Joel Rainey leads the Engagement Team for Evangelism and Missions at the Mid-Atlantic Baptist Network. He is on the adjunct faculty of two seminaries, and the author of three books. He blogs at Themelios, where this was originally posted.
Western Christianity never looks more lavish, or less like Jesus, than when its leaders are embroiled in scandal. This past weeks events proved no different, as Creflo Dollar, an Atlanta area pastor and “Word of Faith” teacher made waves across the internet by asking his congregation to provide funds for a new private jet–at the bargain price of $65 million.
Anyone even casually acquainted with Dollar’s background and ministry will not be surprised at this latest development. Formerly a student of Kenneth Copeland, Dollar promulgates a message of health, wealth and prosperity that sounds less like Jesus’ call to take up one’s cross, and more like Milton Friedman on steroids.
So first things first: when scandals like this are caused by prosperity preachers, followers of Jesus need to send an abundantly clear message that this is NOT Christianity. Often, our Pentecostal brothers and sisters are unjustly blamed because of the more casual relationship that exists between these movements and prosperity teaching. But the historical roots of the so-called “Word of Faith” movement aren’t anchored to Azuza Street, but to Spencer Massachussets, where E.W. Kenyon developed his philosophy of New Thought Metaphysics. His teachings concerning the nature of reality–and the ability of the human mind to bend that reality by “tapping into the divine” and “positive confession,” are a bizarre mixture of eastern panentheism and practices that originated in a form of Vajrayana Buddhism. The subsequent “positive confession” teachings of the late Kenneth Hagin and his students built on these teachings.
So when it comes to the origins and essence of “health, wealth, and prosperity,” Word of Faith theology bears absolutely no historical, Biblical, theological, or philosophical resemblance to anything like orthodox Christian faith. We may call this twisted faith system many things. “Christian” is not one of them. So its important that when non-Christian leaders cause scandal that affects the name of Jesus, genuine followers of Jesus call these false teachers what they are. But at the same time, we must also admit that many who might otherwise be considered “orthodox” can be guilty of the same things.
To be sure, prosperity teaching certainly makes it easier for someone to do what Creflo Dollar has done. But Dollar’s recent actions aren’t primarily about heretical theology. Nor are they about affluence. Honestly, I’m not sure who it was who first suggested that ministers should be poor, but whoever did it was forwarding a poverty theology that is every bit as heretical as its prosperity counterpart. If a pastor is doing well financially, in most cases we should be happy for his success.
But when your net worth is north of $27 million, and you are seeking to bilk one of Atlanta’s poorest neighborhoods–one in which the average annual income is less than $29,000–out of another $65 million just so you don’t have to fly coach, that’s a character issue!
And when it comes to a lack of character, the ripple effect through the western church is vast!
Too often, churches and ministries have skimmed right past the instruction of the pastoral letters, and ignored their call for character, because they were attracted to winsomeness, or leadership skills, or visionary ability. The results in too many ministries have been tragic. And while they will never make the headlines like someone coveting a $65 million plane, the results of low character even in “doctrinally sound” environments are very similar to those produced by religious charlatans. When we ignore character, in the end we really don’t look that much different from the heretics.
After many years of working within denominational systems, and with many, many churches, I’ve observed three primary ways that low character presents itself, damages the body of Christ, and casts aspersion on the mission:
Pride; When a leader of low character becomes prideful, he or she develops a “God’s man” syndrome that causes them to think themselves “above” everyone else. This sometimes leads to an entitlement mentality. Like Moses in Numbers 20, they feel as though their faithfulness over a certain period of times means they should be allowed to blow their stack, or otherwise use their ministry for personal gain. I’ve seen pastors pad their resumes, embellish their achievements, and use ministry resources for personal pleasure–all because of pride.
Personal: Personal animus sometimes causes a leader to harm entire ministries simply because he or she won’t practice Matthew 18. I’ve counseled with churches where staff conflict was handled in an unhealthy way, and the conflict rippled out to eventually divide the church. I’ve seen church members scarred, staff terminated, and ministries ruined because someone who presumed leadership was willing to damage mission simply to be vindictive. Leaders unwilling to take the relational high road for the sake of mission are leaders of low character.
