A "Pulpit Pimp" Could Be Taking Advantage of You

Pastor John Gray of Relentless Church in Greenville, South Carolina, recently called out the one-way street of giving that exists in too many Black churches. Have you ever wondered where church donations actually go?

He spoke of “pulpit pimps,” church leaders who take plenty in donations and “who want to get fat off people but don’t want to meet the needs of the poor people.” Stories of church pastors using collections to purchase luxury private jets support his argument.

To combat this legacy of greed in the church, Pastor Gray led by example, calling on those in attendance to take what they needed from the collection plates or offering baskets. Many congregants were so blessed by this they wept.

Though Gray has come under fire for ethical issues himself, his message is still relevant. If a church is using collections so its leadership lives lavishly, while congregants and the community continue to suffer, why should anyone give?

There are leaders throughout our entire religious community who take and take but never give. It’s important that we hold these leaders accountable, so we as a community get the help and care we deserve.

When you think of your current or past religious leaders, do they make you proud because they invest their resources into the community they serve?