The community organization New Era Detroit wanted to draw attention to what it described as a “Pastor robbing the community” on its social media page. The pastor in question is Bishop Wayne T. Jackson of Great Faith Ministries International in Detroit.
Bishop Jackson is a wealthy man who rides in a Rolls-Royce, lives in a mansion and has powerful friends. Among these friends is Donald Trump, for whom Jackson recently hosted an event. But according to New Era Detroit organizer Zeek, “The situation is bigger than just Wayne T. Jackson. This is about Black churches and Black pastors who live a lavish lifestyle on behalf of the people and [they’re] not giving back to their community.”
Zeek took offense to the offering portion of the service at Great Faith Ministries, which according to him started off at a requested $1K and included suggestions to go to ATMs located in the church to get money. During the offering, activists with New Era Detroit disrupted the service as startled worshippers screamed and some became physical. A full brawl erupted between parishioners and activists.
Members of the church were appalled by the actions of New Era Detroit and stated they should have reached out to the church before disrupting their service. Members gave personal testimony about how Bishop Jackson changed their lives by finding housing and giving away homes and automobiles. The website of the Great Faith Ministries International does not mention any such gifts. It does list 14 ministries, including a prison ministry that serves the church.
There is no indication that members of New Era Detroit are members of Bishop Jackson’s church, but those who are members have a right to worship where they please. There is a perception by some in the Black community that Black pastors and civil rights leaders should be as poor and struggling as the community they represent.
