AND I KNOW THESE PRIEST GETS EVERY THING FREE EVEN THEIR HOMES. I GUESS NO ONE CARE TO FOCUS ON THAT I GUESS SINCE MOST OF THE POLITICIANS ARE CATHOLICS.
Well here goes. Why do you people have a problem with how others decide to make their money? Some people go to law school to be lawyers, some go to med school to be doctors, some to seminary to be preachers. And as someone who visits Creflo's church, he preaches about how to change your life positively and do better things for yourself. He doesn't criticize and talk down to his congregation. He ain't running back and forth across the pulpit sweating and spitting. It's almost like going to a seminar with scriptures. Never once during any of my visits does he ask you to sign a contract or fill out forms with your bank information, he doesn't even pass a plate around...there's an envelope provided to you at the door for you to pay your tithes and offerings if you CHOOSE to. (Which the bible clearly instructs you to do.) Do you know how many weeks I've politely passed by the woman holding the envelopes and never took one! These preachers only expanded their business and are living off the fruits of their labors...now if anyone is familiar with Rev.Calvin Butts in Harlem then you would know he should've headlined this article because my husband was a member there and when he went too many weeks without paying his tithes, he was sent a letter informing him he was no longer a member of the church. Hmmm, at least I ain't never got one of those from Creflo!
I wonder if it's jealousy that is driving some of these investigations. If some think there is money in it, why not start a church. Are church folks complaining? NO. It seems that outsiders are so bitter that they will say the worst things. Please note that most of these pastors have their own means of income. Many are writers and sell millions of copies of their titles. Come on, all the nay sayers, leave church folks alone. We are not complaining, are we? Better still, come join us. It's more than the offerings we give, I can assure you. Don't be envious of the wrong things. Come taste and see that the Lord our God is good indeed, blessed is man or woman who trusts in Him.
I grew up in south central L.A and have seen, firsthand, pimps that convert to pastors and its all the same game, just smooth fast-talking and you get that money. I was so intrigued with the hustle that I started memorizing the bible so that with my handsome face, charm, and gift of gab I was gonna get PAID(many people told me I had 'IT'). Luckily, someone special got to me and show me that I don't play with God or religion so I didn't go that route. Think about it, Most of these pastors/evangelist out today are surrounded by bodyguards. That only means they did so much dirt that their lives are in jeopardy, someone wants to hurt them. Job doesn't sound all that glamorous now, does it? On another note, There is this church in DC that requires members to SHOW them their tax records so that they can hassle/harrass you if your not tithing your 10%.
@LEGGS4Dayz,
That may be true, but since you bringin up doctors and lawyers, THEY PAY TAXES. That's what this is about. Somebody with a JD or MD is driving a Bentley in Their own name and paying for family trips with money that they made AFTER FICA! Creflo aint payin taxes on that mansion he livin in. He aint payin car tax and tags for them Bentleys in his 4 car garage. His word on Sunday may be good, but if he's living a free life like that, it's hypocritical.
cat4everrr Flag post
@ sweetluxury
the difference is i'm not robbing the poor ****************************************
You summed all of this up in one sentence! Fabulous!
@sweetluxury...you said.... "cat4everrr sweeping floors at a HS gynamsium aint a real job "
You obviously do not know much at about Cat. Read a few more posts and get to know her. If she is sweeping floors it's because she wants to and definitely NOT because she HAS too. She will not brag about her financial portfolio so I will do it for her....LOL
Sorry CAT!
The funny thing about this is that if it was not for these pastor and people of God praying for the nations this world would be in a more sorry state. We could keep on griping about everything concerning pastors and church people but it's the christians prayers that is saving and keeping us. Many of us have grandmothers and other members of our families who love us and pray for us. Now-a-days we seem to have venom out-pouring for church folks especially when it comes on to giving and receiving. RELAX, "come outa dat and come eena dis" as we say in Jamaica (come out of that and come into this) and you will not regret it.
For those of you who have made posts claiming ministers are FRAUDS let me just say first foremost...JUDGE LESS YE BE JUDGED.
How dare you pass judgment merely on speculation or heresay.
Secondly the bible says to bring all the tithes into the storehouse that there may be meat in my house. If you attend a church where you are being taught that you tithe off of the pre-tax income, you are being taught incorrectly. You tithe 10% of your take home income.
