BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. (AP) — Dwindling donations to the Living Word Christian Center in this Twin Cities suburb have prompted its high-profile pastor, Mac Hammond, to put his private business jet on the market.
Church spokesman the Rev. Brian Sullivan says Living Word has also cut its hourlong Sunday morning television broadcast to 30 minutes to save money.
He says the church has fallen $40,000 to $70,000 short of its weekly budget in recent weeks, and the church is adjusting its budget accordingly.
Sullivan said the church's problems could be a combination of the recession and the recent bad publicity about churches preaching prosperity gospel, which holds that God wants his followers to flourish financially.
Sen. Charles Grassley of Iowa, the ranking Republican on the Senate Finance Committee, has asked six mega-ministries that preach a prosperity message to submit financial documents and answer questions about spending and oversight. He is trying to ensure they follow IRS rules for nonprofits.
Hammond's church was not among those targeted, but he is on the board of Kenneth Copeland's ministries, based in Texas. Copeland is one of the pioneers of the theology and a Grassley target.
Sullivan said the church is aggressively marketing the jet, and the money raised from the sale would be reinvested in the ministry.
Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Comments
When I first saw the headline, I thought that the Holy Spirit had finally convicted one of those pastors into giving his plane up. But then I see that God chose a much more direct way of humbling His servant.
Amen Jesus4me!
If a person is giving to a ministry in order to get something back, they've turned God into an idol. They've abased Him to the role of an investment broker. To many, that's all He is. He's not God. He's a sugar daddy.
Many of these prosperity preachers will offer prayer cloths, or anointing oil that have been prayed over. They offer them.....with a price. The Word of God says "Freely you have been given, so freely give." They turn the church into a marketplace. I finally came across an evangelist on TV that was giving away anointing oil that he, and many of the intercessors in his ministry, had been praying over earnestly. He didn't ask for a penny, and even paid postage for delivery. He didn't even hint about being paid. THERE is a true man of God.
But whoever hates [or does not love] his brother is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness; he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him. 1 John 2:11 NIV
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:7, 8 NIV
If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. 1John 4:20 NIV
Sweetbeloved, having said the previous comments i commented earlier, i must point out, so that i am not taken out of context, that I am not against people making an honest wage, and a pastor/teacher/evangelist is no different. However, when people buy 23k marble commodes for their ministry bathroom, and have free landscaping and upkeeping on their luxurious mansions paid for by the church, and those who give, it is a disgrace to the Gospel of Christ. I do believe that God has called some in the Body of Christ to be wealthy, but for those to be generous. By the same token, I don't beleive that a nationally known pastor/evangelist should be driving in a Bentley because of the appearance of evil, and what is associated to them. And by the way, i don't think "positive confession" is something taught in the Scriptures in CONTEXT, and neither is "hyper faith" if this were so, then the Apostle Paul would have been healed of his "thorn in the flesh". These terms can be inflated by preachers with an agenda like Robert Tilton, and the like. Anyway's, no offense to you as a brother in Christ, but the truth must be told in love, and if this means exposing false teaching from these preachers who fleece the flock of God for personnal wealth and gain, then so be it. If the people who Robert Tilton would have confronted him earlier, then the news media wouldn't have posted him and his activities while blaspheming the name of God.
The following link is of a minister that teaches at the church I attend. Many years ago he bought the lies of the prosperity gospel. He teaches prosperity IN CONTEXT. He does not sell anything, does not include an offering envelop NOR asks for any money. I know him personally. He and his wife have lived this way for their personal lives and the ministry. Every year since they started in 1995 they have ended the year debt free. They are not propserous like the TV preachers BUT he does have an international ministry. His web page has MP3 files for free download. Click on Kingdom Finances to find his teaaching series on the matter. I recommend My Testimony and The Widow's Mite. Both of them are on the left side of the page. The Widow's Mite story is one that the prosperity teachers use a lot to supposedly prove that Jesus was happy about the widow giving her last. This debunks it.
http://www.garycarpenter.org/media.html
jesus4me, Here's part of the problem which I experienced last week. For months I have been debating somewhat with the music director where my wife attends over these same issues. It is a PH church, also the one I grew up in but left several months back. Anywho, when he finally responded to an email of mine he had a comment that while didn't trouble me, let me know where his head is. The point of view in my debate with him has always been that believers today are too lazy to study Gods Word and quick to defend "my pastor" instead of checking scripture and holding him accountable as did those in Berea. The line he sent back to me was this: "I have learned in my Christian walk to not self question my beliefs." Until he "is" willing to test his faith he will remain blind following the blind.
