True ministers want to spread the word, like the farmer sowing the seed.  TD Jakes is doing it for money.  Jesus said you can’t serve two masters.  TD Jakes says you can-- combining business with ministry.  Preach the word, and make a profit at it.  This way he can live in a mansion, drive his fancy cars, wear the best suits and jewelry… bling, bling.

See my webcast for a review of his “stewardship” book he wrote:

http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/247/archives.asp (6-25-06 edition)

FYI, a Washington Post article on him:

http://www.trinityfi.org/press/tdjakes01.html

...Bernie

God is great!!! Always had this deep desire to be used by God!Started a children church in a very poor inner location but things did not turned out good>in the first couple of months about 70 children pitched up in the sixth month some parents stop they children from coming.

it hid me a time back when someone ask me. “Did God really called you there”

i pondered the whole day on that question allow the Holy spirit to work in my heart,it hurt me.

“did God really calling me into ministry” pray for me.
Shaun

Wendi said:
“You might be right, but IMO it would be good to avoid phrases like “TD Jakes is doing it for money.” Since none of us can get into the heart of another, we just cannot ever know another person’s motives.  We might know that WHAT someone does is objectionable or even sinful, but we just can’t know WHY one does those things. “

I feel like I have some insight into his heart by reading his book, where he shows his thoughts.

For anyone who wants to suport the “bling bling” of TD Jakes and people like him, I’d suggest getting the free book from “Gospel for Asia” ( http://www.gfa.org/gfa/ ).  It will show you how true ministers of God act and think.  Too bad the prosperity teachers, like TD Jakes, are the most prominent (getting the headlines) and misrepresenting Christianity to the masses.  Those who are really devoting their lives to Christ have no “bling bling” to splatter on the headlines, and if they did, they wouldn’t be showcasing it as if it was something to be proud of. 

“God is blessing me!” Oh really, TD? If God is blessing you, is it to live in LUXURY or to use for ministry?  People like him say you can do both-- essentially serving God and Money, which Jesus said couldn’t be done.  Look how Jesus and the apostles lived.  Look how the Prosperity Teachers live.  We are called to be Christ-like (Rom. 8:29).  I’m not saying we should sell everything and give it to the poor (although Jesus did say it); I’m saying as Christians our first love should be God and serving him, rather than justifying selfish living with Old Testament Bible passages.

Anyone who wants to justify Christian “bling bling” uses the dim light of the Old Testament. Maybe they should also sacrifice lambs and bulls, get circumcized, etc., for they aren’t following the teachings of Christ or the apostles.

Luke 12:32-34 (Jesus talking)
32"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Is he going to start charging to hear his sermons live?

Charging to recoup expenses, i.e. burning CD’s or tapes, shipping and handling, etc. I don’t have a problem with, but charging someone for downloading the sermon form the internet makes it like the sermons are intellectual/artistic property, like downloading music or movies.

How many well-known Pastors post their sermons onlline for others to use freely?  How many churches or Pastors post free podcasts of their sermons? 

Now I may be biased because our church posts a free podcast on our website, but to me it’s the message we’re trying to get out to people and we shouldn’t be charging for it.

Who is determining what a “true minister” is?
If you dont want to bling for the Lord, so be it.
I represent the God who owns everything, so why look like a poverty-stricken fool?

There are some very STRONG opinions on this topic.  Initially, after seeing the offer at Mega-Fest, I had some concerns, but after reviewing the offer, I found some genuine value in the subscription cost.  This is not just a download of a Sunday sermon, the user gets access to a full archive of T.D. Jakes’ sermons, teaching series, audio books, etc dating back years.  So, this isn’t about paying to get one Sunday message.  In addition, Bishop Jakes does in fact offer FREE 24-hour access to some of his messages on the church web site (http://www.thepottershouse.org/webcast_radio.html).  There is no charge to go here and listen to a message.

I’m troubled by some of the comments regarding this man’s character and motives.  I can personally state that God has touched my life through this ministry.  This is the testimony of thousands of others who have received Christ by way of this ministry.  If Bishop Jakes is out of order in any way, I trust God to deal with him as God sees fit.  We must exercise caution when speaking against men & women of God because you could truly be speaking against one whom God has called and annointed ("touch not mine annointed, do my prophets no harm").  Even David was cautious about speaking against King Saul, in all his folly, because Saul was still the chosen vessel of God.

It’s funny how people try to label Bishop Jakes a prosperity teacher when he actually teaches financial empowerment and responsibility.  As one who financially supports this ministry, I can HONESTLY say that I do see where the money is going and how it’s impacting lives.  No one is saying anything about the millions of dollars this ministry is spending digging water-wells in Kenya-Africa so people can have water; or the millions of dollars in aid to Katrina victims; or the way this ministry feeds and clothes the poor weekly.  This ministry IS doing the work of God and evangelizing....a $14.95/mo subscription will help continue these and other good works.

