PRESIDING BISHOP CHARLES E BLAKE AND THE $10 MILLION DOLLAR HOME!

First, what qualifies me to talk on this subject? The answer is my family's long standing relationship with West Angeles Church Of God In Christ and Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr.

West Angeles (in Los Angeles, California) was founded by Pastor Clarence Church in 1943. Clarence Church was from St Louis, Missouri. When he left St Louis (with a band of saints) to head West; I had family members that were among his flock (and served as founding members of West Angeles).

During Church's tenure, West Angeles grew to a membership of 500 (a BIG church for that day) and built a beautiful church on West Adams Blvd in Los Angeles. Once Elder Church died, there was a struggle between the congregation and the bishop; regarding the leadership of the church. In the Church Of God In Christ, the bishop appoints the pastor. This is a struggle for some who feel like it is their church and the bishop should not have that say so. The infighting caused the membership to dwindle from 500 to 50.

This was the case with West Angeles in 1969. Bishop Samuel Crouch was serving as Jurisdictional Bishop at the time. Many of the members felt that they (including some of my family members) had mortgaged their personal homes to build West Angeles; and no bishop had the right to come in and dictate regarding what they had worked hard for. It was nothing personal against (the then) Elder Charles E. Blake, Sr.

Nevertheless, when Bishop Crouch marched in with Elder Blake, to appoint him (Blake) as the pastor; the members were dead set against it. Many people have heard the infamous story of how Bishop Crouch walked out of the meeting and told Elder Blake, "It's yours my boy," and how Elder Blake asked the congregation to "Give me a chance." Not only did West Angeles give the young Elder a chance; but that young Elder proved what God will do, with a vessel that is yielded and willing for God to use him.

The then "Elder" Blake was known to be different from the other preachers. While other preachers were socializing; this young man was reading books and attending seminars on how to grow his church. Even though the church tripled in the first few years of the "Blake administration," it was in the late 70's that the growth was exponential. The church had to increase from two to four morning services (not including the Sunday evening service). Membership exploded from 3,000 to 9,000 to 15,000 and eventually over 25,000 members. Annual church income topped over $15 million dollars. Eventually, the $65 million West Angeles Cathedral was built (and it is just about paid for).

How did the church grow? Yes, Bishop Blake has always been a dynamic speaker. Yes, West Angeles has always had a superb music ministry. But, while preaching and singing has always been a hallmark for the black church; West Angeles grew through programs. Bishop Blake's philosophy was that if your offer programs for the community; the people will realize that, "that church is the place to go to get your needs met."

Thus, Bishop Blake and West Angeles have been committed to providing jobs (over 200 people are employed through the church, providing low income housing (through their Community Development Corporation), and, so many other things have benefited the community. Bishop Blake and West Angeles are highly revered in Los Angeles. It's just sad that when we as black people have exceptional leaders in the community we are the first to tear them down. Those outside of the black community can sit back and watch us foolishly fight each other. This is why it's so hard for blacks in America to advance. Old "Massa" sure did a work on us blacks. We are so divided, all these years after slavery.

Where do we get it from that preachers have to be poor? I am not a "prosperity preacher." But, I do not believe in being broke either. Some may say that Jesus was poor. But, remember (1) he had a treasurer and (2) he had a group of women that underwrote the bills for His ministry! Oh boy! Can you imagine the headlines on social media that people would have about Jesus; a single man with a group of women paying his bills? I've got Bible:

John 13:29 Since Judas had charge of the money, some thought Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the festival, or to give something to the poor.

Luke 8:1-3 After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, ²and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; ³Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.

So Jesus did not need to personally have tons of money. He had both supporters and staff to manage the resources. Not only that, but most scholars believe that Jesus' "headquarters" of his ministry was in Capernaum. The apostle Peter's house was at Capernaum. And it is believed that this is where Jesus resided (Matthew 8:14; Mark 1:29-31).

I have personally been to Capernaum many times and have seen the ruins of Peter's house. Let me say it this way: Peter had a HUGE house. His house was almost as big as the city synagogue. Furthermore, it was so big that a big Catholic church has been built over the house's ruins. If you do not believe me; go to Israel, visit Capernaum and see it for yourself. Can you imagine the talk on social media (if it would have existed at that time) about Jesus staying in this huge house or about Peter and his big mansion?

No wonder Peter had some issues, regarding being gone from his household so much for 3 and 1/2 years to follow Jesus' itinerant ministry. Jesus promised Peter that he (Peter) would be repaid in the hereafter and the NOW with houses and other things:

Matthew 19:27-29 Peter answered him, "We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?" ²⁸Jesus said to them, "Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. ²⁹And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.