This past Sunday I watched a bit of Mr. Osteen and he taught that those who did not step out of the boat were not stretching their faith. He said that in order to become what God had intended for them they needed to "get out of the boat". He never mentioned that stepping out of the boat requires complete faith and focus on Yeshua, without which one would sink into the waters of the world.
Sweetbeloved, and Graceman, is it trully judging wrongly when one finds error in a "Bible-teachers" doctrine, and points it out so others will not fall for the error? The Apostle Paul named out several people who had strayed from the faith and had begun teaching false doctrine, and leading others astray. When one teaches the truth of God, it myust be taught in context, and not everything in this life consists of "prosperity". One can pick and choose Scriptures just like the post modern liberals in the church today and make whole doctrines out of one or more Scriptures, without taking into account the whole book, the whole chapter, the intent of the writer, etc. So then why is it wrong to show the error in these peoples doctrines. Jesus did not preach a prosperity doctrine, in fact, the Bible says that the Son of God (Jesus) did not have a place to lay His head. The Apostles did not preach a lavish prosperity gospel. No, they actually suffered for the faith, and they did not live in mansions made with men's hands. Yet, many who are on the TV spotlight on TBN and on their own shows gather multitudes of people and preach these topical messages on how to be a better you, or how you can get what you want, and how God is your daddy, and if you want a Mercedes benz, then all you have to do is name it and claim it, and it's yours. Am I wrong at the context of their message? No I'm not, because I came out of the Hyper Charismania movement where all these movement/trends come and go, but where no one is like a Berean and checks out the Scriptures to see if what is being taught is 10% truth and 90% subtle white lie or distortion, or vice versa? No one checks out the Scriptures for themselves anymore, this is why we have so many baby Christians in the Body of Christ. People refuse to take the Bible in it's Whole Sense, and study it to see what God has to say to them. I exhort you brethren to please look into the Word and see for yourselves in context what Goid has to say as a whole for humanity in the Gospels and the Epistles. I will be praying for you all.
Continued to Sweetbeloved:
Furthermore, here are some other false teachings coming from Kenneth Copeland one of the founding father's of this "prosperity/name it and claim it/blab it and grab it/speak things into existence false gospel":
"Copeland speaking of Adam "his body and Adams were the exactly the same size." (Holy bible K. Copeland Reference Edition p.45)
K. Copeland speaking of God " A being that stands somewhere around 6-2 , 6-3 that weighs somewhere in the neighborhood of a couple of hundred pounds or a little better, has a span of 9 inches across (relating to his own hand span) (Spirit, soul and a Body 1985 audio # 01-0601 side 1Kenneth Copeland, Spirit, Soul and Body 1, 1985. )
I would like Mr. Copeland himself, or anyone who follows this false teaching to find Bible book, Scripture and Verse(s) where the Bible actually says God was like Adam, and that he is 6"2" in height and that He (God) has a hand span of 9 inches across, then you please make sure you post it, so we can go to the Bible and verify this.
Also, Benny Hinn said something similar concerning Adam being able to fly; to have superpowers, and all, but he couldn't back that up biblically either could he?
Why don't some of these TV evangelists just stick to the Word of God in context instead of teaching off of tangents, feelings, and false claims. If God didn't say it in His Word, then why are they so pompous to assume, or to claim to have some divine revelation apart from the Scriptures?
Sweetbeloved: on my previous statement I said: "If these are not true, then why would you accuse those on the apologetics websites of spreading false information?
