Bishop Charles H. Ellis III will not apologize for being well off.
The Preachers of Detroit star and pastor of the 6,000 member Greater Grace Temple says “it doesn’t matter
what people think” about his financial status and possessions.
In an interview with CocoaFab.com, Ellis said, “My Bentley is 14 years old. If I want to update it, I will.”
He continued, “It doesn’t matter what people think. We as African Americans, after going through hundreds of
years of oppression and having people tell us where we can and can’t live, do you think I would care what people
think about where I live? Are you kidding me?”
Ellis, also Presiding Bishop of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (P.A.W.), built a $36 million dollar
ministry complex known as the “City of David,” and says he doesn’t need permission to live his life as he sees fit.
“Who is to say what you’re not spending it on? People shouldn’t assume,” he said. “How would I know what Magic
Johnson or Oprah Winfrey are spending their money on? What gives anybody the right to determine what
anyone is doing or not doing?”
After Creflo Dollar’s recent embarrassing request for $65 million in donations for a luxurious private jet, mega
pastors have come under renewed scrutiny.
An opinion editorial on TheGrio.com compares the perceived prosperity pimp to Jay-Z and Kanye West.
The scathing piece says, “Unfortunately, the version of the American Dream that too many in the black
community have opted for is the one that is preached in 4 – 5 minute songs. Not only is the message aspirational,
but just like in many prosperity churches you can buy a copy of the sermon, the book, a T-shirt, etc.”
Ellis, though aware of the harsh criticisms lobbed at what some perceive to be his ostentatious lifestyle, is
unmoved.
“I have heard people say I’m living well off of poor people,” he acknowledged. “We built a $36 million church 13
years ago. You can’t build a $36 million church that’s filled with poor people.”
He then asked rhetorically, “Why does it have to be a congregation full of poor people? Are we saying wealthy
people don’t need the Lord? They don’t worship the Lord?”
The Preachers of Detroit star and pastor of the 6,000 member Greater Grace Temple says “it doesn’t matter
what people think” about his financial status and possessions.
In an interview with CocoaFab.com, Ellis said, “My Bentley is 14 years old. If I want to update it, I will.”
He continued, “It doesn’t matter what people think. We as African Americans, after going through hundreds of
years of oppression and having people tell us where we can and can’t live, do you think I would care what people
think about where I live? Are you kidding me?”
Ellis, also Presiding Bishop of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (P.A.W.), built a $36 million dollar
ministry complex known as the “City of David,” and says he doesn’t need permission to live his life as he sees fit.
“Who is to say what you’re not spending it on? People shouldn’t assume,” he said. “How would I know what Magic
Johnson or Oprah Winfrey are spending their money on? What gives anybody the right to determine what
anyone is doing or not doing?”
After Creflo Dollar’s recent embarrassing request for $65 million in donations for a luxurious private jet, mega
pastors have come under renewed scrutiny.
An opinion editorial on TheGrio.com compares the perceived prosperity pimp to Jay-Z and Kanye West.
The scathing piece says, “Unfortunately, the version of the American Dream that too many in the black
community have opted for is the one that is preached in 4 – 5 minute songs. Not only is the message aspirational,
but just like in many prosperity churches you can buy a copy of the sermon, the book, a T-shirt, etc.”
Ellis, though aware of the harsh criticisms lobbed at what some perceive to be his ostentatious lifestyle, is
unmoved.
“I have heard people say I’m living well off of poor people,” he acknowledged. “We built a $36 million church 13
years ago. You can’t build a $36 million church that’s filled with poor people.”
He then asked rhetorically, “Why does it have to be a congregation full of poor people? Are we saying wealthy
people don’t need the Lord? They don’t worship the Lord?”
Bishop Charles Ellis Blasts Critics Of His Wealth
Want to weigh in? Email EEW editors at feedback@eewmagazine.com.
MARCH 23, 2015
Article By Lester Harris: Photo Credit: GETTY
| © Copyright 2015 Empowering Everyday Women Ministries |
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