A Brooklyn pastor was robbed at gunpoint during a sermon on Sunday. The shocking robbery – caught on live-streamed video – left the pastor and his wife shaken… and about $1 million dollars lighter.
Video of the robbery is going viral on social media, but the collection plate of sympathy is running low, with many wondering how and why a pastor and his wife had a million dollars worth of jewelry on their person in the first place.
Lightening the Collection Plate
Pastor Lamor M. Whitehead, bishop at Leaders of Tomorrow International Ministries in Brooklyn, was delivering his usual Sunday sermon to both in-person parishioners and an online audience when three armed gunmen burst into the church.
Chaos ensued, as congregants undoubtedly thought they might soon be victims of a mass shooting. But the gunmen only wanted Pastor Whitehead’s jewelry. On the ground with guns in his face, Pastor Whitehead was relieved of his watch, rings, necklaces, and even his cross. Then the gunmen took his wife’s jewelry too, leaving the Brooklyn church with a haul valued at roughly a million dollars.
The ordeal was captured on the church’s live stream.
In later posts on social media, Pastor Whitehead claimed that “[the devil] sent them,” and announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to their arrest. Whitehead says that they violated not only him and his wife, but his church as well.
“You did this to the church, the church where I’m sure your grandmother praises God and Jesus,” he explained. “There’s no reason for you to come inside a church and violate it.”
Still, not everyone’s been sympathetic, especially after hearing the shocking amount of money the thieves made off with.
They have one question: How does a church pastor have a million dollars in jewelry in the first place?
The Root of All Evil?
Social media users had a very clear lack of sympathy for the flashy pastor.
One Twitter user asked, “Excuse me but why is a pastor wearing $1M of jewelry? Why does he even own $1M of jewelry? What kind of pastor is this?” and another implied that the thieves were “finally robbing them back.”
“Where did [he] get the money to buy all that ostentatious jewelry,” yet another user wondered. “Did he fleece his flock!”
Critics also quoted Bible verses promoting charity and humility… implying that this wealthy pastor isn’t exactly practicing what he preaches.
Rebutting the critics, Whitehead insists it is his “prerogative to purchase what I want to purchase if I worked hard for it.”
The incident reminded many of a popular Instagram account that highlights the expensive sneakers and designer clothing some pastors wear while asking for donations from congregants.
What do you think? Would Jesus approve of such grand displays of opulence by clergy members?
80 comments
-
Christopher R Sherer
I suggest that members of any church start viewing their religious leaders using the "Whitehead test." If they behave like this guy, you need to find a new leader. I don't care how good they sound. A voice isn't the word and truth is evident in one's actions.
-
Martin L Stigleman
I see a lot of attacks and defense of the guy, but no one really points out details about him and his church. In his younger days, Whitehead was a con man. He was arrested for identity theft. Once he got out of jail, he "Found God". The ministry in which he is "a high level bishop" was started by himself...and all his promotions were granted BY HIMSELF. Aside from the ministry, he and his wife each operate their own companies...NON PROFIT COMPANIES!! The average income in Brooklyn is around $94K...and yet this pastor has a net worth of almost $6 Million. There is no information, but it would be my guess that this is one of the "Tithe unto the Lord" churches, which forces it's members into a financial agreement to surrender a percentage of their income...one of the best scams Christianity has come up with yet!
Okay...took a break from writing and looked up the ministry website...NAILED IT!! The following is their Mission Statement, copied from their website;
"The Vision of Leaders of Tomorrow International Churches is to be an anointed church, a church where God has His way in the service and our lives, a deliverance church where people that are bound and in captivity can be set at liberty, a soul saving church where people can come and receive Jesus as their personal Savior, a healing church where sick bodies and souls shall be healed according to the Word of God, a church that honors the principles of tithing, so that we may experience the fullness of God’s Blessings, a Holy Ghost filled church so people can feel the presence of God, a church where the devil has no authority, and a church where God’s will is done."
Scam Artists!!
-
Tamara Suzanne Paradise
This is the reason why so many people are turning away from the church because those that are held as leaders in a church use the congregation to live life in my mind that is nowhere near christ-like they abuse their flock if you will and it also leads others to create churches and become a church leader when their heart is nowhere near with God just to get the money. Unfortunately the hypocrisy in the church is alive and well Satan's ways is running ever so strong through the blood of those with greed in their hearts. I do not agree with the robbery within itself cuz greed is awful and it seems that that Pastor whatever his title is didn't learn a lesson about greed because those who robbed them were full of greed no instead he's going to take $50,000 of the parishioners money to try and find this person. I have no trust in faith in those that lead a church in that manner henceforth why I became a minister my belief and faith in God as a calling and I take zero money for any teaching
-
Marathuzula
That's a Nice haul. I think it is legit that he found it in his heart to donate all that jewelry to the needy.
-
Sandra A Rasmussen
Reminds me of the days of Jim and Tammy Faye Baker—
-
Takaya Kovani Sweeney
Oh, well…they don’t need all of that dayum jewelry anyways.
-
Minister Raydeen
You reap what you sew........bottom line
-
Richard Lee Cornell
For insurance.
-
Peter L Frank
I guess he forgot the story about the rich man and the camel and the eye of a needle. His congregants may want to find a new pastor.