Tony,

I must admit, this does change my opinion to some extent, but still not all the way.  So the user will get access to more than just a sermon, but it is still in electronic form.  So why the $14.95? 

Todd originally stated that

“At a time when many ministries are using the internet as a tool to share their resources (messages, videos, graphics, service elements, etc.) for free, I’m surprised at this move by Jakes.”

Well, so am I.  Why is it that other churches can still put all of their stuff on their for free, but TD Jakes, who makes millions according to you, can not.

Why not?  My church is giving things away for multiple reasons, but the main one is that more and more will be saved.  To reach others for Christ.  Why is TD Jakes charging for it?  Will it really cost him $14.95 per person, per month to pay for the server space & site upkeep?

As a Christian, I represent the kingdom of God where ever I go. I don’t believe that there is any poverty in heaven.
Let God’s will be done here on earth as it is in heaven.
No, we should not be greedy. But money, used properly, can do a lot more for evangelizing the world than prayers with no action behind it.
Why does God give us the power to obtain wealth?

I appreciate the feedback on my comments.  I do want to underscore again that there are FREE audio resources available on the Potter’s House web site.  Robert expressed some valid concerns about Jakes’ work to advance the kingdom.  Here in Dallas, TX this work is evident, but I can see how someone outside of the local market may be unaware of what works are being done.  The media tends to miss out on many of these things because they focus more on “controversy”.  You should really come visit The Potter’s House, take a tour and hear about the difference being made in the community.

The flip side of the coin is that there are others like Bernie, who in their heart-of-hearts mean well, but unitentionally promote division in the body of Christ.  I can respect his concerns about televangelists and the “prosperity gospel” based on past history, but its unfair to classify EVERY single televangelist as having a personal financial agenda.  Bernie has OBVIOUS issues concerning money and the gospel based on his comments and web site.  I don’t know if he was hurt or burned by a televangelist in the past, but his comments are 100% weighted on one side.

As a Christian, I feel its unjust, divisive and unwise to publicly accuse men & women of God of an act of reproach without any tangible evidence.  Why? Because you risk hurting a ministry and the people it serves.  Circumstancial evidence, media comments and personal opinions do not equal the truth.  Has Bernie ever sat down with any of these ministers being accused?  Has he ever personally visited their churches?  Listen to them speak?  Does he pray for them? Ultimately, God will be the final judge, not Bernie.  The bible says that judgment will begin with the house of the Lord.  And yes, there is still much work to be done within the church body itself.

I can apreciate Bernie’s desire to “protect” the body of Christ, but find a way to do it without tearing down, man.  Get some valid evidence before making reckless comments.  Just as these men and women of God are accountable for anything they do to harm the “sheep”, we are also accountable for OUR speech against God’s appointed vessels.  What if your assumptions are wrong?  God is a God of order.  If the Holy Spirit is prompting you to speak out, I get that.  But, if it’s of God, it will be done with decency, order and with compassion, not anger.  If Jakes is wrong concerning the podcast fees or of any financial impropriety, this scripture sums it up best:

Galatians 6:1-3 (King James Version)
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.  Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.  For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

[As a Christian, I feel its unjust, divisive and unwise to publicly accuse men & women of God of an act of reproach without any tangible evidence.  Why? Because you risk hurting a ministry and the people it serves.  Circumstancial evidence, media comments and personal opinions do not equal the truth.  Has Bernie ever sat down with any of these ministers being accused?  Has he ever personally visited their churches?  Listen to them speak?  Does he pray for them? Ultimately, God will be the final judge, not Bernie.  The bible says that judgment will begin with the house of the Lord.  And yes, there is still much work to be done within the church body itself.]

The first assumption is that TD Jakes is a Believer.  TD Jakes believes a “Jesus Only” doctrine (Oneness); denying the Trinity.

A Cult is: anyone or group who changes the nature of God or Character of Jesus Christ.

Does anyone here consider the Pope wrong?  WHY???

Does anyone here consider Joseph Smith and the Mormon Church wrong?  WHY???

These are men who believe they are “appointed by God” to be “His vessel”.  Why are they wrong?  How do you know for sure.  Are you ABSOLUTELY sure???

It’s ludicrous to think that we shouldn’t stand for Sound Biblical Truth against men and women who teach contrary to scripture and are being deceived and deceiving others.

You accuse Bernie of being unjust, divisive and unwise to publicly accuse men and women of God without any tangible evidence.

Then you turn around and do the same to Bernie - accusing Bernie without any tangible evidence - becoming unjust, divisive and unwise yourself, the very thing you oppose.  How will you defend your judging Bernie???