The Bible also exhorts that ministers who do a good job at presenting the Gospel and caring for God's people should be paid adequately:

1 Corinthians 9:14 In the same way, the LORD has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the Gospel.

Galatians 6:6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.

I personally know that Bishop Blake does not "charge" to preach like some of these modern day "wonders." He graciously receives whatever he is given. He does not "demand" that you fly him in a private jet or first class. Most people do not know that when he receives large honorariums, not only does he publicly give most of it back; but, after preaching, he then goes to the office and donates an even larger sum to the hosting ministry. Hmmm. I wonder why that is not discussed on social media?

Yes, you do have some no good preachers that steal money, take advantage of the people and are wolves in sheep's clothing. But, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH, with people taking all preachers and putting them in the same boat. Everyone is not a hireling. You do have preachers that sacrifice, work jobs, work themselves to the bone; and you ALSO HAVE people that take advantage of that as well.

I have found that out for myself; after being the ministry 30 of my 45 years of life. People will take advantage of a minister and think nothing of it. I remember offering free counseling and weddings to people as a service to the community. Then word spread around town and people started taking advantage of it. I have paid for years of undergraduate and graduate schooling to professionally do what I do. You will pay the caterer, pay for a hall, pay the wedding coordinator, pay for the invitations; then when it comes to me offering weeks of classes (counseling) and a wedding, you want it for free? And, the devil is a liar! So if a man works hard, invests, manages properly, tends to the people of God and the Lord blesses him with a $10 million dollar house: I am happy for him!

Most people say that their tithes should not cover that. But, in the average church, only 20% of the people are tithing; and that is NOT consistently. Thus, many preachers have to work jobs and establish investments.  That's what I have done. I worked a job for 17 years (even WHILE being a bishop and a national officer). So it's foolish of people to refer to, "all these preachers taking the tithes." Do not incriminate all preachers; because of a few rotten apples.

A few years ago I had bought a nice car (a red BMW 325I). People had something to say about it. Something along the lines of the tithes paying going for my car. I did not take it sitting down. At that time I was a radio minister. I got on the air and stated, "I work a job. You people complaining don't pay tithes in the first place. I get my money from my job. It's mine. And, if I want to take my money and put it in the middle of Union Boulevard and burn it; you have NOTHING to say about it." Needless to say; the talk ceased after that. We have no idea how the bishop has worked or invested to acquire his estate. And, from what I personally know; his income has been earned fair and square.

Why do we as a people want something for nothing? Just because a pastor or church "gives to the community" does not mean that the community will reciprocate to that church or minister. At my own church, we have given away as much as 15,000 toys per year to the needy during Christmas, over 3,000 turkeys to the needy at Thanksgiving and feed over 200 people every week. Yet, when our church was broken into (4 times in 18 months) NO ONE from that same community knew anything or saw anything. Yeah right (sarcastic tone)! So you can do everything for the community and people will still complain or not support the work of the Lord. So if a man acquires a nice house; more power to him.

Also, for everyone talking, has anyone taken the time to compare the cost of living between Beverly Hills and other locations in the United States? Watch this: a decent 3 bedroom 2 bath house in St Louis, Missouri can be bought for $55,000. That same house in Beverly Hills (as a fixer upper) will run you $1.6 million! A 7 bedroom house in Beverly Hills (like the one pictured) will run you $10 million. You can get that same type of house in St Louis for $800,000. Zip code and location means a lot. Someone may ask, "Why then live in Beverly Hills?" Well, last I checked the United States is a free country and a man can live wherever he chooses.

In summary, (1) as black people we need to stop publicly fighting each other. If we have a problem with someone contact them, set up a meeting and voice our concerns. But, we look IGNORANT to outsiders, fighting with each other out in the public. And, most of the complaining I hear is covetousness and jealousy. We say we want better jobs and living conditions. Then when someone gets it we fight him/her. What sense does that make? (2) If a person does a great job at what they do; they have a right to enjoy the benefits, just like anyone else does on their job. Ecclesiastes 3:13 says, "And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God." Bishop Blake is almost 80 years old and has pastored the same church successfully for 49 years. I think anyone that has worked on a job for almost half a century deserves a nice place to stay.

The Bishop has made it known that he has downsized drastically; as it is just Lady Mae Blake and he in the household now. But, if he went and acquired a $20 million house with 14 bathrooms; I would yet be happy for him.