World Changers Church Intl. Announces Purchase of $65M Jet Despite Previous Criticism

The World Changers Church International has recently announced that it will be purchasing a controversial Gulfstream G650 jet after receiving criticism for starting a fundraising campaign for the multi-million dollar jet back in March.

The board of World Changers Church International, founded by televangelist Creflo Dollar, said in a recent statement on its website that it is "necessary" to purchase the jet in order to fulfill the mission of the ministry.

"It is our belief that this ministry is called to serve people globally — to literally change the world according to the Great Commission — and our infrastructure and operational plan reflect the worldwide nature of that assignment. Our pastors share the gospel of Jesus more than 300 times per year — in churches, arenas, venues, convention centers, stadiums and other facilities across the entire planet — and are committed to aggressive travel schedules that cannot be fulfilled via any means other than private aircraft," to board said in a statement posted on the Creflo Dollar Ministries website.

"A long-range, high-speed, intercontinental jet aircraft is a tool that is necessary in order to fulfill the mission of the ministry. In light of an unfortunate accident that recently resulted in the ministry's aircraft being declared a total loss, it is our intention to purchase another airplane at a time, place and price of our choosing," the statement continued.

"We plan to acquire a Gulfstream G650 because it is the best, and it is a reflection of the level of excellence at which this organization chooses to operate. We, the World Changers family, so value the lives, the safety and the well-being of our pastors and leaders that we wish to provide to them the best air travel experience possible," the statement adds.

Dollar and his ministry received criticism earlier this year when they asked supporters to donate the $65 million needed to purchase the high-end jet. The fundraising campaign for the jet was ended shortly after it started among extreme criticism.