Jesus Christ, arguably the most renowned biblical figure, traveled by foot, boat and donkey. Granted in the ancient world, those were the most common modes of travel. But despite the fact that he didn’t travel in a craft that moved faster than the the speed of light, his name launched a religion and 2,000 years later his name is recognized throughout the world and his followers are legion. Including, presumably, Dr. Creflo Dollar.
So why does Dollar, leader of World Changers Church International, a multifarious global ministry, need a 65-million-dollar Gulfstream G650?
Reportedly, his current jet is old and has had a number of mechanical issues, including engine failure during a flight to Australia, although the flight did conclude without further incident and the pilot was able to land safely. After that scare, the plane had another problem and skidded off a runway. Wait. He let his family fly in that deathtrap after it lost an engine? Who does that? Not Jesus. Not a man who purports to be concerned about the age of a plane that has had multiple problems. Better to buy an airline ticket than take that kind of risk.
Dollar is well-known for his prosperity gospel. The appeal to his followers to give so the good reverend can receive bears that out. The copy for the Project G650 Campaign reads “… Therefore, we are asking members, partners, and supporters of this ministry to assist us in acquiring a Gulfstream G650 airplane so that Pastors Creflo and Taffi and World Changers Church International can continue to blanket the globe with the Gospel of grace.”
Jesus blanketed the globe with his message wearing a pair of sandals.
Jesus was well-known for sharing the Gospel. And his mission statement doesn’t seem to quite gibe with Dollar’s philosophy, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)
There’s no disputing the tremendous amount of good that World Changers is doing locally and globally. The only question is does that good justify a luxury jet funded by the people? How much more could Dollar accomplish by plunging that money into programs the church is already supporting?
One came that people would have life to the full; the other seems bent on squeezing the lifeblood out of people.
Good for Dollar if he wants and can afford the finer things in life, including a G650. But he shouldn’t ask his followers to pay for it. That’s just not what Jesus would do.
