Last March I first wrote about Creflo Dollar, the mega-Church pastor and preacher of “Prosperity Gospel,” who was asking his members to help him fund a $65 million Gulfstream G650. The church even created a fundraising video, which at first I thought was a joke:
After much public outcry, the campaign was eventually halted, though that didn’t stop the church from making all kinds of excuses. They explained that the church needed the Gulfstream G650 so it could carry a dozen people plus 100,000 pounds of food. Clearly they didn’t do any research on the plane, because the Gulfstream G650 has virtually no cargo capacity.
Then in April, Creflo Dollar addressed the situation with his congregation, explaining that the devil didn’t want him to have a Gulfstream:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcT7cKr3hCw
Even to this day, Creflo Dollar still wants a Gulfstream G650.
Well, in case Creflo Dollar didn’t sell you on the need for pastors to have private jets, his good friends pastors Kenneth Copeland and Jesse Duplantis have their own explanations.
Are you ready for an incredible video? Perhaps the worst part is that they’re not even begging for money, but rather they’re just enlightening us as to how they couldn’t possibly fly with everyone else. They’re just explaining why they can’t fly with demons on commercial aircraft, and why the devil is trying to mislead us into thinking they’re being excessive.
Here’s the jaw dropping video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdH2DGSXjss
For those of you who don’t have the time to watch the video, allow me to summarize:
- God was having a conversation with Brother Duplantis while he was on his private jet, after flying home from an event where he was speaking with Creflo Dollar
- Brother Duplantis was so shocked by what God said that he unbuckled his seatbelt and stood up
- Brother Copeland chimes in to say that he couldn’t have stood up on an airliner to have a conversation with God; the reason they need to have private jets is so they can talk to God on the airplane, as it’s their “sanctuary”
- Another “Brother” had stopped flying airlines because he had become famous and people were coming up to him and asking him to pray for them, which was “agitating his spirits”
- You can’t get on a long tube (referring to a commercial plane) with a bunch of demons, as it’s deadly
- They’re clarifying all of this so the devil doesn’t try to mislead us
Bottom line
Wow…
(Tip of the hat to Matthew On Live And Let’s Fly)
Solomon did not beg. He did not ask God for his power or riches he asked for wisdom to fairly govern a nation at a time when most national leader treated their average citizen as property, put in earth to do their bidding.God made it plain that he gave solomon these things because wisdom to do justice was the most important thing to him.
To all those complaining that those pastors could use that money to help the needy, how much have you yourself given? Start by looking into your own mirror.
If Solomon lived in the world today and is the richest man on the planet, would you also complain?
1) all those complaining how money could be spent on other things...look in you own check book first. If you are not giving 10% 20% of you before tax income then.... sssshhhh . You got some in house accounting to explain before you tell others what to do.
2) Solomon was the wealthiest man EVER (Gods Man) go ahead complain about him too.
3) I suppose its okay for Tyler Perry to have...
1) all those complaining how money could be spent on other things...look in you own check book first. If you are not giving 10% 20% of you before tax income then.... sssshhhh . You got some in house accounting to explain before you tell others what to do.
2) Solomon was the wealthiest man EVER (Gods Man) go ahead complain about him too.
3) I suppose its okay for Tyler Perry to have a G7 and Hugh Hefner of playboy or Eisener CEO of Disney or name whatever other person cause they are all doing so much good for the world. You should really go after John Travolta My gosh hes got 5 or 6 planes 2 of them are 747's Where is your complaining about what they do with their money?
4) Realize that once you get in the plane owning life upgrading to the next one is just a transaction. We all start in an apartment and then buy a small townhome then a house then A big house then ... you get it. Kenneth Copeland for example has been a pilot since 1965 So go figure his time in that industry. Oh and when they pass away, they plane stays with the ministry. ITS NOT THEIR PERSONAL PROPERTY Mind your own business stop whining about what you dont haveits call envy (BTW that one of the 10 commandments)
KCM is a 501c3. I am a taxpayer. That make KCM's expenditures my business according to the law of the land. BT W, I give exactly as you have described. When you compare KC to the likes of Travolra and Heff you nullify tour own argument. Go ahead. Shove hard cause it's going to take a lot to get Copeland and his ilk through the eye of that needle. "A long tibe full of demons"? KC is such hot stuff, cast them off the plane and have a nice flight!
