For a pastor, how much luxury is too much?
A massive complex of homes owned by Texas Bishop I.V. Hilliard recently hit the market, reigniting the debate over whether faith leaders should live in multi-million dollar megamansions.
The home must be seen to be believed. An Instagram post from realtor.com highlighting the opulent home recently went viral, and commenters had a lot to say about a man of God living so extravagantly.
If you’ve got $15 million lying around, the 24 acre compound in the Houston suburbs can be yours!
It’s a jaw-dropping home, but… should pastors live like this? An Instagram post from realtor.com highlighting the opulent home recently went viral, and commenters had a lot to say about a man of God living so extravagantly.
Should Pastors Live Like This?
Bishop I.V. Hilliard, who also goes by Apostle Hilliard, is the head of New Light Church in Houston, Texas, though primary pastoral duties have been taken over by Hilliard’s daughter Dr. Irishea Hilliard in recent years. The massive arena-sized megachurch boasts tens of thousands of members, and has its own television ministry and even a credit union.
Recently renovated in 2020, the mansion complex boasts a breathtaking foyer, granite finishes, a master bedroom with a 20-foot ceiling, five commercial kitchens, a banquet hall, a 22-car garage, and dozens of bedrooms and bathrooms.
With a private gym, personal theater, swimming pool, tennis courts, and even a hair salon, you’ll never have to leave your home again. And that’s just in the primary residence; There are five more homes on the property.
The land is officially classified as a parsonage, meaning that Hilliard doesn’t have to pay an estimated six figure yearly property tax because it’s a “minister’s retreat.”
Would Jesus Approve?
On the post highlighting Hilliard’s home, there was no shortage of outraged comments critical of a faith leader living so luxuriously.
Many drew a contrast with the messaging in the Bible and this blatant display of opulence.
“Jesus definitely didn’t live this way,” commented one Instagram user. “All while his parishioners live in squalor, right?” quipped another.
“This is greed,” said another commenter. “Jesus called you to be humble and to serve others. This money should have gone to the church and projects to help others.”
Prosperity Gospel
Hilliard is a proponent of prosperity gospel, a philosophy that teaches that wealth shows God’s favor.
Prosperity preachers often solicit donations from even their most destitute parishioners, promising that their donation is like planting a financial seed which will later blossom. As prosperity preachers say, these donations, tithes, and financial contributions are a way to express one’s devotion to God – and if you donate enough, you’ll be blessed financially in return.
Prosperity gospel is a controversial theology to say the very least. Critics contend that prosperity preachers are at the very least hypocritical, if not outright charlatans. They live in mansions, drive fancy cars, and fly in private jets… while preaching the gospel of a man who wore rags and sandals.
It’s worth nothing that Hilliard’s palatial mansion is hardly an outlier. Most wealthy megachurch pastors, including Kenneth Copeland, Joel Osteen, and Steve Furtick, live on massive, often tax-free compounds.
But should they? Critics say these lavish lifestyles are antithetical to the gospel, but those who preach prosperity gospel argue that they’re uplifting their flock financially and spiritually.
And if along the way they happen to acquire a few tax-free mansions out of it, then so be it.
What is your reaction?
93 comments
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Nicholas J Page
Absolute NO ministers should not live beyond their means that is atrocious to even consider it.
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Alexander Clarke
Big churches are big business. No surprise here. Churches should be taxed like the big for profit businesses' they are.
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Echo
Just no. We aren't supposed to be in this for profit.
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Minister Tim
I’m not a Christian (thankfully) but yeah, NO. I live in an apartment built back in the 80s (I often forget that was 40yrs ago) and I drive a 24yr old Blazer that uses bungee cords to hold the driver door shut, the gas gauge doesn’t work, and the A/C needs charging. I have $28 to make it to my next disability payment on the 21st. But other than battling the current regime, I’m quite happy. Of course much of that happiness I owe to my cats. Who needs a mansion when a loving soul covered in fur snuggles up and purrs.
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Rev. BH
Sure. Just like Jesus, Abraham and Muhammad did.
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James Mounts
It is easy to blame the pastors. What about all the idiots who think they can buy their way into heaven by donating to the pastors. "As you sow, so shall you reap"
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Timothy C Stone
All of these con men tell their supporters to send money to help the ministry to spread the word and help the needy. Are they housing the homeless in these mansions?The rubes are told by giving, they will be rewarded 10 fold. See the super con man Mike Murdock or Joel Osteen, or the Demonic K. Copeland. The Medieval Catholic Church sold Indulgences to lessen your tortures in Purgatory. Nothing new under the sun.