Power: Low character leaders will sometimes abuse their authority for personal gain. More obvious examples of this involve sexual misconduct and/or financial impropriety. I’ve unfortunately had to deal with a few pastors over the years who couldn’t keep their pants on, or keep their hands out of the offering plate. At the end of the day, it was their sense of entitlement that fueled these behaviors, and the power they were granted for the good of those under their care was instead used to serve themselves.
In each of these cases, the ripple effect of low character carried a very high cost.
So how do we respond to this dilemma? The answer to this question has been starring us in the face for the past 2000 years. In 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, we read clearly that the first qualifiers for spiritual leadership have little to do with ability, vision or charisma, and everything to do with character. Unfortunately, western Christendom has too often looked past these essentials, and we have paid a dear price for it.
Pastor search committees, executive search teams, senior pastors looking to hire staff shouldn’t ignore the importance of skill and competence, nor should they view visionary leadership as an undesirable trait. But deep questions to determine if a leader is truly above reproach, genuinely devoted to his family, morally consistent, financially responsible, and relationally respected are the most important questions. Eventually, the things a leader does when no one else is looking will break through all the “visionary” facade. When that happens, it suddenly becomes clear whether the things which are most important are inherent in a leader’s life.
Creflo Dollar’s theology and lifestyle are easy to identify as a false Gospel to anyone with an ounce of discernment. But for those who call ourselves followers of Jesus, its the less distinct expressions of bad character wrapped in “solid theology” or “visionary leadership” that is the real danger. The Holy Spirit through Paul has warned us for 2000 years; when it comes to spiritual leadership, character is king.
What floors me is that there are thousands of people who would give to this and not think a thing about it, who would consider this a “seed-faith” gift that honors God!
For many people it may be closely akin to playing the lottery.
That’s an interesting thought, Robert. Put $300 into Creflo’s jet and God will give me a jackpot of my own.
A divinely sanctioned pyramid scheme.
Dave, this is really what blows my mind. I am not perfect by a long shot, but I do try to be honest.
I have a hard time raising money for a new A/C unit, let alone a private jet. And, I am not asking for anything near 65 mil.
By the way, isn’t Creflo sort of raising a red flag with his last name? That sort of tipped me off the first time I heard him.
Local to me and sometimes known around here as “Cash Flow” Dollar.
There’s some pushback on the G-6 thing but may I ask my wonderful colleagues exactly what is the difference in the money part of all this between Creflo and, say, Ed Young the Younger (he leased his jet) and any of a number of brethren much closer to us who live in gazillion dollar homes (Furtick comes to mind)?
I’m not worried about ol’ Creflo. At least he is up front about it. Try finding out how much…oh, never mind.
I’m an equal opportunity despiser of health, wealth and prosperity preaching no matter who is the mouthpiece.
If you think Creflo Dollar is “upfront” about his games – I’ve got some beachfront property in Montana I’ll sell ya!
William, There is no difference in these charlatans. They are preaching another gospel. They will sprinkle their message with many truths -but their desire is not to feed the flock with sound doctrine. We can expose their evil deeds while still praying for their salvation.
The hungry, often desperate, common man on the street says, “Vicarious wealth is better than low or no wealth–vicarious power and authority is better than little or none at all. How much of my money do you need to make this lottery happen? I need money now.”
This is what the Slick and Greedy Jesus Propagandist Preachers know all too well. They know where to find their legal prey.
Together they make for an impressive adventure into the world of narcissism.
Where is the local church and her leaders in all this? If she is all too busy creating her own little empire, the lost will simply choose an empire that best serves and suits them.
If she is representing those who carry a daily cross of Christ, then there is hope, even though the followers be few.
Joel,
Great post, and you have underscored the point of discerning just where the line should be drawn. It is easy to spot the guy who is obviously a charlatan but what about the guy who is “leading” his congregation to build a million dollar sanctuary when they are struggling to make a hundred thousand a year budget? Or when the people are manipulated into making pledges over several years to settle a huge debt? All under the auspices of “advancing the kingdom of God”.
wilbur
The entire ‘Jesus is Santa Claus’ gospel is wicked and should be treated as such.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJmcEAwazD0
Chief, that’s as clear as it can get.
PS–A couple years ago you prayed for my son who entered the Navy. He decided on Fire Control Technician. Graduated number one in his class.