Then there are those of you who say you like you lil' ol' small churches where there's only 50 members and those 50 members are the same members that were there from the beginning. There is not a pastor alive that does not wish for his/her congregation to grow and those who are happy with just 50 members are obviously not doing something right.
I for one am a member of a church in St. Louis, MO (not Joyce Meyer's church)where we have over 2,000 members and only have one morning service. Yes I attend a mega-church but then again I ain't no small minded person either. I have a lot of spiritual needs and my mega-church tends to every need.
Oh, and in regards to the finances of my church, the board of my church holds MONTHLY open to all members, church finance meetings so that the members can be informed as to where the money is being spent in the church.
And then there are those of you who are mad cause there are pastors who drive Bentleys, SL500's, etc. Who the heck wants the pastor of their church driving a beat-up old hooptie? You know what it sounds like to me, you people don't want your pastor doing any better than you. You want him/her to work like you (ministering is a 9-5 job in case you didn't know), struggle to pay bills like you, but most of all receive blessings on the same level as you.
Jesus Christ said it best, "My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge"
Ms. Diva, please. Relax yourself, okay.
All we're saying is... with all the talk of money and being prosperous as Creflo Dollar claims he wants us all to be, I'm curious to know that if one the members of his congregation were to loose their home because of whatever reason and they asked the Church for some monetary help, will he be so willing to help or would he tell that person to turn to the Lord for what they need.
You see God also said that if you have it and someone asks you should give it to them. I reads the Good Book, too, Ms. Diva.
Creflo doesn't particularly strike me as a Giving Person, but hey, I could be wrong. But I do want to know how he would go about helping someone in need of something like that.
@ Joanna123
You're right about that, and I pray for people every where and all over. As a Christian you're supposed to pray, and I do consider myself a Christian even if I haven't been to Church in over a year. Why? Because I know that God is with me where ever I am no matter what I'm doing. That's what a Christian is supposed to do. And I don't need no Pastor or the Elderly in the Church to tell me that.
Whatever the goverment find then so be it. All I know is that your supposed to give 10% for your tithe, when you get paid. Now my Question is do these pastors take out their 10% when they get paid? Some of them not only get paid to preach, but then they also have a job outside of the church. If they don't then that is a fraud to me. Also why do they ask for so much money, when you pay your tithe that money should be getting used wisely, for the choir, childrens, women, building fund and so on. I say when pastors start asking for more then your tithe, then you need to start asking some questions, not just forking over money because the pastor said "the church" needs it.
Well said Diva216! I've noticed how most of the people here appear greedy to me. They don't want anyone (even someone who is bringing goodness and light to the world preaching the gospel) to prosper. I have not problem with a minister prospering because the bible says we should prosper and be in good health even as our soul prospers. You should be looking at the SENATORS AND CONGRESSMEN WHO DO NOTHING AND VOTE THEIR OWN RAISES EVERY YEAR WHILE WE GET POORER!! HOW 'BOUT THAT!?!???!! That's where the real theft is!
@Fari, that'w why you go to the free before 11 clubs. LOL.
MTO posted this story late last *** so that we wouldn't blow up its server......
When the 'church' becomes a multi million or billion dollar enterprise and not just a business (which essentially it is), then there is a problem. WorldComm, Enron, CitiGroup, just to name a few. These were businesses that started off with good intentions, the CEO's start lying and stealing and embezzling, the senate investigates, big time scandal and folks lost millions of dollars. The church is no different.
Just like many megachurches, Paula White has received criticism from some Christians for preaching too much on prosperity. Paula White’s ministries took in $39.9 million in 2006, according to an audit of Without Walls and Paula White Ministries released in June by an independent Clearwater accounting firm.
On November 6, 2007, United States senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa announced an investigation of Paula White's ministry by the United States Senate Committee on Finance. Grassley asked for the ministry to divulge financial information to the committee to determine if White made any personal profit from financial donations, and ordered White's ministry to make the information available by December 2007. The investigation also scrutinized five other televangelists: Benny Hinn, Kenneth Copeland, Eddie Long, Joyce Meyer, and Creflo Dollar. When CBS News broke the story, Paula White's ministry denied any wrongdoing.
