Creflo Augustus Dollar, Jr., a prominent American pastor, televangelist, and founder of World Changers Church International, was born on January 28, 1962. His church, a non-denominational ministry, is situated in College Park, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta. In addition to leading the church, Dollar is at the helm of several organizations, including the Creflo Dollar Ministerial Association, Creflo Dollar Ministries, and Arrow Records.
Dollar earned his bachelor of science degree from West Georgia College, where he committed to his Christian faith during his freshman year. He later received an honorary doctor of divinity from Oral Roberts University in 1998, following his advanced studies in counseling.
Originally aspiring to a career in professional football, Dollar’s plans were altered due to an injury that limited his athletic participation during college. Redirecting his focus, he and his college roommate, Ken, began organizing Bible study sessions in their dormitory, laying the foundation for his future in ministry.
Dollar embarked on his ministerial journey in 1986, laying the groundwork for what would become the World Changers Ministries Christian Center. The inaugural service, held in the cafeteria of Kathleen Mitchell Elementary School in College Park, drew a modest attendance of eight. The ministry evolved into World Changers Church International (WCCI), transitioning from the school cafeteria to a dedicated chapel where it held four services every Sunday. Dollar also launched a weekly radio broadcast and a television program named “Changing Your World.”
On Dec. 24, 1995, WCCI relocated to the World Dome, an 8,500-seat facility. The church asserts that this nearly $20-million project was accomplished without bank loans. By 2007, WCCI boasted about 30,000 members and reported revenues of $70 million for 2006.
In a strategic expansion, Creflo Dollar Ministries leased the Loews Paradise Theater in the Bronx, New York, in October 2012, establishing a new church location.
Dollar has been subject to criticism for his ties to prosperity theology and maintaining an opulent lifestyle. His refusal to reveal his salary and the absence of financial transparency in his ministries have attracted critical attention. Ministry Watch assigned a failing grade to Creflo Dollar Ministries for its non-disclosure of financial details to independent audits.
Dollar was one of six televangelists involved in a 2007 investigation by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa, then the ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee. Grassley’s probe sought to determine if Dollar profited personally from financial donations and requested financial information from Dollar’s ministry. The investigation also included televangelists Benny Hinn, Kenneth Copeland, Eddie L. Long, Joyce Meyer, and Paula White. Dollar contested the probe, asserting that the IRS, not the Committee on Finance, is the appropriate entity to examine religious groups. The investigation concluded in 2011 without any charges, with Dollar and three others being uncooperative.
Dollar isn’t just a spiritual leader; he has also founded and invested in diverse businesses. Join Billionaires Africa as we delve into the businesses owned and invested in by the American televangelist.
1. Arrow Records: A Visionary Music Label
Arrow Records was founded in 1998 by Dollar’s wife, Taffi Dollar, who has a vision and a calling to produce music aimed at healing the sick, unleashing people into their long-desired freedom, restoring the brokenhearted, and helping people find their way back to God. As an affiliate of Creflo Dollar Ministries, Arrow Records upholds the principle of promoting music that deeply impacts listeners worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on their lives.
The artist roster at Arrow Records spans various genres, including jazz, soul, Christian, Gospel, and R&B. The label has featured a diverse array of artists such as Shonlock, Jeff Sparks, Ann Nesby, and Dria. Arrow Studio is equipped with cutting-edge technology and staffed by a team of skilled producers, writers, and engineers, providing a comprehensive recording experience for all artists involved. Currently, Arrow Records has nearly 4000 subscribers on YouTube.
2. Change Magazine: Inspiring Faith and Personal Growth
Dollar is the founder and publisher of Change Magazine. The magazine is an inspirational and faith-based publication. It’s designed to encourage and strengthen the faith of its readers, offering scripture meditations and nuggets of wisdom to guide them in their spiritual journey.
Each edition of Change Magazine often features specific themes or topics, such as embracing change, overcoming fear, and finding strength in God’s promises. The content is written to provide spiritual insights and practical guidance for everyday life, underscoring the significance of faith and trust in God. The magazine aims to be a resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding of Christian principles and apply them in their daily lives.
3. Real Estate Investments
Dollar is an accomplished investor in the real estate sector, holding a portfolio of several premium properties. His primary residence is a $2.4-million mansion spanning over 50 acres in Fayette County, close to Atlanta. In addition, he owns a $2.5-million upscale property in Demarest, New Jersey, and has made a substantial investment in Manhattan real estate, buying a property for $2.5 million in 2006 and profitably selling it for $3.75 million in 2012, making more than $1 million in profit.
4. Creflo Dollar’s Books
Dollar is a prolific author with a portfolio of around a hundred books, many of which have become bestsellers. His works, including titles like “8 Steps to Create the Life You Want: The Anatomy of a Successful Life,” “Live Without Fear: Learn to Walk in God’s Power and Peace,” and “The Successful Family: Everything You Need to Know to Build a Stronger Family,” provide readers with valuable insights from a spiritual perspective. These books aim to guide individuals on paths to prosperity and success in the contemporary world, merging practical life lessons with theological insights.