What I meant was: If these quotes are true, then why would you accuse those on the apologetics websites of spreading false information?
sorry for the mistype.
Sweetbeloved, I appreciate your concerns. However, I would like for you to please address the following quotes from "word-Faith" teachers. If these are not true, then why would you accuse those on the apologetics websites of spreading false information? If they are not true, and I have every reason for these quotes to be true, as they were taken directly from prosperity teacher's own books, sermons, etc, then please show me where the quotes are wrong, and where what they teach about everything being ok with God as long as you prosper financially is biblical when one looks at the WHOLE COUNSEL of God, and not just the pudding, or dessert in the Word?
Here are some heretical/extrabiblical quotes by Joyce Myers; one of the "evangelists" probed for this "prosperity/name it and claim it gospel".
1) “Several years ago I found myself completely worn out from trying to fight the devil. I learned many ‘methods’ of spiritual warfare; however, they did not seem to be working ... I had fallen into the trap that many Christians fall into. I had the right teaching, but the wrong order ... I was feverishly applying methods I had learned — like fasting and prayer ... rebuking and resisting evil spirits ... empty formulas which wear us out and produce no results except maybe a sore throat” (The Word, The Name, The Blood, pp. 28, 32, 33).
2) Her now-unavailable tape, “What Happened from the Cross to The Throne?” continued to teach the “Born-Again Jesus” doctrine; she also subsequently says that she is not a sinner:
“I’m going to tell you something folks, I didn’t stop sinning until I finally got it through my thick head I wasn’t a sinner anymore. And the religious world thinks that’s heresy and they want to hang you for it. But the Bible says that I’m righteous and I can’t be righteous and be a sinner at the same time ... All I was ever taught to say was, ‘I’m a poor, miserable sinner.’ I am not poor, I am not miserable and I am not a sinner. That is a lie from the pit of hell. That is what I was and if I still am then Jesus died in vain. Amen?”
This is what the Bible says; not what Joyce Myers says:
The Apostle John says, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8). It is Christ’s righteousness imparted to us, not ours, that makes us righteous.
to sweet beloved - so where did these preachers get the money to buy their private jet? they would be not asking for your tithe if it was not for the TAX EXEMPTION they will be receiving after using someone else's money. and is buying a private jet part of spreading of the gospel. where does it say in the bible that pastors or preachers should be receiving $7800/month salary. they made that amount so they can be rich. rick bernal of jubilee church in san jose said that 'I chose to be rich'!
they are the 'messengers of god' so that means that they are the ones who judge first. christ rebuked the pharisees & told them that they are LOVERS OF MONEY, FULL OF GREED & hypocrites. is christ 'judging' them or presecuting them. he was exposing their sins but to these preachers it is an insult for them when they are rebuked! and that is biblical!
these preaches tell you to 'deny the 'self'! they should set the example not break them. and by the way, if somebody else did that, these preachers would be the first ones who would cast the first stone by saying the very same words we would be accuse of "JUDGING" them. what you are really saying is defending ones greed not judging.
Jesus4me,
I would encourage you to do a little more research yourself. These links that you posted are from sources who have so distorted and reworded the things these preachers have said. If you do a little research on these people who seemingly make it their business to go on an all out campaign of assaults with horrendous false accusations on anyone who do not hold to their views, you’ll find how little you can take their word for the “ truth.”
James 3:8-10 - "But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be."
There is so much misinformation out there and we must be on guard lest we be led into temptation to lust after all the dirt we can dig up about any given church leader with vengence whenever Christian mud-slingers make a clang. With as much persecution as I have endured in my ministry, it still amazes me that so many Christians are so ready to jump on the stone throwing band wagon. Ask yourself something. Is there more to know from side of the person being persecuted? Am I easily inspired to judge, condemn and hateful name calling? Do I bridle my tongue and seek GOD before I act? Even though this information may not be very positive, have I matured to love, think and act on a higher level? Have I thoroughly sought GOD’s will and truth to deal effectively with this information to convict and not condemn?