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Rev. BH
James, and many lonely, elderly and poor people are conned into sending what little extra they have to these high-living phonies. I remember reading science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard, saying "Writing for a penny a word is ridiculous. If a man really wants to make a million dollars, the best way would be to start his own religion." Point taken, eh?
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Timothy C Stone
And he did it. Have you ever read about the 'church of scientology'? It is science fiction.
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Rev. BH
Timothy, tell that to Tom Cruise.
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Timothy C Stone
I love Tom's movies, he is an amazing action star. He seems like a very charming man, but I just cannot understand anyone falling for that Scientology nonsense.
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James Mounts
In the words of P. T. Barnum, a world class fooler, "You can't cheat an honest man."
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Rev. Dr. Dennis Chevalier, Ph.D.
As a minister a priest and pastor we lead by example we do not deserve to live in a shack however excessive consumption tells the world and more importantly your flock that it's okay to abuse and that's never okay
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Colleen McAllister
This is so wrong. All of my Pastor's have lived in normal homes bought with their own money. Several of them were bi-vocational, having a standard job aside from the church. Most of the wives also worked. All money collected from our congregation goes back into the ministry to pay for expenses such as utilities, property tax, salaries, supplies, and charitable assistance to those in need.
Mega-mansions are not needed by anyone let alone a Christian minister. This is not how Jesus taught us to live.
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David Cuevas
I mean you can still live Modestly and Humbly in a Penthouse Apartment Complex or a Farm like Home, but this is ridiculous.
Is this gentleman a Polyamory Pastor ? Does he have 6 Wives and 14 children that I can understand. Is he doing a Service for Children and Teens and Housing them in a Program, that I can understand or is his entire extended family members living there instead of being a Polyamory Pastor that I can understand but this is ridiculous.
I live in a Basement Apartment in a 3 Family Home.
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Dylan Tuatha Le Danaan
When the church is gilded, the people are starving. The image of a shepherd and his flock is perfect for this type of pastor, he fleeces them all.
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Reverend Bobbie
This goes against all of the teachings of Christ. This is the reason I do not believe in organized religion. People like this live off the money they con out of poor peoples pockets. The poor think they are helping spread the gospel but they are only providing people like this man a lifestyle for the rich and famous. It makes me ill.
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Lori Mongillo
Gathering the gullible!!!! If people are stupid enough to put them into mansions and support it, then yeah, why not. People, in general are ignorant. They will give money to bloated pastors if they think it will get them into heaven. They will fall for just about anything they are fed, if the feeder is convincing. Until people start using their heads and taking a really good look at reality, this kind of thing will continue. The vast majority live in a fantasy world. Is it the con-artists fault? The supporters are not forced to throw away their money. Ignorance is a choice. Pastors and politicians gather the gullible. It's the way of the world.
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Dr. Zerpersande, NSC
It’s not as if I have any admiration for any religious person but I have nothing but disdain for anyone that would participate in such an operation. The tax code needs to be changed.Tax religious organizations when situations like this arise. Keep the tax exempt status for verified charitable actions but tax them for crap like this.
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Minister Rob
Agreed 100%
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James Riggle-Johnson
It is obscene to see how these mega church pastors live compared to their disciples/parishioners. And where in the Bible does this Prosperity Gospel come from? These are con artists. Like many things today, their disciples/parishioners believe every word they are told. They truly believe that their own wealth will increase because they support these millionaires. Any church profiting from its disciples/parishioners should be taxed. I wonder how they will explain this to the God they claim to believe in.
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Timothy C Stone
"The Protestant work ethic is a societal value that emphasizes diligence, hard work, and frugality, often seen as a spiritual duty. It's rooted in Calvinism, particularly the teachings of John Calvin and Martin Luther, where work is viewed as a calling from God. Sociologist Max Weber argued this ethic was foundational to the development of capitalism, with the idea that hard work and success are signs of spiritual favor." Google AI quote.... IN OTHER WORDS, IF YOU GAIN WEALTH IT MEANS GOD FAVORS YOU, IF YOU ARE POOR YOU ARE INFERIOR
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James Riggle-Johnson
I did not know that. That’s messed up, too. Poor people can work three times harder than the rich and still be poor.
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Patricia Ann Gross
Timothy,
I'm sorry, but hard work and success are more likely to be products of greed than righteousness. James is right. Poor people can work three times harder than rich people, and still be poor. Sometimes social status and wealth are more a product of circumstance than hard work. I used to work with homeless and people and at risk for homelessness. Some of them were the hardest working people I ever saw, and worked three jobs, but made barely enough to pay rent and buy groceries. When you read the story of the "Widow's mite," the poor widow is not poor because she is unrighteous. It is an admonishment to the Temple leaders who give out of their surplus, but the widow gave from her poverty. Jesus holds her in esteem far above the rich who show off their wealth. (Mark 12: 41-44 and Luke 21:1-4).
