With one of the Qcity’s preeminent pastors under federal indictment and facing non-criminal claims of lavish living, a reader sent us a recent Essence magazine interview featuring pastor and gospel singer Donnie McClurkin.
The article, published in March, seems especially relevant given the controversy now surrounding Bishop Anthony Jinwright, senior pastor of Greater Salem Church.
McClurkin chides some pastors for being overly concerned with money and not concerned enough with serving their congregants.
In one part of the interview he said:
I get so mad when I see these pimpin’ preachers driving Rolls-Royces, Bentleys, flying around in their private jets, and making it seem like prosperity and money is the way of God when 90 percent of your congregation is on Section 8 or can’t figure out how they are going to keep their lights on or feed their kids. I’m big on perception, and what would it look like for me to live so lavishly if the people in my church are struggling?
He also added:
Do you think if Jesus was here on earth he’d be spending all his time in the church? No, he’d be out with the people who need him the most on the streets. People tell me how they want their pastor to be prosperous and I tell them I want the people to be prosperous. I’ve realized that just because you can go out and do something it doesn’t mean it’s the best thing to do.
Click here to read what else McClurkin said.