Children's charity for starving infants ask for ten dollars a month to save a child's life. They are certainly real children with emaciated bodies in agony. Is that something people should support? Does god ride in a private jet, or is this god allowing children to die? I choose to think god would help a dying child first. amen
Absolutely ludicrous that any true Christian can justify this ridiculous waste of money that could and should be going to people that truly need it. True Christians do NOT need their own jets or to spend money on frivolous purchases. They will face their judgement before God and their behavior, actions and selfishness will be acknowledged.
Who are we to judge these ministers. We simply do not know. Let those who give towards such projects proceed to do according to their own faith and let those who have a problem with it withhold their money!
Case closed!
I am traveling on KE's first class product on their A-380 and when I wanted to see what it is like, I went to Lucky's website. Not only that, but on other A-380 FC products, I went to this website....and little things like sitting on the left side of Qantas' A380 in FC, I read here. I use Lucky's work to make my life a little easier.
Having been one who actually contributed $100...
I am traveling on KE's first class product on their A-380 and when I wanted to see what it is like, I went to Lucky's website. Not only that, but on other A-380 FC products, I went to this website....and little things like sitting on the left side of Qantas' A380 in FC, I read here. I use Lucky's work to make my life a little easier.
Having been one who actually contributed $100 to Lucky for his Etihad trip, I see NO relation to a "man of the word" preying on people's hard earned money to fly around on a G-V...oops, sorry GVI, and Lucky wanting to share with us his Etihad experience. There are some self-made multi-millionaires and billionaires I know that over time seem to forget how the rest of us live...at least they have worked hard for every penny. Those in the non-for-profits...I don't know - show some humility at least, even if they own a fleet of jets.
There's a reason why these assholes only preach the old testament. The life of Jesus flies in the face of all that they do.
Seriously, they can't talk to people? It's not right such conmen are not in jail.
In the 4th chapter of Acts, when the people sold their properties and put the proceeds of the sale at the apostles' feet, did the apostles use this money to buy their own boats so that they could have more private time with God and preach in more places? No, they gave this money to the poor brethren!
As a deeply devout Christian, I was horrified when I read this. These pastors/ministers are not spiritually mature NOR are they true Christians. The fruits of their actions prove this (Matthew 7:20). Please do not let these counterfeits color your perception of Christians - we really AREN'T like that!
As a Christian, I find the comments of these gentlemen embarrassing. I understand they are often going into hard to reach places to minister - I am glad they are doing that! But I know when people from my church travel for missions, they fly commercial. If they are going to a remote area, they fly into the main airport and then, perhaps, take a local bus to their destination. Perhaps on occasion, a charter...
As a Christian, I find the comments of these gentlemen embarrassing. I understand they are often going into hard to reach places to minister - I am glad they are doing that! But I know when people from my church travel for missions, they fly commercial. If they are going to a remote area, they fly into the main airport and then, perhaps, take a local bus to their destination. Perhaps on occasion, a charter flight might be needed. But that is not my biggest concern about their comments.
These gentlemen leave the impression that they can't be with the unwashed masses while flying. Excuse me? Jesus was constantly with the unwashed masses. Yes, I get that sometimes pastors need time to themselves, but the way they put things was appalling. I cannot imagine my pastor - whose services are also broadcast on TV - not being willing to take time to pray with someone.
I support Pastor Dollar 100% and I think a lot more famous pastors need to buy G650s! And my opinion has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that I work on the program that builds G650 wings;) Seriously though, i've flown on G150s a couple of times and it's nice to fly across the country in a couple hours and not have to deal with airports, lines, security, hub and spoke system and the...