"Just get a job" is a nice sound bite I keep hearing, but "just a job" is not enough in this economy. It is often hard to earn enough to afford to be able to get to work, considering the cost of gas (or other transportation).
Note to self: Google AI subscribes to the Prosperity Gospel, therefore avoid it for bilblical interpretation.
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Timothy C Stone
I totally agree with you except, I did not say the poor are not righteous. The 'Protestant work ethic' is real in our American Society. ", "success in one's vocation or "calling" was seen as a potential sign of being among "God's chosen people" and evidence of one's salvation, according to Weber's theory. " And using AI for info should be backed up by further research. But, facts are facts. I learned about this concept long before the internet.
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Patricia Ann Gross
My issue with your post was what you posted in all caps, specifically if you are wealthy then God favors you. This flies in the face of the notion of free will. Some are wealthy because they lied, cheated, stole, or scammed their way to a fortune. Others inherited theirs, and didn't "work" for it. Calling poor people inferior is a travesty, and not somethig that Jesus taught. BTW. AI is only as smart as the person who programmed it., so I have now lost any interest in Google's AI.
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James A. Ridings
Regarding that "camel getting through an eye of the needle" thing, this means only that it is hard, but not impossible, for a rich man (person) to get into Heaven. An "eye of the needle" was simply a narrow gateway in the city wall; a camel usually had to get onto its knees to crawl through the "eye of the needle" into the city to unload the goods on its back. It would be easier for the camel to go through a very tall gate to enter the city; however, the "eye of the needle" was deliberately made small to cause invading armies to have a hard time getting into the city all at once. BOTTOM LINE: rich persons CAN get into heaven, but it might be a little harder for them to do so; if the rich man (person) tithes and obeys the gospel and otherwise tries to follow the teachings of Jesus, then he or she CAN reach Heaven.
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Delight Phillips
Thank you. That is very interesting. There are rich people that have given a great deal of their wealth to charity and have done great Philanthropy works. But, I can't count very many of them. I've never seen Trump do a single act of charity, but I've seen him steal from charities. I have not seen Musk help a charity, but I've seen him strip USAID from Africa and other countries, allowing children to starve and die without food and needed medical care. Sometimes the richest are the cruelest. The ultra rich will not only refuse to help the poor, but many times go out of their way to harm them. There are the exception, but they are few.
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Delight Phillips
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Matthew Mastrogiovanni
Actually the word translated “camel” (Greek: kamelos) should actually be “cable” (Greek: kamilos). Then the verse would read that it is easier for a cable (or rope) to go through the eye of a needle.
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James k
No we follow God not money
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Original LeftNut
So do these folks, just happens that their god is small, rectangular and slips in the wallet quite easily. Or for those who don't need such a tangible and tactile link to this god, then there's the modern day virtual god that appears on a screen and can be directly accessed using a small plastic membership card which too, slips quite easily in the wallet.
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Timothy C Stone
Jesus said unto him, “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell what thou hast and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in Heaven; and come and follow Me.” Matt. 19:21 .... AMP Jesus answered him, “If you wish to be perfect [that is, have the spiritual maturity that accompanies godly character with no moral or ethical deficiencies], go and sell what you have and give [the money] to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me [becoming My disciple, believing and trusting in Me and walking the same path of life that I walk].” NUF SAID
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Stacey Owens
They suffer in believing in every word because they lack the knowledge of God; (They really don't know Him). The God they serve is the image of things. Their hearts are far from God. They serve the law of the flesh not the law of the spirit of life. The law of the spirit of life is every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God shall man live. He didn't say every dollar or merchandise.
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Tami Jill Burden
Give your alms in secret and the Lord who sees in secret will reward you openly. This is not what you give to charity. This is how much you surrender to God in your closet, your secret place where you meet God alone without distraction and without other people knowing what takes place between you. God will not give you a $15 home much less a 15 million home until you put your heart into a posture of humility towards God, surrender to Him every day and grow (mature) in faith. He will give you the desire of your heart if you do the work. Letting Him equip you to handle what your asking for and facing the challenges and healing of each level of maturity you attain so that you can receive the thing you ask without it becoming an idol. Remember God's words it is His good pleasure to give you the kingdom. But there can be nothing in the way between you and Him. So the question isn't should we have this, it's will you surrender your life, do His will, and go through the things that He puts you through trusting Him to get it.
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Daniel Gray
A simple answer is absolutely not.
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Steven Ferrell
It is sad to see these pastor who do this. They give all pastors a bad name. Most true Pastors, are there for their flock and live very modest lives. But people see things like this and think all pastors are that way.