Paula White used about $28.6 million to help promote her church's programs, conferences and outreach efforts, the audit said. A former staff member for Without Walls International Church named Hector Gomez said, "Mansions, big planes, money, fame. That's what it's all about now, There are prophets for God, and there are prophets for profit. That's the category they fit in" and that he has received "more manipulation than inspiration" from them. Larry DeLaRosa, who left the church in 2000, stated that ""They've [Randy and Paula White] built an empire and used it to gain their own financial wealth."
Ok y'all...
The tithe was first mentioned in the book of Malachi. A book in which the priesthood was chastised for not doing the things God wanted them to do. They were divorcing their wives for the sake of having other women, and they were robbing God. Today, this scripture is being used to "teach" people how to give to God. In the New Testament, tithe is only mentioned when the priesthood (the Pharisees) are being chastised for hypocricy.
When I was a church goer, I tithed and gave an offering. When I decide to go back to church I will give an offering; this offering will be from my heart and I will purpose what I will give as is stated in the New Testament. It is amazing to me how people can use the tithe scripture but ignore the one that states that if a man does not take care of his family he is worse than an infidel, and yet people are giving their rent money, bill money, grocery money every Sunday, Wednesday, or whatever day to someone who will not give that money back when you need it? I say this because I have seen people in need, and the pastor turn his back on them.
I do not agree that this inquiry is based on envy or racism. Only two of those being looked at are black pastors, and one of them (Bishop Long) encouraged his parishoners to vote Republican in the last presidential election.
Please, please, please... I implore you all to use some sense. If you don't know what to do PRAY. As believers we are called to judge those things that are ungodly or unjust.
It's so funny how the goverment likes to turn the tables on people to avoid all this other political mess -ups and we fall for it. They try to avoid other issues by accusing poeple of the things that they are doing. Open your eyes poeple. The church has been under attack for Centuries. If they are guilty then they will have to answer for that, but if they are not then you have to answer for your slander. All the government is doing is trying to get more money for their generous salaries, mansion and extotic cars and mistresses and development scams. Black people stop being so *** gullible
@AgentD,
While I'm not an accountant, I don't believe that anyone living, breathing, and working in the U.S. can get away without paying taxes on SOMETHING! And better yet, everyone needs to stop pocket-watching and get their own. This is not a personal statement against anyone here on MTO, it's just a statement in general. Drug dealers are investigated and taken down not because they are selling drugs, but because the government is not getting their cut! If these ministers weren't greasing the palms of the government, there would've been PLENTY of investigations and shakedowns already.
The funny thing is you *** on here that are complaining about church don't have no *** problem running to the church when you get in trouble and you want great music, lights, clean facilities, you want a well dressed pastor but how do you think he is supposed to maintian the house of the Lord. With financial support of the people who receive from the business of church. If you read your bible Jesus speak favorably about giving into the treasury. Also Jesus had to recieve an offering because when it was time to pay taxes the bible says that the money for HIM and the disciples was in the treasury but He in order to teach about faith commanded the disciple to go and get it out of the fishes mouth. You stupid *** need to read your bible and stop ignorant. Also, it is mighty funny you don't mind giving basketball and football teams your money, Diddy for your Sean John, Mark Echo, Jay-Z, all of your fake rappers and they are after YOUR MONEY and don't feed your spirit and don't pray for you. I am in no way excusing abuse of church finances but I am saying that you *** don't complain about the excessive spending of your favorite stars that are making their money the same way....YOU!!!!!!!!!!!! Wake up! Your favorite basketball and football players go and spend $10,000 per *** to look at *** on a stage. Excessive jewlery and some of and live in luxury homes but how did they make that money???? YOU! YOur dollars. be fair and balanced. Some of you stupid *** on here now don't mind giving your money to the rim shop but live in sub-standard housing, can't pay your bills. But you got rims. You got cells phones. So what is the difference? Don't demonize a preacher if you are not going to demonize a rapper! Who does the same thing speak and sings words that cause you to think, feel emotions, and react! Get over yourselves with this double standard.
@ Leggs4days
Anything under the churches name is TAX EXEMPT. You and I both know that 2 Bentleys, a mansion, a private jet, and a guest spot skinnin and grinnin in a rap video is unbecoming of any pastor that's doin the right thing. You and I also know that all these things are under the name of World Changers International Ministries. He aint payin taxes on none of his extravagant possessions. He knows his church is a tax ***. That's why the senator wants to see where the cash is going, because if it is financing his extravagant lifestyle instead of church and religious expenses, then God will punish him in the form of the law.