Food for thought: I believe GOD wants us to be broken, not broke. In noting your beliefs you stated that JESUS had no place to rest HIS head and that NO servant is greater than his master. Here, you are clearly stating you believe that the LORD has all HIS children being homeless evangelists just as HE was. Does this include you or exclude you? If this belief actually includes you since you are no greater than your Master, and GOD forbid you have not modified Scripture to make yourself the exception to the rule, then be it unto you even as you have believed! Would you be more comfortable on a park bench or on a nearby hilltop or perhaps a cave?
GraceMan and Truth Seeker,
Amen on your comments!
The dictionary describes properity such as: "a successful, flourishing, or thriving condition" Synonyms such as: abundance, accomplishment, advantage, expansion, growth, increase, plenteousness, successfulness, thriving, victory, wealth, welfare, well-being
Antonyms: failure, hardship
So much of the Church has been taught the Poverty Gospel, ie. to be almost deathly afraid of abundance to the point where it seems they have a sheer hatred and judgement against people the LORD appoints prosperity to! Our dear LORD is NOT a barely getting you by GOD! HE is magnificent, limitless, and joyous to make your cup overflow to HIS glory! Hallelujah! JESUS suffered poverty that those of us who believe in HIM might have abundance (in every area of our lives: love, peace, joy, faith, good health, financial and spiritual wealth, and all with the overflowing joy of GOD's wonderous presence so we may be a blessing to others!). The Poverty Mentality Church seems to think prosperity is a sin and cultish. That's too bad. This misinformation seems gives more people a spirit of condemnation and jealousy that forbids them to take GOD out of the box for themselves and for others. Where does your heart belong? Where is your faith? Financial wealth is not an evil thing when you are in love with and strongly committed to the LORD your GOD to do HIS will with it for HIS kingdom and to live a holy life pleasing to HIM! GOD appoints great wealth to those of us in the body of CHRIST who HE knows HE can trust to handle it, and HE most likely will put you through the refining fire to strengthen you in faith and wisdom, etc. as HE did me! To our beautiful MOST HIGH GOD be the glory forever!!!
PS. With all the threats to Christians as well as airport delays, I think its wonderful when GOD blesses a ministry with a jet so they can have safe and timely travel as they are sent abroad to preach the Gospel! What a loving and gracious LORD we have!!! Love GOD with your whole being, do HIS will with praise and thanksgiving and be blessed!!!
truthseeker: I'm not sure what your point about Mark 16:17 is. Mark actually ends after 16:8. The rest of the verses are not reliable. They were added at a later time, as otherwise the Resurrection would be left out! At any rate, they say nothing about Earthly riches.
When God says "prosperity", He does not mean Earthly wealth. See Matthew 6:19-24.
Greetings one and all. I am new to this site and I must say I'm troubled by the Bible illiteracy. i make that comment based on comments left here at the site regarding Mac Hammond. Who this site dubbed the "Prosperity Preacher". If some of you are having trouble with a message on a subject God introduced such as prosperity. Then tell me how do you handle Jesus' remarks in Mark 16:17. Well, is healing for today is casting out demons for today is speaking in tongues for today. I tend to think that when the bible is clear on a topic and we as Believers fail to manifest the pronounced doctrine etc... we as it is with the human condition look for something to point to so as to exnoerate ourselves from that responbility. Do a word search on "Prosperity" I could tell you here the number of times it's refered to in scripture but what fun would that be. You guessed it I'm writing in defense of Mac Hammond and all other Preachers who present "prosperity " from a bilbical standpoint. Consider a renowned and successful Preacher who by virtue of his name meets with a critical and suspect opinion everytime He teaches on "Prosperity" Did it every occur to any of you that our Heavenly Father wants HIS childern and church to control finances for the end-time harvest. If you haven't noticed it takes alot money to preach the Gospel. If a minister needs a jet to get God's work done then He should have one. Remember where God guides He provides. Shalom to all.