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Joseph Grieco
If a cave in the Egyptian Desert was good enough for St. Anthony, a 900 square foot, 3BR, 2.5BA should be good enough for any pastor.
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Wilberta M. Berry
These churches are big business for profit only. The profit goes to the pastors. Of course the Jesus who feed people to hear his sermon on the mount, would definitely not charge people to hear it today. These mega churches are an affront to setting an example of worshipping God.
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Delight Phillips
What Would Jesus Do? My friends, he would not do this. He would take his last penny to help his fellow man. He would not take his fellow man's last penny!
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Ari Joseph Bertine
I mean...some people will puree a camel, pour it through the eye of a giant novelty needle, and call it good, you know? I doubt these rich pastors are religious in the sense of believing what they preach. They clearly worship money, though.
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Joseph P Hannigan
That is the church of the poison mind and NO pastors should not live like this! That money should be going to the community, not his pocket. False prophet!
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Frank Leogrande
I WOULD LIKE THE NAMES OF CHARITIES THAT THESE TELEVAGILISTS HAVE HELPED,BESIDES THEMSELVES
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Rev. Donut
Did the pastor need a 3 bedroom 2 bath, nicely sized parsonage which would be reasonable?
Or, did he need for example, an 19 room, 7 bedroom, 7 bath 8500 sq. foot house with a 6 car garage filled with expensive vehicles to get your wants, needs and desires and feelings explained to the man upstairs?
He can only pee in one room at a time but he can piss away the congregations money non stop.
I say ...go direct and cut out the middle man.
When the house (complex) sells, I'm betting the money will go into an account controlled solely by the "Pastor",
I could be wrong.
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Donald G Magel
Our President, the chosen one of the christian right, doings god's work on earth, lives in a Florida Hotel-like mansion. He evens sits on a golden bathroom throne and his believers travel there to adore him. He also sells Bibles and Teslers on the grounds of his other house in Washington. So it must be OK in the new rules for god's people.
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Dr. Darryl G Dykes
The guy living in D.C. and Florida IS NOT a leader of Christ beliving Followers He is a conman schister. I pray that he excepts and Follows Christ before it is too late. I say this because a person who behaves as he does presents his true self.
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Matthew Mastrogiovanni
Lights... Camera... Silence on the set... Tape rolling... 3-2-1 action!
[Verse 1] Welcome to the Church of Suicidal We'll have a sermon and a wonderful recital But before we go on there's something I must mention An important message I must bring to your attention I was in meditation and prayer last night I was awakened by a shining bright light Overhead, a glorious spirit He gave me a message and you all need to hear it
[Chorus] He said to Send me your money That's what he said, he said to Send me your money
[Verse 2] Now if you can only send a dollar or two There ain't a hell of a lot I can promise to you But if you want to see heaven's door Make out a check for five mil dollars or more [Chorus] Send me your money Do you hear what I said? Send me your money
[Bridge] Now give me some bass Ooh yeah that's how we like it Now give me some silence.. For all you sinners! Now give me more bass Yeah that was funky Now take them on home Brother Clark Send me your money
[Verse 3] Here comes another con hiding behind a collar His only god is the almighty dollar He ain't no prophet, he ain't no healer He's just a two bit goddamn money stealer
Send me your money Send it, you got to send it Send me your money You hear what I'm saying? (Send me your money) You gotta send it Send it, send me your money [Verse 4] Now how much you give is your own choice But to me it's the difference between a Porsche and a Rolls Royce I want you to make it hurt when you dig into your pocket Cause it makes me feel so good to watch my profits rocket
Send me your money Now dig in deep, dig real deep into your pocket I want you to make it hurt (Send me your money) We'll take cash, we'll take checks We'll take credit cards, we'll take jewelry We'll take your momma's dentures if they got gold in them
[Verse 5] So whose gonna be the next king of the fakers Whose gonna take the place of Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker? See my momma, she didn't raise no fool Cause you can't put a price on a miracle
Amen
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Delight Phillips
I wonder. Just how many rooms are kept in this gigantic estate for people that, "Need it?" I mean, this isn't a mansion, it's a gigantic, "Complex." It's larger than most shopping centers. I think I would feel a little better about their, "Tax Exempt" statis if they housed some Homeless or used a section of it for Unwed Mothers or ANYTHING for Charity. But, I'm not seeing that! I'm seeing Excessive Godless GREED! You don't think that's Godless Greed? Then, tell me: "What would Jesus do with that property, if it were handed to him?" Would he keep it for a Getaway for Himself and His Buddies or would he use it for a Ministry and House the Faithful and the Needy?
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Bishop William Dusenberry, DD
‘There’s no business, like religious business, of any of the big businesses I know” — besides the initial cost of the building and lot — there’s little or no cost to buy what is then sold — salvation, then eternity being with some sort of deity, All made up, hook, line and sinker.
