Georgia mega church pastor, Creflo dollar has denounced his previous teachings on tithing. In fact, he humbly told members of World Changers Church that he was mistaken in his understanding and has adopted to an offering method called "grace giving." This pivot from a common church practice has gotten the attention of church goers and fellow pastors alike.
A CLOSER LOOK
Dollar, a chief proponent of the prosperity gospel, once depended on the offerings of his followers, holding an official fundraiser to fund the purchase of a jet. Along with 5 other mega church leaders named in a federal financial probe in 2007 launched by Republicans Chuck Grassley, Dollar was suspected of misusing the church's tax exempt status to maintain a personal life of worldly luxuries. He did not cooperate with the probe but the investigation found no misgivings.
Pastor Dollar is detached from any notion that Christians are to live pious lives, aligning with Kenneth Copeland of the word of faith movement which teaches that poverty is not Godly and money and material things can be gained by faith. What https://youtu.be/hTUHZsZzb00What prompted the televangelist to have a different perspective? He admits it was a misinterpretation of the scripture that states one-tenth of one's earnings belongs to God. He also says people should give cheerfully above just ten percent to honor God for His blessings.
This new teaching has been praised by many. However, some critics find it strange that he is pivoting from the principle of giving a set portion after embracing it for decades. Churches have depended on tithes and offerings to operate since Telling parishioners to give freely is nothing new.
SOUND DOCTRINE
Dollar said he is not going to apologize because he is still growing. Isn't an apology warranted for espouse false teaching for decades. Elderly people on fixed incomes, people in need of a miracle, and regular church attendees have al probably tithes into his ministry and supported his financial growth. It would be appropriate to express remorse in being wrong.