I support Pastor Dollar 100% and I think a lot more famous pastors need to buy G650s! And my opinion has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that I work on the program that builds G650 wings;) Seriously though, i've flown on G150s a couple of times and it's nice to fly across the country in a couple hours and not have to deal with airports, lines, security, hub and spoke system and the time involved in commercial air travel. So I can see why CEOs can justify private jets. But since the G650 has a max payload of 6500 lbs, he's going to 15 more G650s to carry his hundred thousand pounds of food! Everybody get out your wallets give till it hurts because I need a bigger bonus!
I am pretty amazed at some of the comments here. I thought this post was quite entertaining and, while a bit off subject from the blog, an interesting reprieve. As well, I see nothing wrong with calling out in public the men who feed off the unwary and innocent. I can't imagine anyone defending their actions..but if you want to, fine. Yet to criticize Ben for posting this and voicing his opinion of the lunacy...
I am pretty amazed at some of the comments here. I thought this post was quite entertaining and, while a bit off subject from the blog, an interesting reprieve. As well, I see nothing wrong with calling out in public the men who feed off the unwary and innocent. I can't imagine anyone defending their actions..but if you want to, fine. Yet to criticize Ben for posting this and voicing his opinion of the lunacy of their campaign is pretty unfair. I mean, it's his blog. Don't like it? Move on. Start your own. But, the one that really got me was the comment that Ben is no different from these pastors. Really? How so? He uses the system introduced by corporate entities that has been established with rules and does so completely within their parameters. He is not cheating, or lying, or begging. Nor have I have never seen Ben asking for miles from any of us in the name of his holy right for Krug. Although, quite frankly, I wish he would so I could send him my Southwest miles as a joke.
I believe (the greedy) Joyce Meyer has also joined the ranks of having a business jet.
Jesus rode a young donkey (John 12:14)
These people don't know God but are only trying to enrich themselves.
The Christians confused about how people can believe this now know how the rest of us feel about Christianity (and most other religions). It's no more absurd than a host of stuff in the bible.
So long as there are gullible people around with a buck in their pocket, who are taken in by super-slick salesmanship, and have imaginary friends beyond the clouds, these hucksters will continue to profit, bigtime!
Oh. My. Oh. My.
No Name, I think they already lost their marables / their cups are not in their cabinets any more. (Guten Tag, Ben!)
Prosperity Gospel is simply an easy way to get rich.
I have believed in Christ as my Saviour; but really, Mr. Duplantis, do I need to give you hundreds of dollars to go to heaven?!
Yep standing up in the back of the economy section and talking loudly to a Sky Demon would probably get you some unwanted attention, probably psychiatric attention.
So yes I can see why they need a private plane as they are definitely in the soul Business.
Sorry, but I'm a little over the moral indignation in some of these comments. If consenting adults want to spend their money on these pastors' lifestyle choices what business is it of mine? It's kind of hard for me to ask them to accept marriage equality when I'm busy condemning them for flying private.
The Flying Spaghetti Monster doesn't need a plane. rAmen.
Financial terrorism! They are disgusting!
Then it makes you wonder how gullible are the people who follow them, believe this line of crap and fund them?
Radical christianity is just as dangerous as radical islam.
And the pope drives in a fiat 500
@Randy P, did you even read the post that belongs to your link? Let me quote some of it for you:
"This is totally f*cking ridiculous."
"It’s totally ridiculous and there are so many better ways you can spend your money."
"This is quite possibly the most ridiculous Kickstarter campaign ever, and I figured it would be entertaining if nothing else."
I read a lot of travel blogs on a daily basis and I definitely...
@Randy P, did you even read the post that belongs to your link? Let me quote some of it for you:
"This is totally f*cking ridiculous."
"It’s totally ridiculous and there are so many better ways you can spend your money."
"This is quite possibly the most ridiculous Kickstarter campaign ever, and I figured it would be entertaining if nothing else."