Unless any church can prove the existence of a Heaven, they should be charged with fraud - if they are unable to prove the existence of a Heaven; and the ministers who are now fleecing their flocks, should pay the same percentage of their fleeing of their flocks, as every other “fleecer of flocks.” PS. There’s no such thing as a sin, for which one is suckered into believing they deserve to be punished, either, nor is there any Hell below us, only neutrons and protons for which none of us need to be concerned.
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Miguel Anthony Richard Denyer
If the "pastors" purchased their homes with their own money, that they didn't acquire by "Fleecing" their "Flock" (pun intended) then why does it matter where they live?
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Rev. BH
Miguel, where and how did they acquire "their own money"? By working at McDonalds?
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Patricia Ann Gross
If a pastor was legitimate and independently wealthy, he wouldn't live like this. A legitimate pastor would "lead" their flock by example and use their wealth to help the needy and support their church. I'm taking it that the church is not located on this 26-acre spread. The only comment I have, understanding a little about Texas real estate is that $15 Million is cheap for this type of campus in a place like Spring, Texas. It doesn't say what he is wanting to do with the money. Is he buying an even bigger and more opulent spread or is he planning to downsize and put the rest into his ministry programs. There is always a chance that a super-wealthy power-hungry human being would have a "come to Jesus" moment and want to make amends, but I doubt that is happening in this case. It would be interesting if anyone knows why something like this is suddenly (or not so suddenly) on the market and priced to sell, and the "endgame" in the transaction.
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Daniel Todd Kamm
They always did and they continue to do... try a tour of the cathedrals of Europe... amazing what working people did to build those places for their royals and for the religious they hoped held they key to whatever heaven... no different than the pyramids of Egypt....
Why would we think that our modern day media moguls and whores, religious or otherwise, would not have grown rich from people who are stupid enough to worship celebrity... either for salvation, or, simply for the superior effect one might get from disapproving but actually being entranced by and enriching folks like the Kardashians?
Nothing new.
Peace Out tk
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Stacey Owens
Is this pastor operating in the body of Christ?
This pastor is paid by charging the world to enter into the Kingdom of God in Christ.
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
As it has been said in Christ Jesus. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Indeed doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
God's house is not a house of merchandise.
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Stacey Owens
Just in case anyone didn't misunderstand: (the profits in the church are the people used as merchandise). No pain no gain.
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Matthew Mastrogiovanni
Just one more thing brought to us by the hypocritical Patriarchy. When will true believers have enough and stand up to the corrupt church leadership?
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John Casillo
SELLING TICKETS FOR GOD???
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John Dennis Washington
I think vocational minister's should live commensurate with the salary provided by the church. I am not opposed to reasonable prosperity teaching, which creates a better mindset than teaching God want us poor to be humble and holy. Minister's should stop lying calling palaces a parsonage. If a minister sales books and products, they should profit from the sales and pay taxes like other book and product salesperson. We should find the balance in teaching contributions are seeds with a compound return. The results of that teaching doesn't balance in the sower's favor. It appears the harvester get most of the benefit. My answer to the question, if a minister acquires wealth through other means than preaching then live lavishly. If your only salary is from the church, then live within your salary. Churches should stop buying palaces and calling them palaces.
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Dr. Darryl G Dykes
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Dr. Darryl G Dykes
Very well said 👏
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William Clifford
This is obviously very wrong but…..Last time I looked, the Pope had his own COUNTRY, it’s called ‘The Vatican’ and it’s worth a million times what this fellows little pad is. I think the saying about pots and kettles applies here. Peace and love.
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Tecla Caryl Loup
The Pope himself doesn't own the Vatican; it's owned by a corporation. Seems I remember reading something about Pope Francis eschewing the fancy papal living quarters and choosing a much more modest room for himself. Although I believe he was an exceptional human.
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Dr. Darryl G Dykes
I have been to the Vatican and have been in parts that the general public does not see the Pope lives in apartment building with the Cardinals assigned there. He has use of the assets of the Vatican but if the church where to sell it the Pope would not profit unlike the American Mega Church Ministers do.
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Dr. Darryl G Dykes
Personally myself I think that a minister should live the same economic standard of the congratulation. Yes the minister's pay should reflect his education in the scripture and he should be paid for his expenses for his duties he performs. This would include a allowance for clothing and vehical maintainance. But having the church purchase his home and pay for everything no that is why he receives a paycheck. A Minister is part of the church and should live like it.
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Patricia Ann Gross
Dr. Dykes,
In the US, most clergy are either provided a parsonage or a housing allowance for rent/mortgage payments equal to the close to the type of place to house their family and adjusted to local market values. (i.e., average 1/2/3 bedroom apartment or house rent/mortgage).
