By REV. DR. JOHN HATCHER
Religion Columnist

Let me say a word about the mighty Dollar. Creflo, that is. He's pastor of the largest church in the region, World Changers of College Park.

Recently, he's taken a lot of flack because his church gave 100 gifts of a $1,000 each to south metro law enforcement officers. On top of that, confidential church giving records of Evander Holyfield have been thrown out to the news media (How would you like your church giving record passed around the community—regardless of how little or how much?). To us in the church, it looks like Evander is an obedient giver. Praise God!

Let me reflect: several months ago, a young couple came to me for counseling on advice from the son's father who is also a pastor. After meeting with them three times and giving them my best shot, I realized their hardest struggle was finance. Basically, how to handle money in a way God will bless.

Well, I did something I never did before. I recommended that they start attending World Changers Church because in my words, “Pastor Dollar seems to have an extraordinary anointing to minister the Word of God so that people can realize their fullest potential—beginning with a Biblical handle on their finances.” The couple had heard other ministers diss Pastor Dollar and was therefore a little amazed I would so advise. The last word I heard, they were attending and growing.

Another story: Pastor Rick Snow of Atlanta City Church, one of the most integrated churches in the south side, told me that he wanted to know more about Pastor Dollar's anointing. So, he attended a national conference held at World Changers. He told me that in every way he was blessed, encouraged, and strengthened in the Word of God.

With that as background, let me get in the corner with Creflo. I don't know another pastor who is worth his salt who would be willing to testify in divorce court. Those of us who believe in the inerrancy of the Scriptures, believe God hates divorce. That does not, however, preclude divorce from visiting us.

Second, we also know that no divorce is ever a “no-fault” divorce. Both parties are at fault. It takes two to tangle. Why should any minister be forced to participate in a matter against which he solemnly stands (even conscientious objectors evaded the draft)? I've had members of my church to divorce, but thank God neither asked me to participate in their illegal funeral.

Third, about giving law enforcement officers $1,000 each. Praise God! In this very column I have written more than once that men and women of the badge of the law are grossly underpaid. They put their heart in the way of a bullet. Evander only puts his head out for a punch. Policemen and school teachers should be making in the range of $75,000 to $100,000 a year. Baseball players—because they love to play so much—should be making $25,000 to $50,000 a year.

What's more, from cover to cover Biblical religion commands the church to care for the powerless people of the community. Was not World Changers gifts an effort to lift up the valley police officers often find themselves—working two jobs, putting their lives on the line, families worried if they will come home that day.

So, Creflo, hooray for you. Our church will help make bail. Keep helping people to their potential in God. Let us other ministers turn green or keep the prayer wheel turning for you!

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