Prosperity preachers are often the subject of controversy, and Kenneth Hagin Jr is no exception. The son of the late Kenneth Hagin Sr, who was a prominent figure in the Word of Faith movement, Hagin Jr is a televangelist and pastor who has been criticized for his lavish lifestyle, including his ownership of a private jet.
Who is Kenneth Hagin Jr?
Kenneth Hagin Jr was born in 1963 in Texas. He is the son of Kenneth Hagin Sr, who founded Rhema Bible Training College in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Hagin Jr followed in his father’s footsteps and became a minister, serving as the senior pastor of Rhema Bible Church in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
Hagin Jr is also a televangelist and the host of the program “Rhema for Today,” which airs on several Christian television networks.
Why Does Kenneth Hagin Jr Own a Private Jet?
Kenneth Hagin Jr owns a Gulfstream G-IV private jet, which he purchased in 2003 for $5.5 million. He has defended his ownership of the jet, saying that it allows him to travel more efficiently and reach more people with the gospel.
However, critics have questioned the need for a private jet, especially given the high cost of operating and maintaining such a vehicle. They argue that the money spent on the jet could be better used to help those in need.
What Do Critics Say About Kenneth Hagin Jr’s Private Jet?
Critics of Kenneth Hagin Jr’s ownership of a private jet argue that it is a symbol of his extravagant lifestyle and a departure from the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized humility and service to others.
They also point out that Hagin Jr is not the only prosperity preacher to own a private jet. Other high-profile televangelists, such as Joel Osteen and Creflo Dollar, have also come under fire for their ownership of private jets.
What Does Kenneth Hagin Jr Say in Response to the Criticism?
Kenneth Hagin Jr has defended his ownership of the private jet, saying that it is a tool that allows him to reach more people with the gospel. He has also pointed out that he does not receive a salary from his church and that he and his wife live modestly.
Hagin Jr has also said that the criticism is unfair and that he is being targeted because of his success as a minister. He has accused his critics of being jealous and envious of his lifestyle.
What Does the Bible Say About Wealth and Prosperity?
The Bible has many teachings about wealth and prosperity, and these teachings are often cited by prosperity preachers to support their message.
One of the most well-known verses is 3 John 1:2, which says, “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” Other verses that are often cited include Proverbs 10:22, which says, “The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it,” and Deuteronomy 8:18, which says, “And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth.”
However, critics of prosperity preaching argue that these verses are taken out of context and that the Bible actually teaches a message of humility and service to others. They point to verses such as Matthew 6:19-21, which says, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Kenneth Hagin Jr’s ownership of a private jet is just one example of the debate over prosperity preaching that has been ongoing for many years.
While some see the message of prosperity as a positive one that can help people achieve financial success and fulfill their God-given potential, others see it as a departure from the true message of the Bible.
Ultimately, the debate over prosperity preaching is likely to continue, and it remains up to each individual to decide whether they believe in its message or not.