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Rev Ned
Remember the camel through the eye of the needle line?
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Delight Phillips
I remember a few decades ago, meeting a paster that had a home provided by the church. It was a nice modest 3 bedroom, 2 bath home. Don't get me wrong, it was a nice brick middle class home, but nothing opulent. He was married and had 2 little boys. He always kept one of the bedrooms, "In case someone needed it." A lot of people in his church frowned on that. This was intended for him, not riff raff off the street. He was asked once, why he opened his house. He answered, "Because there is always someone that is cold or hungry. How could I not? Besides, my wife said it was OK." I had more respect for that man then I've ever had for any TV preacher.
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Alisha Rodriguez
I think Jesus would tell us to mind our own business. How much money a pastor makes or how big his home in not our business to judge and gossip about. Mother Theresa lived in poverty by choice, I am sure her ministry appreciated the generosity of wealthy ministers. Is there a ULC correspondent who can write an article discussing, "Should ministers who claim to be serving in love and free of judgment be judging minsters who make a boatload of money?" Maybe the real question is how much has he tithed? Maybe the real scuttlebutt should be how much is he tithing? Would it make this all better if we learn he tithes 20% of his income? As a minister maybe I should question what I am doing wrong that I am yet to have such a successful ministry that I too can live like King Solomon.
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Delight Phillips
Judge not, lest you be judged? Jesus Judged! Not the poor or the downtrodden, but the money bearers and the greedy.
“Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” Mark 10:24b-25
“No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be loved to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” Matthew 6:24
Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” Luke 12:13-15
“Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” Mark 12:41-44
YES! I JUDGE these opulent preachers and I judge them poorly. Lest I be judged? JUDGE ME! I help whoever I can and always have, even at great expense and I know many others that have done the same. I would rather minister in a garage to the faithful, than a shopping center sized church to the dead of heart.
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Timothy C Stone
Very well said, thank you!
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Joseph Daniel Millen
Many individuals may know the truth but knowledge is different than our actions related to that knowledge. We must be careful to justify our actions based on a misunderstanding or misapplication of spiritual beliefs. This is often learned by recognizing the plank in our own eye. Jesus did call out the Pharisees for their behavior that was incompatible with their teachings. We don’t know the pastor’s heart but his actions on the surface reflect a self interest beyond ones spiritual and physical health. A wise sage has said “Anything in excess is poison” something for the pastor and any who consider the prosperity gospel a reason to assess their true spiritual growth. We should look to how we handle excess in our lives and whether we use it in away that helps ourselves and others to be healthier spiritually and physically. The pastor should do the same if his desire is to draw closer to Christ and the Devine
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Alejandro Medina de Wit
If people are stupid enough to believe what this charlatan is preachin' and give him their money, more power to him. That's their choice and they deserve to be ripped off their moolah
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Matthew Mastrogiovanni
Aren't you an educator? How could you believe this?
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Joseph SCott Queen
Not going to judge God's servant, it's between them and God. My opinion though, is no. Tithing isn't in the New Testament, a cheerful giver is all it says. Paul was a tent maker, but when there was a gift given he accepted it. It does make one wonder when a preacher is very wealthy and even in their congregation they're poor people struggling.
God knows their heart.
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William Morehead
If we don't condemn pastors for voluntarily living on the streets. Then why should we condemn them for this? I think it's the question itself that is fundamentally off topic. Who cares where the guy lives. How does he reveal Jesus to the lost, poor, hateful, but ever watching world? Personally I'm about 2 weeks from living on the sidewalk myself. so I'm no rich guy. I just think my bible says to let the master judge his own servants and all the servants regardless of circumstance focus on what level of service they provide their master
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Matthew Mastrogiovanni
Because this goes against the Christian Works: 1. Works of Faith Prayer: Regular communication with God through personal or communal prayer.
Worship: Participation in church services, singing hymns, and praising God.
Scripture Study: Reading and meditating on the Bible to grow spiritually.
- Works of Love and Charity Helping the Poor: Providing food, clothing, and shelter to those in need.
Visiting the Sick or Imprisoned: Offering comfort, prayer, and companionship to those who are suffering or isolated.
Hospitality: Welcoming and serving others, including strangers and the marginalized.
- Works of Evangelism Sharing the Gospel: Speaking about Jesus Christ and His teachings to others.
Missionary Work: Traveling to spread the Christian faith and serve communities in need.
Discipleship: Teaching and mentoring others in their spiritual growth.
- Works of Moral Living Obedience to God’s Commands: Following Biblical principles in daily life (e.g., honesty, purity, forgiveness).