@Mario7
You can't compare Jay Z and Jordan to Eddie and Creflo. They are entertainers and get paid handsomely to do such. They also pay taxes. And while we're on it, I'm sure booties were bouncin on the "Welcome to Atlanta" set While he was there grinnin with Luda and JD. Don't think he aint get paid for his cameo either.
Brothers and Sisters, please, let us reason together. I would like to call our attention to several facts pertaining to scripture, prosperity, tithing (10%), Jesus, and the "falling away" of the church. I have read many of the comments, and respect everyone’s opinions and beliefs. However, there are some who are not as well versed as they may think.
I would like to TRY and help with some of the errors I noticed. Please keep in mind, I am not a know it all or think that I am a counselor, but, rather, I encourage all those who are in the Lord, to “study and show yourself approved...”( 2 Timothy 2:15). Long story ***, I have been in church all my life basically, Saved, baptized, spirit filled, etc, etc. A few years back I used to listen to theses minsters on television, I even went to a few of their conferences. Now, what they say about the blessings of God, and how God will meet your needs is true. Here is were the rubber meets the road, though, and it may get a little offensive to those who support these preachers.
I went to the source. I ask the Lord to show me if what they are say is true, then give me the discernment to understand your word fully, because I found myself believing what they were saying. Slowly, God began to pull back the covers and began to show me what they are doing.
I will attempt to run through this quickly-so you have to get your Bible and read it for yourself
1. The laws (including Tithing - 10% - Read Leviticus 27) were given to the Jews. Those in the Old Testament who were righteous to God. Their prosperity was tied to the obedience of the laws...until Jesus came. Now were are in a New and better covenant that does NOT require us to pay tithes because we are in the dispensation of GRACE, and not under the law(this does mean the law is no longer any good, just that Jesus has fulfilled the law an we have everything in Him). The Old Testament is the covenant that keep the righteous separated to God until he sent his Son. God made the laws so that man would know his errors. It is a penalty for unholiness.
Fast Forward - Jesus Christ is our redeemer (Galatians 3:13) - I’ll stop here because I don’t want to go to deep.
Now, for those of you who support these preachers. Please sit back and really ask your selves some very spiritual, logical questions, and be honest within yourself.
When they tell you, you wont get blessed because your being disobedient to God for not tithing ask yourself this...when they make references to that, what scripture do they quote Jesus as saying...the answer: They never do, because Jesus never told us to tithe...he said GIVE and it shall be given to you...(Luke 6:38) there is no percentage! If he meant a percentage, don’t you think Jesus is smart enough to tell us the percentage so that we don’t error? Also, every example that they give is out of the Old Testament, they LOVE to quote this one, in fact someone mentioned this... Malachi 3:8 - Will a man rob God.... Go back and READ the first two chapters...God IS NOT talking to the congregation, but to the PRIEST (preacher). The Levite priest were stealing the tithes that worshipers were offering. It is unfortunate that those who believe these preachers don’t even check the very Bible they’re holding. They tell you, you are under grace but when it comes to the money...then you have to obey the law??? Well, which one is it preacher? Obviously it is the one that benefits them. Tithe and offerings were a sacrifice (we no longer sacrifice because of Jesus spilling His blood on Calvary’s cross) and were to be burned. The crop to be burned, the animals to be slain. If you are going to keep with the law...then why don’t the preachers today burn the money on the alter in church? If you gonna keep it real! Why do they have investment accounts and real estate, etc. Why do the people who do pay their tithes...still have to buy the pastors books and tapes? After all, you helped produce them with your offering you should be entitled to a book. They use the cop-out that the church has to have money to operate. I don’t for one deny that. But where is their faith? Look, at the end of the year the Church account should be at ZERO. Believe God will deliver for the next year...isn’t that what they tell us? How come it doesn’t apply to them?