“well, just look at what Bernie wrote”

can Bernie not use the same defense “well, just look at what TD Jakes has wrote, said or broadcast”

It is not scriptural to think that we should stand against false teaching and false teachers.  Israel suffered deeply for allowing such atrocities.  The world tells us we shouldn’t judge to defend themselves against being told what they say or do is wrong.  We don’t make up new judgments (legalism) we simply point to the judge (Christ) and proclaim His TRUE and Righteous and Perfect judgment.  Paul did it, John did it, James, Peter and yes, even our Perfect Example, Jesus - PRIMARILY to those who believed they were appointed vessels yet taught contrary to the scriptures because they were hard of heart and impenitent.

You ask Bernie; what if you are wrong Bernie?  If Bernie were wrong, I’m sure he would repent and ask forgiveness but Bernie is NOT wrong, he is simply trying to stand against a false teacher teaching falsehoods in that some or hopefully many Believers/people might escape the snares of a false teaching - these Believers and people are the ones we should be praying for.  TD Jakes knows the scriptures, just like the Pharisees and Judisers (sp) but they chose not to repent and instead to suppress the Truth in unrighteousness, just like TD Jakes (and a multitude more - some maybe even on this blog - who may teach the same but don’t broadcast in books, radio or television - hidden and unchalledged because many are not equipped - I thank God for a blog for a voice to hear what others believe and teach, share what you believe and teach and correct when it is wrong - some however really really avoid correction at all costs - perhaps even to the point of death).

[Just as these men and women of God are accountable for anything they do to harm the “sheep”, we are also accountable for OUR speech against God’s appointed vessels.  What if your assumptions are wrong?  God is a God of order.  If the Holy Spirit is prompting you to speak out, I get that.  But, if it’s of God, it will be done with decency, order and with compassion, not anger.]

Again, you chastise Bernie for “speech against God’s appointed vessels” then speak out against Bernie who may be one of “God’s appointed vessels” - where you too will be accountable - what if you’re wrong?  How do you know your wrong?  Are you absolutely sure?  Will you repent and ask forgiveness if you are wrong?

Bernie, I agree with everything you said. The reason I can’t say anymore is that you already said everything that needed to be said.

oh, another thought. What if we sought the Lord on this and listened to the Holy Spirit for guidance on Jakes’ teachings and this whole podcast thing. Has anybody done that yet?

I don’t want to sound flippant but I get a bit tired of the phrase ‘being led of the Spirit’. It seems that all one has to do is say “God made me do it” or “the Spirit led me” and that somehow justifies someone’s actions.

I have heard it said, “God told me to leave my wife because she is a hinderance to my ministry.” I’m sorry but that is just garbage. She made be a hindrance but you married her and that is a decision you’ll just have to live with.

In regards to TD Jakes. Is he led of the Spirit to charge? I don’t think so. Neither do I think Jesus would charge anyone to listen to His messages and believe me Jesus’ words are more important than TD Jakes. I don’t believe Paul would charge anyone for reading his epistles and I believe Paul is far more anointed that Jakes is.

I’m sick to death of Christians being fleeced of their hard earned money. I’ve been to Christian book stores where lightweight books written by Osteen and company cost an arm and a leg. The last straw for me was to see a book made out of the finest paper with wonderful pictures but ONE SENTENCE PER PAGE right in the middle of the book, that book being over 100 pages costing around £16 pounds. The entire story could be written on one sheet of paper.

Most of my books today I buy at ‘Book Aid’ a charity that donates Christian books to Africa but in order to keep the business running they sell Christian books at their branches. These books are usually books written in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Men of God known for their balanced theology and integrity like Oswald Chambers, Alexander McLaren and so on and I can get them for £1.  Men who did not write for money.

The point I’m trying to make is that we in the West live in a world where society does not care about God. We should be making resources available for people to get saved at a reasonable cost and for new Christians as well as old to be edified without extortion. One young Christian who is just a month old in the Lord just asked me where could he buy Christian books that were reasonable. I had to tell him that there was none except for book aid which is in the middle of nowhere in Nottinghamshire. A place where you have to take a couple of trains and a rural bus to get there.

Books and audio tapes and CDs should cost as little as possible. It should only be enough to print more stuff so that others can get the information to grow. AFter all our reward is in heaven and not on earth. Imagine if William Tyndale had charged the rates we charge today for his English translation of the New Testament? His mission was not to make money but to get the word of God out to people so that they could get saved. He went blind in the process.

As a pastor of an evangelical church I see many people make decisions for Jesus. The materials needed for each person is quite a bit for a church with limited finances like ours. I have had just to make a radical step and make my own booklets because buying the ones at the book store costs too much.

You know what. I don’t mind people making some profit off their work but come on, this is the kingdom and not a business.