Integrity and Justice: Acting fairly and standing against oppression or wrongdoing.
Repentance: Confessing sins and striving for a transformed life.
- Works of Community Participation in Church Activities: Supporting church ministries, attending services, and engaging in fellowship.
Serving in Ministries: Volunteering in various capacities, such as teaching, music, or hospitality.
Building Unity: Promoting peace, reconciliation, and harmony among Christians and in the wider community.
- Sacramental Works (Depending on Tradition) Baptism and Communion: Observing sacraments as outward expressions of faith.
Marriage and Anointing: Participating in rites that signify God’s blessings and presence in key life moments.
Biblical Context for Christian Works Christian teachings emphasize that good works are a response to God’s grace rather than a means of earning salvation. Key passages include:
Ephesians 2:8-10: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
James 2:17: "Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
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Timothy C Stone
AMP Jesus answered him, “If you wish to be perfect [that is, have the spiritual maturity that accompanies godly character with no moral or ethical deficiencies], go and sell what you have and give [the money] to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me [becoming My disciple, believing and trusting in Me and walking the same path of life that I walk].” Nothing here about hoarding wealth and having private jets. Yes William Morehead they should be condemned for greed and their love of money. These 'people' are leeches living off the elderly and poor with promises of a 10 fold return for sending what ever they can. I saw Mike Murdock on a late night Evangelical show and all I can think is there is a special level in Hell for this charlatan.
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William Morehead
One more thing. There are no new rules for God's people. And the old rules were fulfilled in the life testimony and sovereignty of Jesus Christ. The point is to make approaching a relationship with Jesus ready available and attainable to a dying world. And yeah that's sloppy grace. And yeah people abuse the hell out of it. But it's still there. The reason so that the ones who respond to Jesus in love and good faith have breathing room to learn and grow. I'll tell you what I imagine Jesus posting here today. "Hookers, Politicians, would be saints. All can come without fear. Sit and reason together with me and I will meet you were you're at for as long as you like. " I can't imagine a word about any rules necessary in that conversation either for relationship to take root.
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Warren Calvin Wall
Tell the Catholics and the Jews that wealth is bad. These prosperity preachers had good teachers and paid attention. Religion is a graft that only governments and corporations exceed.
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Travis Alan Smith
Well if you want to throw 2 of the deadly sins out right off the top, gluttony and pride, then that works make it more fine. Also pretty sure money was deemed to be Satan’s creation, so really he’s just worshipping Satan.
Money by donation or collection was made to help sustain the church and fill its basic needs of operation and support. The extra should be given to charities, hospitals, missions, etc. anything that helps in the mission statement of the church.
I’m sorry but all the ones mentioned in the article aren’t men of God, they are agents of Satan disguised as holy men to make money and get rich without helping the faith at all. Blasphemy and hypocrisy at its finest. And you wonder why the Christian institution is falling apart and losing followers.
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Florencio Guevara
I don't believe so... The reason that they're still alive is because the Devil doesn't want to lose his job!!!
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Richard Thomas Orne
From what I read, apparently this pastor and congregation are on the same page. Having said that, however, my approach is a bit more humble addressing needs on a more one to one basis in a more subdued setting. Is it "wrong"?....not for me to say. Is it "my" way?....no. Gave parishioners whatever is needed
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Luisa Fernanda Montalvo Arroyave
I remember the Gemstone's tv show... same thing
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Terrence Monroe Brannon
amazing what 15 million dollars will get you in Texas. Here in SOuth Florida, you would never get that much land and 6 houses... it would probably run 100 million if you could find the space.
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Matthew Mastrogiovanni
Christian corruption at it's finest.
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Walter J. Holbrook
I ask what do they do for the people in the church
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Rudolph M Garza
Never mind where the pastor lives. Some of the parishioners are worth meeting! A few drinks and hallelujah! Praise the lord. Wait until next Sunday repeat and drink! LOL.
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Stacey Owens
The people who support these false preachers, teacher, and prophets suffer destruction for the lack of knowledge. They stop having a relationship with God. They became unaware with worship with God and took their worship in worshipping other gospel. This caused them to worship an idol.
The scriptures specifically say, Him (God) only shall you worship. As it is written, "Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things,"
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Patricia Sydney Solis
I smell a sex scandal… where there’s money and preachers there’s shadow and explosive sex.
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Daniel Gray
Why should ANYONE who calls themselves a pastor need a multimillion dollar house, or a plane or a yacht or a BMW or a rolex watch or a suit that costs more then a down payment on a car. They are suppose to be paid enough to get by, not to live in luxury as that is not what their oath of office tells them.
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Guy E. Sanders Jr
In Matthew 23, verse 15, Jesus called out the religious leaders of the day (the Pharisees) saying, “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when you have succeeded, you make them twice as much a child of hell as you are.”