Examples: Jesus healed the blind man, made the lame walk. Question? Did he ask any of them for any money. Jesus feed the multitude of five thousand one time, and four thousand another time. Question? Jesus, being the Son of God surely he knows the laws. Did he ask the people, who were jews, if they had paid their tithes before they could eat? No, He did not. My point is God has given us the ultimate sacrifice in Christ Jesus there are no get rich quit schemes to the word. The rich man going to Heaven is like a camel going through the eye of a needle(Matt 19:24), this is saying that it id DIFFICULT for the rich, because he TRUST in his riches, not that he can’t go to heaven(Mark 10:24). What is funny, is that they never quote the scriptures that warn you against false prophets, greed, and those who will come as ministers of God, but are ravaging wolves (2 Peter 2:1-3; Jude verse 4,11-13), and more.
For those who are quoting “Touch not mine anointed ...” (1 Chron. 16:22) That pertains, and is only valid for those who are real prophets. David was leader of his people (a nation). Just because the preachers quote this does not mean it applies to them. They say this a lot just to keep you from questioning their motives. Fear God, not man.
Lastly, in the last days God had the prophets write about the “Falling away” (2 Thessa.2:3; 2 Timothy 3). Listening to these false prophet will take you the wrong way, saints, be advised.
I hope this sheds a little light for somebody
Peace, and Godly Love...
I saw this guy begging for money last *** for his new mega church, he said it's going to have a gym, food court, basketball court. How do you justify this? You can't, this is sick and it needs to stop. I will listen to my radio and send my money to these small churches in my city, they are the ones that need the help...
When all is said and done, we are all lost without accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour, the only door to our Creator God Almighty. We can fuss about tithe and offering and taxes all we want but there is going to come a day when we all have to give an account to God of what we did with His only Son Jesus Christ. Did we reject Him or accept Him as our only saviour of the wrath to come.
If you would like to accept Jesus as your saviour today, just say a simple prayer asking Him to come into your heart and teach you His ways. Every man will have to give an account on that day, including you, me, Pastors, Dollar, Hinn, White etc. etc. Will you be found guilty of the blood of Jesus Christ? There will be weeping.
I can understand what is being said on both sides of the fence especially when we are all in differnt place with our walk with God but the saying goes let those who judge be judged. Rock on at your expense!
with that said:
I love the power in Gods word and how it feeds me my favorite is the book of Proverbs (the whole thing)..Yes, I do and I don't see anything wrong with tithing 10% however I have been to churches where the collection plate has been counted in front of everyone and the pastor raised his hand and said "We coming up ***" (yes just like that) and he continued to say "God needs someone or a couple of more church folk to donate 100 more dollars"..I was taken aback by that and did not want to join the church but what was I to say or do? Nothing!
People please understand you do not have to answer for anything that these people do in the name of the Lord. They do!
Yet I fully believe when the Lord says anything we want in this world can be ours hence "The land of milk and honey"...
So with my lil two cent said. If they are to be condemned I am not going to be the one to do it. I do believe the lords teacher are entitled to whatever the Lord as allowed them to earn in good faith and the last word is his.
I pray that these allegations are false. I enjoy the way the "Word" is presented by Creflo Dollar and Joyce Meyers. My focus is on GOD not man and if these allegations are true, then I will not support them anymore and pray for them but it does not change my thinking that all ministers and teachers of the "Word" is fake. We are all supposed to seek GOD first and not put our trust in man. Too many people get caught up in the messenger but forget they are human too just like us and they have their faults and they make mistakes. Stay focus on GOD.
I've had a bad feeling about Creflo Dollar for a long time. I may be wrong and it does not change the way I feel about my walk with Christ. It seems like church has become big business and less and less about God's business. Everyone wants to be debt free I know but at the same time, the church preaches more about money now a days then reaching a hurting world..
cinabrown you are right you should not give ALL your money to the church but 10% is asked of us. I know for a fact and seen with my eyes what putting your faith in God does for you. If you give what he has asked of us all your needs will be supplied. My children's grandmother was a shining example of this, this woman lived on Social Security but she never lacked (rest her soul). I don't know if these pastor's are frauds but I can say that I listen to Joyce Meyer in the mornings before work and she has always inspired me to being the best christian I can be. I know that God "uses" people hence the saying "not my will Lord but thine will be done" so although these pastors may have lost their way to greed and love of money He can still use them to spread the word of his love. When you know the love of God no man can take that away. It is something you feel inside. These people are human and are not exempt from doing wrong just because God speaks to them or using them to spread to good news. We ALL fall *** of the glory but the good news is we are forgiven. Seek Jesus...and I'mma leave this alone.