He loves the Navy and made E-5 on the first test. He’s stationed on a destroyer in Hawaii. Just thought I give you an update and say, “Thank You.”
I apologize for this “hijack.” It is a great post Joel.
Hi Jack,
Send me and email so we can catch up. Wow, I see FCCM in the future.
God Bless.
Have you ever noticed that those who primarily prosper from the prosperity doctrine are the prosperity preachers?!
The richest man I ever met in the Kingdom was a poor elderly Sunday School teacher. Brother Spindler spent a great number of hours in prayer and Bible study. His students prospered by being under his teaching; he prospered because his soul prospered.
Max, I use that line quite often in sermons. it’s a classic.
I think we are all rightly offended by Dollar.
I hope the readers will also interact with Joel’s correctives.
“… expressions of bad character wrapped in “solid theology” or “visionary leadership” … is the real danger.”
That line is worthy to clip and stick on the refrigerator! God never gives big assignments to little characters! Some of the church’s most visionary leaders later fell due to character flaws. What they thought they had was taken away. Someone once said that heresy is an over-emphasis of a long-neglected truth; thus, “solid theology” can also fall victim when bad characters handle it. Makes you wonder how many “well dones” will be passed out in heaven.
Ah, the sacred “gospel of commerce”, holding out the promise of miraculous recompense for an ounce of financial faithfulness on behalf of the downtrodden and sinful flock.
Dramatic, emotional appeals to the pride of a congregation who bemoan the possibility that they may be deemed unworthy of personal blessings because their “shepherd” is forced by lack of funding to fly merely first-class to exotic, though divinely-guided, “mission fields” yonder.
The tragedy is that this “minister” doesn’t (by his fruits) know Christ.
The tragedy is that his “flock” lacks the discernment that Huey, the dachshund at my feet at this moment, seems to exhibit in determining whether his attack approach on the squirrel in the back yard will meet with success (it never does).
The tragedy is that THIS is what gets the attention of the unbelieving world about Christians – “it’s all about the money”.
The tragedy is that in this American “mega-church” culture, success is identified by numbers – whether dollars collected, baptismal notches on the door jambs of baptistries (notches for the sake of notches, mind you), or how many “gotta appeal to the millennials” programs a church can produce.
At this moment, the Lord still tarries.
At this moment, revival is not realized.
But, at this moment, how many churches take to heart the serious command of the Lord to “make disciples” WITHIN our own doors?
I’m not a “professional” Christian (a despicable term).
But neither am I an “amateur”.
There are believers sitting in the pews of the average SBC church who serve as mere pew warmers because, I think, of a lack of discipleship from their church. They may as well be listening to a prosperity gospel, or some other such heresy. Many might not know the difference, frankly.
Creflo is a tragedy.
So also, my friends, is that poor soul who is merely a church “member”, having never been guided down the path of discipleship once they were saved.
It’s one thing to point people to the cross. (And we most certainly MUST – don’t read what I’m not writing.)
It’s our (you pastors, we faithful) command, though, to get them out from under the shadow of that cross to follow the footsteps that lead away from an empty tomb, teaching them, always, how to point, over their shoulders, others to that cross where “Christianity” begins. Otherwise, pass the plate and lemme buy you a jet. Who’s gonna know the difference?
I apologize for the length of my response. (But it was cathartic to write!) Thanks for a great article.
God bless!
Bud,
You can wax cathartic for me any time. That was great!
Thanks for the truth and appropriate sarcasm in your response.
Thank you, sir, for reading.
You’re kind to comment.
God bless you!
The qualifications in Timothy and Titus are important and should be emphasized, as Bro. Rainey rightly points out. Often churches look to many other qualities (character) not in those lists, while overlooking the qualities on it. Surely that is a way to get a man of low character. Also spreading ministry out so that it does not revolve around one man is a grand corrective.
While I don’t agree with the theology of the Word Faith movement, I am not going to be as bold as the author and unequivocally state that Creflo Dollar is not a Christian. Only the Lord knows that. There are plenty of folks who call themselves followers of Christ who have beliefs which I disagree with – whether it’s “You have to get the Baptism of the Holy Ghost to be saved”, or Landmark Baptist theology on Baptism as examples.