He calls down woe upon them because they go out of their way under the pretext of teaching and drawing people closer to God and to their own spirituality, but they are seeking followers for themselves. They were not seeking to inform, to educate, or to elevate the people. They were seeking to elevate themselves, to draw attention to themselves, and to draw followers to themselves. In doing so, they were not bringing them true enlightenment, and they were not making them disciples of anyone other than themselves.
Again, we can read the entire chapter of Matthew 23 and see Jesus boldly addressing the hypocrisy of those who were supposed to be leading the people spiritually, but they were more concerned with their own positions and prominence. He calls them out for their love pf material gain. He chastises them for claiming to revere the prophets and the word but says that they are instead like those who slew those prophets because they did not follow their words and were leading the people astray.
If "Christian" means "Christ-like" or a "follower of Christ", then maybe the example of his modesty, of his ministry to the poor and working class, the fact that he didn't live opulently, and that he repeatedly told his disciples to "Feed my sheep", speaks volumes. Remember the parable of the king who said, Because you did this for the least ones of my people. you did it for me", this example of personal largess seems diametrically opposed to the message he gave about those shepherding the flock.
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Herbert S. Hiatt
Jesus told the apostles in Mark 14:7 "You will always have the poor among you, and you can help them whenever you want to. But you will not always have me.." .New Living Translation This kind of goes back to Malachi chapters 2 and 3, where the prophet was rebuking THE PRIESTS for not helping the poor, the widow, the fatherless, the stranger in the land. Not only were they robbing God, they robbed the nation of Israel. The Book of Malachi has nothing to do with the New Testament Church and by the prosperity gospel proponents preaching tithing in the New Covenant, they are essentially doing the same thing as the priests in the Book of Malachi. The poor are stolen from by giving their hard earned money to these crooks.
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JT Sunrise
WOE TO THE PASTOR WHO BUILDS MANSIONS: A PROPHETIC FIRE AGAINST PROSPERITY GOSPEL
✝️ By Rev JTSUNRISE, Celestial Nexus Church
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🏠 The Scandal in Plain Sight
Recently, Texas Bishop I.V. Hilliard’s $15 million mansion compound—complete with banquet halls, multiple kitchens, salons, tennis courts, a 22‑car garage, and six homes labeled as “parsonage”—has gone viral.
It’s not an isolated case. Televangelists like Kenneth Copeland, Joel Osteen, T.D. Jakes—some owning $10–15 million estates—have quietly built empires on the backs of congregations, often tax‑exempt under the guise of ministry .
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⚖️ Jesus’s Furious Rebuke of Hypocrites
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees… for you shut the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.” (Matt 23:13)
Jesus did not collect tithes for real estate empire-building. He knelt by the leper, he fed the poor, he rebuked merchants in the temple, and he warned leaders who “load people with burdens hard to carry.” (Luke 11:46)
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🎭 The Problem of Preaching Prosperity
The “prosperity gospel” claims wealth equals divine blessing. But Scripture declares: • “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” (1 Tim 6:10) • And when pastors lord riches over the poor, they echo the lawless priests of Malachi’s rebuke: “You have turned from the way… you have caused many to stumble…” (Mal 2:8–9)  
In contrast, true prophetic ministry sacrifices comfort for service, channeling resources into healing, feeding, and lifting the oppressed.
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🕯️ Prophetic Contrast: Modesty vs. Magnolias
Pastors serving in India’s poorest regions live homeless or in borrowed homes, directing every penny to orphans, widows, and the beaten-down .
Consider Pastor Dewey Moede’s lament:
“When Pastors live in multimillion‑dollar mansions, it’s not a sign of God’s blessing—but our own sinfulness.”
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🔥 A Call to Spiritual Conviction 1. Lawless luxury: When your parsonage rivals royal estates, and you’re tax-exempt, you’ve replaced service with seduction. 2. False altars: You preach about sacrifice while sacrificing the needy on the altar of appearance. 3. Reverse the curse: Jesus said to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, welcome the stranger—not fill banquet halls with your own glory (Matt 25).
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💔 Final Reckoning • If your house could hide a small church inside, something is wrong. • If your tax status builds personal empire, you’re profiting from poverty. • If your followers fund your lifestyle while starving, you’re not shepherd—you’re a fleece-er.
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🌱 The Way of True Gospel
Real ministry looks like this: • Kneeling beside the broken, not strutting in marble foyers. • Shrinking your footprint to grow the Kingdom. • Building schools and hospitals, not mansions.
I’m sure that those “preachers” will have a special place in hell for taking advantage of their poverty level parishioners. The grift is disgusting!
AMEN to that!