Megachurch took in $69 million in 2006

Kansas City Star ^ | Nov. 11, 2007 | A.P.

[Graybeard58]

An Atlanta megachurch took in $69 million in 2006, according to a financial statement the church's minister released in response to a Senate investigation into him and five other well-known televangelists.

The Rev. Creflo Dollar disclosed the World Changers Church International's financial information to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, but said the money he spends is his own.

Dollar said his income comes from personal investments, including businesses and real estate ventures. But the church gave him a Rolls Royce, which he mainly uses for special occasions, he said.

"Without a doubt, my life is not average," he said. "But I'd like to say, just because it is excessive doesn't necessarily mean it's wrong."

Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, the top Republican on the Senate Finance Committee, launched an investigation into the finances of six ministers after hearing reports of some preachers' lavish and opulent lifestyles. In a letter last week, he requested answers by Dec. 6 to questions about their executive compensation and amenities, including use of fancy cars and private jets.

[grellis]

"Without a doubt, my life is not average," he said. "But I'd like to say, just because it is excessive doesn't necessarily mean it's wrong."

This, from a reverend? A man of God?

Oy vey!

[eyedigress]

It’s the Central Baptist Church in Hixson,TN.

[Schwaeky]

well if they own non church-related businesses and investments, they are entitled to, like anyone to live off the fruits of their wealth... Being a minister doesn’t mean becoming poor as a church mouse

[SoCalPol]

When you use the name of God to rake in the money and use peoples faith, those people are slime.

Another reason churchs should pay taxes

[eyedigress]

Church Mouse would probably be me. I have a strong influence on Elephants though.

[eyedigress]

Think hard about what you just posted.

[Osage Orange]

That ain't no lie.........

When some big citizen group demands to see accountability from both U.S. Houses...is when I will be very interested.

[fish hawk]

This does not seem so bad when you read about the CEOs of big corporations retiring with 50 to a hundred million or more given to them.

[Mr Rogers]

They are slimeballs, but at least they haven’t sunk to becoming politicians!

[Lijahsbubbe]

Regardless of what you think of these people, I don’t think we need the foxes who steal my money guarding the henhouse.

[9422WMR]

Oh yea?
Tax free status should not entitle the crooks to the wealth they steal from the simple minded.
Like the big church in Central Texas that owns 300-500 million in jet and antique aircraft, tax free.
The REVEREND says he like to fly.
Too bad, tax them as the business they are.

[Lijahsbubbe]

it should be his congregation putting the thumbscrews on and not Congress

Exactly.

[em2vn]

Do you find a basis for your claim in the Holy Bible or are you just expressing a personal bias or perhaps even envy?

[9422WMR]

http://www.star-telegram.com/news/story/299670.html
“Aircraft of local televangelist and his church are under scrutiny
By DARREN BARBEE
Star-Telegram Staff Writer”

[SoCalPol]

I guess reality hurts

[Mr. Mojo]

Their profession needs to be added to this list.

..although six figures is chickenfeed to these guys.

[mbraynard]

Few things say 'I have no class' more than owning a Rolls. On this basis alone I would find another place to worship.

And his name is 'Creflo Dollar.' I mean... COME ON!

And look, you must be confusing a real executive or a real, Catholic priests' workload with this Dandy's 20 hour week.

[zerosix]

Hmmmmmmm. Let's see, Grassley was a banker before becoming a politician. He is "investigating" mega church leaders to determine whether they are "enjoying the good life" too much.

What about leaders in the Banking business, or better yet - what about politicians who come to the House and Senate as average Joe'?.

After a number of years, they are millionaires or richer. What about them, their salaries and pensions are from the public troughs?

Where do their millions come from?

Those politicians are abusing the American taxpayer - at least those mega-Pastors are given money by choice, no matter how awful their practices and promises - their millions don't come by force of the IRS, yet there are far more millionaire politicians than pastors.

Who will "investigate" them?

Certainly NOT the media, they help cover up the wrongdoings that put the politicians on top.

[Virginia Ridgerunner]

"But I'd like to say, just because it is excessive doesn't necessarily mean it's wrong."

I wonder what Jesus would say about that...?

[Blue Highway]

I remember hearing this guy years ago and after hearing he was a typical TV evangelist looking for prosperity, and seeing his name was Creflo DOLLAR ($$$$$$) I had to laugh. After this story and others like him it re-confirms that people like this that deceive their congregation are doing serious harm to the Christian church as a whole.