Why Pastor Creflo Dollar’s Massive Church Is Losing Members and Why It’s Getting Worse

On a historic June morning in 2022, Pastor Creflo Dollar stood before nearly 30,000 congregants and uttered words few expected: “I was wrong about tithing.”

For decades, Dollar had built his ministry—and his reputation—on the firm belief that Christians must give 10% of their income to the church, warning of divine curses for failure to comply.

This teaching formed the backbone of his sermons, books, and ministry structure, fueling explosive growth.

Yet, in that moment, he dismantled it all, urging followers to discard every teaching on mandatory tithing.

Dollar’s journey began in 1986 with eight people in an elementary school cafeteria in College Park, Georgia.

Over the next decade, his church expanded rapidly, culminating in the construction of the World Dome, an $18 million sanctuary seating 5,000.

By 2007, World Changers Church International claimed 30,000 members and nearly $69 million in annual revenue.

Dollar’s prosperity gospel message—that God desires believers to be financially successful and that tithing unlocks blessings—resonated widely, aided by his global television program reaching over a billion homes.

However, tensions simmered beneath the surface.

Dollar’s lavish lifestyle—multiple million-dollar homes, luxury cars, and private jets—contrasted sharply with the financial struggles of many congregants.

The 2015 Project G650 campaign, seeking $65 million for a private jet, ignited fierce backlash, including criticism from gospel artist Kirk Franklin and mainstream media ridicule.

Aviation experts debunked claims that the jet was needed for humanitarian aid, exposing contradictions in Dollar’s defense.

Dollar’s ministry also faced scrutiny from the U.S.

Senate Finance Committee in 2007, investigating misuse of tax-exempt funds among televangelists.

Dollar’s refusal to cooperate earned him a reputation as the least transparent leader in the probe, which ended without charges but with a scathing report on financial accountability.

Watchdog groups consistently rated his ministry poorly for lack of transparency.

Personal controversies added to the strain.

In 2012, Dollar was arrested following allegations of assault against his teenage daughter, charges later dropped after anger management completion.

These incidents, combined with financial scandals, eroded trust among some followers.

Dollar’s 2022 reversal on tithing deepened the crisis.

While his acknowledgment of error showed humility, his refusal to apologize or offer refunds left many feeling betrayed.

Critics cited biblical precedents for restitution, highlighting the ethical dilemma of profiting from teachings later deemed incorrect.

Moreover, Dollar’s ongoing prosperity teachings suggest only partial doctrinal change, leaving questions about other core beliefs.

The impact on congregants has been profound.

Many who faithfully gave 10% for years now wrestle with feelings of deception and financial hardship.

Yet, no organized support has emerged to help members process this revelation.

The broader prosperity gospel movement remains largely silent, with few leaders following Dollar’s example, raising concerns about systemic issues in church finance culture.

Despite these challenges, Dollar’s ministry endures, continuing operations across multiple states and countries, with ongoing media presence and educational initiatives.

This resilience underscores the complexity of faith communities, where loyalty, identity, and spiritual needs intertwine.

Dollar’s story illustrates the tension between monumental organizational success and theological missteps.

It raises vital questions about leadership responsibility, transparency, and the human cost of religious teachings.

As his church navigates this turbulent period, the broader Christian community watches closely, grappling with what accountability and faithfulness truly mean in an era of megachurches and prosperity theology.