I read a lot of travel blogs on a daily basis and I definitely do not read every post. Scrolling past ones you think are ridiculous is not that difficult.
...and here I am trying to save up enough miles for a round-trip Economy saver award ticket.
BP
It is my personal experience, in England, that some churches seem to focus on those who are having a troubled time, and who take kindly to a friendly face, a listening ear, and a friendly face, amidst stress.
When life is being harsh, it could be persuasive.
I was once asked to consider not to attend an evangelical church meeting anymore as little old me was making some of the congregation loose their faith....
BP
It is my personal experience, in England, that some churches seem to focus on those who are having a troubled time, and who take kindly to a friendly face, a listening ear, and a friendly face, amidst stress.
When life is being harsh, it could be persuasive.
I was once asked to consider not to attend an evangelical church meeting anymore as little old me was making some of the congregation loose their faith. That's what happens when you do have a strong spiritual connection I guess!
Still waiting on my 650...
They should fly Biman Bangladesh I can assure you that, like me, they would be very close to God and be praying non-stop.
I can't understand how ANYONE believes these people. Joel Osteen, Rich Warren, Warren Jeffs, Jerry Falwell are just as bad…they're all full of shit. Sadly, people keep sending money.
Lucky- You continue to sound bitter. If people want to give them money for this...who cares? I think its shameful, but whats the difference between them and you? They are hiding behind God and you were hiding being a blog. In both cases, everyone wanted someone else to buy it. Just let it go.....
https://onemileatatime.com/wants-pay-etihad-residence-ticket-really/
I'd like them all to have private planes. So I don't ever run the risk of having to fly with them.
Withhold I will. Judge not lest you be judged does not mean to put my brain in neutral "Judgement begins in the house of God. Except for the triumphal entry, Jesus walked or road in a commercial fishing boat. Le KC ride to his fancy vacation property in a tuna trawler. Wake up Church. These guys are a smear on all of us.
Just want to point out that these so called pastors do not represent the Christian community. What they preach is an unbiblical false doctrine. A majority of these televangelist are in it for the money. Any true Christian would be the first to point out that these men are wolves in sheeps clothing deceiving many with their prosperity gospel. Unfortunately this kind of garbage gives us Christians a bad reputation but I can say an...
Just want to point out that these so called pastors do not represent the Christian community. What they preach is an unbiblical false doctrine. A majority of these televangelist are in it for the money. Any true Christian would be the first to point out that these men are wolves in sheeps clothing deceiving many with their prosperity gospel. Unfortunately this kind of garbage gives us Christians a bad reputation but I can say an overwhelming majority of Christians would never approve of this kind of display of greed and deception.
If you think of these guys as businessmen or performers, having a private jet to shuttle them between "gigs" isn't actually unreasonable. Lots of executives and celebrities fly privately. If the company/client/studio is willing to pay for it, why not?
If they justified their planes on this basis, I wouldn't object. Instead they come up with this BS about needing an airborne sanctuary to talk to God, which just makes them look like the charlatans...
If you think of these guys as businessmen or performers, having a private jet to shuttle them between "gigs" isn't actually unreasonable. Lots of executives and celebrities fly privately. If the company/client/studio is willing to pay for it, why not?
If they justified their planes on this basis, I wouldn't object. Instead they come up with this BS about needing an airborne sanctuary to talk to God, which just makes them look like the charlatans they are. Mind you, I don't think it's any more morally objectionable than The Points Guy writing off a $32,000 ticket in the Etihad Residence as a business expense because he wrote a review of the trip.
In fairness though, a "tube full of demons" is a fairly apt description of most Air Canada Express flights.
definitely these are not true Christians and pastors, I urge any Christians leave that church.
I need a private jet so that I can wave at Lucky as I overtake him as he sips his Krug. Viva Las Vegas, which remind me I need a £100m to loose at the Bellagio, Lucky you just know that you need to donate that money to me.....