As far as your comment on Creflo bilking his poor Atlanta neighborhood which has a median household income of $29,000, you apparently have little knowledge of Metro Atlanta and the large geographic draw of a mega church like Creflo’s World Changers. While located south of the airport near College Park, World Changers may be in a census tract with a median income of $29K due to the abundance of apartments nearby. However, it is within about 8 miles of South West Atlanta which has a large middle class and upper middle class African American population and this is the population which makes up the church’s congregation. The Cascade Rd. corridor has several subdivisions of homes over $400K with some gated communities and this area is the financial backbone of World Changers. I seriously doubt there will be many contributions from the Census tract you reference.
Also, you neglected to point out that Creflo also has a New York City congregation which he flies to very often to preach. In fact, he has a $2 million dollar residence in Manhattan. This congregation will also be targeted in fundraising appeal.
To me the bigger issue driving his desire for the $65 million jet, is that he is obviously in demand to speak at conferences, and it seems like there is a never ending need by a lot of pastors to go from one conference to the next to hear the latest fad for church growth in American Evangelicalism. If the pastors weren’t willing to pay for these conferences, Creflo, and others, wouldn’t be flying in private jets to speak at them.
Finally, Creflo Dollar’s isn’t the only ministry flying around in private jets – Joyce Myer has received criticism for her Gulf Stream 5 and a friend of mine did a mission trip in Alaska and commented on all the jets which Samaritan’s Purse owns up there. I don’t hear anyone criticizing Franklin Graham.
Also, I look at the Crouch’s of TBN fame – they have been reported to live quite luxurious lifestyles with several million dollar homes, yet, I don’t see David Jeremiah, Franklin Graham, etc. criticizing Jan Crouch and saying she’s a non-Christian charlatan when they all want their programs to be broadcast on TBN
My question is why can’t there be criticism of the practices of ministries without labeling them as charlatans and non-Christian?
Because we have to draw the line somewhere. Otherwise we have to accept anyone who says they’re a “Christian” regardless of what they teach/believe. Sometimes discernment (I know, a bad word) isn’t always as cuddly as our flesh would like. Sometimes we have to listen to what is being preached and have to throw the “anathema” flag.
I am not saying that we don’t draw the line somewhere. What I am responding to is the original idea for this thread which is Creflo Dollar is doing a fundraiser to buy a $65 million jet, therefore, he is not a Christian and is a charlatan. My question is where does one draw the line on fundraising appeals to where a person is no longer a Christian? What is the dollar limit? Are you bothered that First Baptist Dallas built a $134 million facility in downtown Dallas. I checked the sbc.net website and they have 11,000 members, so on a typical Sunday, I would imagine they have around 5,500 in attendance. One could ask the question if that number of people warrants a $134 million facility when there are plenty of mega churches in the U.S. who have that number in attendance, yet use a lot less expensive facility to accommodate them.
Also, I noticed that no one responded to my comments about all of the pastors (David Jeremiah, Farnklin Graham, etc.) who have no problems being on TBN when their leadership espouses the same prosperity which Creflo Dollar does. They are not saying that Jan Crouch is not a Christian.
It seems to me that a lot of the Reformed theology folks have the attitude that they are the only ones with the correct theology and everyone else is either in heresy or on the borders of it. There has to be a better argument for heresy than the dollar amount of the fundraising appeal.
David, I didn’t “draw the line” at the point of raising $65 million. I drew it at the point of Word of Faith theology, which is closer to Buddhism than to Christianity. Those who preach the fulness of this system of thinking cannot in any sense be called “Christian.”
David, I’ve interacted with Joel quite a bit. If I had to guess, I’d hazard my suspicion that he’s a sort of soft/moderate Calvinist in theology like myself. I honestly don’t know if it’s ever come up in any of our conversations. But that is my opinion based on our discussions.
I would agree with you that some of the discernment ministries out there go crazy labelling just about anyone who does not acquiesce to their hardline Calvinist theology (and especially their cessationist views) as heretics. I think you need to exercise a lot of discernment when you read and listen to so-called and self-appointed discernment ministries today.
Trust me – Joel is NOT one of those guys. He’s not a “everyone is a heretic” kind of guy. He’s not a “if you ain’t Calvin, you ain’t cool” sort of fellow. If he says that he believes Creflo Dollar is a heretic, it’s because he believes the doctrine he preaches doesn’t match the fundamentals.