The God of Paula, Eddie, Joyce, Kenneth, Benny and Creflo said “ But he who practices truth [who does what is right] comes out into the Light; so that his works may be plainly shown to be what they are--wrought with God [divinely prompted, done with God's help, in dependence upon Him] John 3:21 Amp Bible For the Pastors who are doing the right thing, this is yet another test, they are about to walk in Prosperity that not only will make all of you(hating people)sick, but they are going to do what Joseph did in the time of famine, they will feed Egypt (America) GET READY, GET READY, GOD IS GOING TO SHOW UP AND SHOW OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PS they also talked about Jesus.
How come NOBODY is suspicious at how the guy requesting the investigation is a TOP REPUBLICAN, and how OBVIOUS it is that Benny Hinn, Dollar, Meyers, Paula White, Eddie Long, and Kenneth Copeland ARE ALL NON-REPUBLICAN (or at least don't endorse the Republican party...which I APPLAUD them for). Can ANYBODY see this, because if none of you can, then you're falling for the Republican senator's trap?
Wow,I never could have figured that this would happen!Thank God!Way to go,Senate!I'm loving America more for this! Our very happiness in life depends on this!GOD BLESS AMERICA!This *** about material wealth being indicative of God's blessings is probably at the stage of eventually being bebunked once and for all because it simply is not true!
Wow, this is funny how most of you make a negative remark at this!! Not knowing the truth, if it slapped you in the face. If you knew the principles of GOD, then you would own your own jet too!! But you probably did not know that. The bible says "My people parish for lack of knowlede". Stop judging men and judge yourself. Are you lined up for a blessing. The bible also says,"work out YOUR OWN SALVATION with FEAR AND TREMBLING." I support any TRUE MAN OR WOMAN OF GOD, BECAUSE I AM ONE OF THEM!!! The only reason that the government is doing this, is because they are making more money the government officials!! WHO ARE THEY NOT GOING AFTER? POVERTY STRICKEN PEOPLE!! Why? BECAUSE THEY DON"T want YOU to pass them up!! LOOK at the WORLD, NOT JUST 5 or 6 out of it!! WHERE are ALL THE OTHER SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES THAT ARE TAKING CASH CONTRIBUTIONS AND OTHER CASH GIFTS UNDER THE TABLE!! THE DEVIL IS NOT EXPOSING THEM!!! WHY NOT!! BECAUSE THAT IS DECIETFUL, THEY ARE DOING THE WORK OF THE DEVIL. BUT TO PEOPLE THAT ARE DOING THE WORK OF THE LORD, THAT GET PUT ON THE FRONT PAGE AND ACCUSED OF FRAUD!! ONLY GOD KNOWS THE TRUTH ABOUT THESE PEOPLE, BUT IF IN FACT IN THE SIGHT OF GOD, THESE PEOPLE ARE RIGHT BEFORE HIM (WHICH I THINK THAT THEY ARE) EVERYONE WHO HAS CURSED THEM AND SAID BAD THINGS ABOUT THEM NEED TO GET IT RIGHT AND CHANGE IT, BECAUSE GOD IS THE AVENGER. AND YOU DO NOT WANT TO BECOME AN ENEMY OF GOD!!
"FEED ME TILL I WANT NO MORE"
BISHOP EDDIE LONG'S COMPENSATION Between 1997 and 2000, Long received $3.07 million in compensation from Bishop Eddie Long Ministries Inc. $1,450,000 --- House $1,037,992 --- Salary $350,812 --- Use of Bentley $195,145 --- Home improvements, including $135,560 for landscape improvements, $3,286 for a parsonage pool table, $35,169 for a built-in hutch, plus other items. $13,074 --- Property taxes $16,000 --- Expense account $9,600 --- Benefits, deferred compensation $3,072,623 --- Total Sources: Form 990 income tax returns filed by Bishop Eddie Long Ministries Inc. and DeKalb County tax records.
"HELP ME TO UNDERSTAND WHY YOUR CHURCH IS LESS THAN A MILE FROM HARTSFIELD JACKSON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT" "First of all I don't own airplanes. The planes are owned by the ministry," said Dollar. "We see it as equipment to accomplish the work of this ministry. Like a carpenter has to have a hammer to do his job, I've got to have a plane to fly around this world."
