Creflo Dollar

Creflo Dollar is an American pastor, televangelist, and founder of World Changers Church International. He is known for his prominence in the prosperity theology movement, televised ministries, and authorship, having influenced and interacted with numerous leaders, institutions, and media platforms.

Early life and education

Dollar was born in College Park, Georgia and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. He attended West Georgia College (now the University of West Georgia) and later studied at Atlanta Baptist College (now Morehouse School of Religion). During his formative years he was influenced by local pastors and ministries in Georgia, including interactions with leaders from Mount Vernon Baptist Church (Atlanta), Ebenezer Baptist Church, and ministries associated with figures like Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy. He later pursued ordination and pastoral training that connected him to networks in New York City, Dallas, Texas, and Los Angeles, California through conferences and seminars.

Ministry and World Changers Church International

In 1986 Dollar founded World Changers Church International (WCCI) in College Park, Georgia, expanding services across multiple campuses and media outlets. WCCI built large facilities in the Atlanta area, drawing comparisons with megachurches such as Lakewood Church, Hillsong Church, Elevation Church, and Saddleback Church. The ministry developed broadcast partnerships with networks including TBN, Trinity Broadcasting Network, BET, Black Entertainment Television, and syndicated programming on local affiliates in New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Houston. Dollar's organization engaged with Christian networks and fellow pastors such as Joel Osteen, Kenneth Copeland, Benny Hinn, Joyce Meyer, and T.D. Jakes through conferences, joint appearances, and media events. WCCI hosted conferences featuring speakers from institutions like Fuller Theological Seminary, Moody Bible Institute, and Liberty University.

Teachings and theology

Dollar is primarily identified with the prosperity gospel and the Word of Faith movement, theological strains associated with figures such as Kenneth Hagin, Kenneth Copeland, E. W. Kenyon, and Charles Capps. His published books and sermons often cite passages from the Bible and engage with theological debates connected to New Thought influences and charismatic practices found in congregations like Redeemed Christian Church of God and Christian and Missionary Alliance contexts. Critics and supporters have compared his messages with teachings by Charles Stanley, John Piper, Tim Keller, Rick Warren, and Alistair Begg', creating dialogue across evangelical, Pentecostal, and charismatic circles. Dollar's theology emphasizes faith, confession, stewardship, and tithing, themes debated in academic settings at Harvard Divinity School, Yale Divinity School, Princeton Theological Seminary, and Union Theological Seminary.

Controversies and legal issues

Dollar's ministry has faced public scrutiny and legal challenges, including Internal Revenue Service inquiries and media investigations alongside other televangelists such as Jimmy Swaggart, Jim Bakker, and Robert Tilton. High-profile controversies involved allegations about personal wealth, ministry funding, and a 2012 tax-exempt status probe that drew attention from outlets like The New York Times, The Washington Post, Associated Press, and CNN. In 2015 Dollar faced civil litigation regarding personal conduct; the case brought him into public discourse alongside legal matters involving pastors like T.D. Jakes (publicized legal issues) and clergy who have faced lawsuits in federal and state courts, including filings in Fulton County, Georgia courts and appeals that referenced precedents from the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. Media commentary and investigative reporting compared these events to broader accountability debates involving institutions such as Christian Coalition, National Association of Evangelicals, and watchdogs like National Religious Broadcasters and Faithful Accountability-style groups. Responses from religious leaders including Franklin Graham, Russell Moore, and Richard Land contributed to public theological and ethical discussion.

Philanthropy and public engagements

Dollar and WCCI have engaged in philanthropic initiatives and community programs in Atlanta, partnering with local charities, schools, and civic leaders including mayors of Atlanta and organizations like United Way, Salvation Army, and Habitat for Humanity. The ministry has organized relief efforts and international outreach similar to activities by World Vision, Samaritan's Purse, Compassion International, and ecumenical partnerships with churches in Africa, Latin America, and India. Dollar has participated in interfaith and civic events, conferences at venues like Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Georgia World Congress Center, and appeared on panels with public figures from Congress members, civic leaders, and media personalities from The Today Show, Good Morning America, and Fox News. His public engagements include publishing books and hosting seminars that intersect with business and leadership circles found at Harvard Business School executive programs, faith-based leadership networks, and entrepreneurial conferences.

Category:American pastors Category:People from College Park, Georgia Category:1962 births