You don’t have to agree with him, but I just want you to know that what you fear – that is NOT Joel Rainey.
Dave, I appreciate your comments and clarification. I had several reasons for commenting, one of which you addressed – Thank you for doing so. I felt like focusing on the $65 million fundraising appeal in a poor African American community on the south side of Atlanta was probably not the right focus if your concern was his theology. If Creflo’s theology is the issue, Joel could have written his blog piece long before Creflo went soliciting for the Gulfstream jet. Also, I don’t see it as Creflo bilking the poor, because as I stated, there is a sizable middle and upper middle class population which comprises Creflo’s church, World Changers.
As far as Prosperity theology goes, while I definitely disagree with the “name it and claim it” which Kenneth and Gloria Copeland have taught, I do find that a lot of folks in the pews of conservative, Bible believing churches, will turn to Joel Osteen and Joyce Myers for encouragement in times of despair. Often this is a reaction to teaching which says, “God is going to so whatever he wants to do..” which doesn’t always engender hope during trials. I think if pastors would give a more balanced teaching which states that the Lord is not required to heal and prosper, yet in Matthew 7, we are told to “Ask and you shall receive..”, maybe their members wouldn’t feel the need to listen to Joel and Victoria Osteen. Jesus parable about the man who kept knocking and was so persistent that the man finally opened his door to grant the beggar his request is another illustration encouraging us not to be passive in our praying, giving us hope and encouragement to be persistent in our praying for healing, etc.
I find that American Christianity is becoming so polarized between the new Reformed folks who put all of the emphasis on the Sovereignty of God on one side (with the God will do whatever he wants to attitude regardless of our prayers), and the “name and claim it” crowd on the other side. I prefer to be between the two.
I don’t care if he has a jet or 3 houses or whatever – if people are willing to fund that – well that’s thier business and IMO – stupidity.
Church autonomy is sacrosanct to us Baptists is it not?
My issues with Dollar, Copelands, Meyer, osteen, Jakes, Furtick, and others in that vein is the “health wealth and prosperity” heresy they tout. Btw – it’s not just these big dogs I’ve mentioned that preach that – preachers in smaller churches preach that same poppycock and IMO – are potentially even more harmful as they are right in our communities.
From a man who deeply understands the “health” portion of this heresy.
http://youtu.be/w3oFFZQqKdc
Had a discussion with one of our Sales Reps at work yesterday. He lives in southern Louisiana. After a brief discussion about work related issues, his first question to me was, “So did you hear about Creflo Dollar?”
After talking about my great disagreement with the whole $65m request, my co-worker said this: “You know, down here we have this one really big church. You’d be surprised how many of the people in that church truly, sincerely believe that the pastor should live the pimp life.”
“The pimp life.” Something about that terminology seems rather appropriate in such cases.
“Pimp that Pastor” new reality show idea.
I’d ban it from my youth group also. Allegedly, all here are grown-ups.
As you know, “pimp” is in the pop culture vernacular a couple of steps removed from criminal behavior.
Words don’t mean what they mean – unless you want them to.
Church autonomy is of utmost importance until you disagree or have distaste for how they might exercise such autonomy.
Gotcha.
🙂
…have no idea what you are talking about. Perhaps a result of too much yard work today.
Pimps actually refer to a man who “owns” “controls” and sexually traffics women.
I think its use by pastors to refer to anyone who is not actually in that life is a bit inappropriate.
I’ve outlawed its use in my youth groups for years.
Creflo and the like are accurately called lots of things – but I think “pimp” might be a little much.
And I disagree. To “pimp” is to prostitute others for personal gain. I find it appropriate because he and others like him find great personal gain at the expense of the church, scripture, and the Good News of Jesus Christ. You can outlaw its use all you want, but I’m not in your youth group.
Lol. I understand and agree with the point your making – I just prefer another word. It seems the culture has glorified the word (that actually refers to one who “works” prostitutes) into something other than it’s meaning – something almost favorable – or a compliment –
“Pimp my ride”
“He’s a pimp” (referring to a snazzy dresser)
Etc….
When I say I banned it – I mean it’s use in that way – it’s casual use.
Dollar is an heretic for sure – And certainly one who manipulates people – I was not intimating otherwise.