"That's what the DVD is about" Classic.
Why do you blame these pastors? They ask for money and their followers give them plenty - they just behave in a rational way based on years of experience.
What is amazing for me is why they have so many thousands (millions?) of followers who are happy to give them money.
Because the average donor is to lazy to study and form there own opinion. Less work to regurgitate the pablum these charlatans spoon feed them
Anyone pushing religion, patriotism or liberalism is usually a hypocritical, selfish person in hiding.
Well, in a hospital antibiotic fuelled fever spike, I was asked to return here by God, or you could argue that I was hallucinating in a fever spike, so I feel able to comment....
I need a Gulfstream 650 myself, in fact I have recently been looking at them...blame a business Insider. Wow what a plane.
Seriously though, money is one of the fastest routes to darkness known to man, and a wise soul said...
Well, in a hospital antibiotic fuelled fever spike, I was asked to return here by God, or you could argue that I was hallucinating in a fever spike, so I feel able to comment....
I need a Gulfstream 650 myself, in fact I have recently been looking at them...blame a business Insider. Wow what a plane.
Seriously though, money is one of the fastest routes to darkness known to man, and a wise soul said above, God is everywhere, and is available to everyone, all anyone has to do is look within, or around and see.
FWIW two people, one Church of England and one Roman Catholic have told me that I have helped them, in the former case find God, and the latter to return to his church, so I do have some experience of such things.
Perhaps I should set up my own show to get my Gulfstream? Lucky if you help me, you can review it on a round the world flight! Just remember to donate your dollars!!
Lucky, stick to what you do best and write about Emirates first class.
These guys are crooks and self serving. They exploit people and use religion to do so. Would you feel so comfortable writing about Islam and some of the things they say.
Imagine the nerve of someone asking people to fund their luxury travels (let he without sin cast the first stone)
https://onemileatatime.com/wants-pay-etihad-residence-ticket-really/
Here is what Amos 6 says:
Woe to you who are complacent in Zion,
and to you who feel secure on Mount Samaria,
you notable men of the foremost nation,
to whom the people of Israel come!
2 Go to Kalneh and look at it;
go from there to great Hamath,
and then go down to Gath in Philistia.
Are they better off than your two kingdoms?
...
Here is what Amos 6 says:
Woe to you who are complacent in Zion,
and to you who feel secure on Mount Samaria,
you notable men of the foremost nation,
to whom the people of Israel come!
2 Go to Kalneh and look at it;
go from there to great Hamath,
and then go down to Gath in Philistia.
Are they better off than your two kingdoms?
Is their land larger than yours?
3 You put off the day of disaster
and bring near a reign of terror.
4 You lie on beds adorned with ivory
and lounge on your couches.
You dine on choice lambs
and fattened calves.
5 You strum away on your harps like David
and improvise on musical instruments.
6 You drink wine by the bowlful
and use the finest lotions,
but you do not grieve over the ruin of Joseph.
7 Therefore you will be among the first to go into exile;
your feasting and lounging will end.
Maybe God was talking to him.
As a follower of Jesus, this saddens me.
Lucky, stick to what you do best and write about Emirates first class.
These guys are crooks and self serving. They exploit people and use religion to do so. Would you feel so comfortable writing about Islam and some of the things they say.
Imagine the nerve of someone asking people to fund their luxury travels (let he without sin cast the first stone)
https://onemileatatime.com/wants-pay-etihad-residence-ticket-really/
Where's a plane crash when you need one?
So different from the God they purport to serve. Jesus sacrificed everything to save us but these "leaders" just wants everything. God can talk to us anywhere.. No need for fancy jets or frilly environments.
I believe Joel Osteen has joined the private jets choir as well.
I rarely use this abbreviation, but here we go: OMG.
How can people trust these greedy pieces of sh*t?
You need to watch John Oliver's story on Televangelist https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7y1xJAVZxXg
It will enlighten you on why they ask for these things as the way they preach their followers will probably give it to them.