-
Mary Dacey
This takes me back to a service I attended where the pastor was lecturing on money and wanting donations etc. He lived in the largest home on the street, payed for by the congregation
-
Paul Edward Nunis
Thank goodness that he's now more free to enter the Kingdom of Heaven less burdened with worldly goods. Do they even have gold polish up there?
-
Avanti Middleton
SMH... THOSE WITHOUT SIN CAST THE FIRST STONE...
-
Lionheart
What exactly is sin?
🦁❤️
-
-
Keith Graham Ainsworth
I don't think Jesus would approve of much done in his name by most of the churches or their followers. I have met many good Christians but they are in a minority
-
Carrol Ann Brown
I believe that God has the final say. What would Jesus do? How would Jesus appear before his people ? I don’t know these pastors or his wife. But God knows them and their hearts. They may do a lot for the people of God.They May help many missions. But as the word says let’s explain ourselves and would God be pleased with my actions my love and my appearance to the people of God. You shall know them by their fruit
-
Lionheart
I’m curious as to which God you are referring to, being as the world seems to have created so many? I wonder if any of them are real? 🤔
🦁❤️
-
-
Rev David Drudge
I think that it could be Trash Propaganda
-
Rev David Drudge
Chaos ensued, as congregants undoubtedly thought they might soon be victims of a mass shooting. But the gunmen only wanted Pastor Whitehead’s jewelry Yes > Planed and certainly staged. Who is playing the game is the question I ask myself.
-
-
Reverend Kurt
I wonder if all the jewellery were insured?? If so would he not now be the happy owner of 1 million dollars?
-
Joe Stutler
Poor derp didn't follow his mythical magical critter's rules. Flaunting his grift is pride, he's supposed to give his stuff away and serve his deity.
-
Alicia Szot
You seem to have forgotten that not only did he have $1 million worth of jewelry on him, he also owns a Rolls Royce! How does a Pastor get all this legally?
This "man of god" is no better than televangelists like Joel Olsteen and Kenneth Copeland. They take from the sheep who blindly follow them, and keep it for themselves. These are disgusting human beings. As for "I worked hard for my money so why shouldn't I buy myself nice things?".....so it's all for YOU, right "Pastor"? What about those you serve? And these "churches" are tax exempt! That's garbage!
Shut these fake preachers down! I hope his sheep get smart and leave him in the dust.
-
Douglas Robert Spindler
Is Joel the Pastor in Houston which had one day's collections stolen, it was $500,000. Then just last year $20,000 in cash and checks from that day's offerings was found in the wall of Joel's office,
-
-
Shango MasterExorcist, D.D.
The robbers were inspired by God. it happened in a church were God was present and in charge.
-
Edgar D Bitner
Jim and Tammy Faye would flaunt the hugh diamonds Jim bought Tammy,with donations, live on their TV ministry they also showed off their new mansion with it's air conditioned dog house. Don't forget the preacher who told his rubes he needed money for a new jet,his 6th, or the preacher who said Jesus is unhappy because people aren't giving enough money.Joel Osteen is worth some $50 million and had $650K in donations for One Sunday stolen and stuffed into a bathroom wall in his church. Billy Graham was said to be worth $300 million when he died. Jerry Falwell ruined and robbed Jim and Tammy Faye of their TV and amusement park ministry and took it for himself. Than of course their is the Catholic church with it's child molesters and murderers and it still recieves millions from it's rubesband the New York catholic church received $ 3 billion from the PPP during the pandemic. Religion should be regulated or abolished completely because it is now a for profit business and no longer has anything to do with it's own teachings.
-
Douglas Robert Spindler
Don't forget Rev Popoff that was on Johnny Carson show with the Amazing Randi and Joel Olsten. After one sermon someone, (Joel) took the day offerings for $500M dollars. Just over $20,000 was found stuffed in the walls of Joel's bathroom. One has to ask why would God's money be stuffed in Joel's bathroom wall's?
-
CB Cuff
I wonder what the Zoo Keeper thinks of all this.
-
-
Krystina S.
Reverend Grifter. Shame on him and his wife. Taking advantage of Believers. Of course, his insurance will pay out... and everything he Grifts is tax free? I am beyond disgusted.
-
Dr. Bob Thomas
I have read online that he has other businesses that are doing very well financially. If that is where he gets his wealth to afford such luxury, I cannot fault him for that. What he chooses to do with his wealth is his business.
I would go so far as to suggest, however; that the fragrant display of such wealth while preaching online is an open invitation to what just happened to him (and his wife too?) What is clear is that he put the members of his congregation all at risk by thinking of himself first. That goes to his position as “Shepherd of his Flock” and suggests that he does not truly have their best interest at heart, only his own.
I am reminded of what Paul wrote to the Church at Corinth concerning their personal behavior when gathered together to take the Lord’s Supper.
1 Corinthians 11:20-22 NASB95 Therefore when you meet together, it is not to eat the Lord's Supper, [21] for in your eating each one takes his own supper first; and one is hungry and another is drunk. [22] What! Do you not have houses in which to eat and drink? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you? In this I will not praise you.
The display of that much wealth must have some effect on those of his congregation that might be in poverty or want. Paul is saying that it shames them by doing such a thing. Again, not in the best interest of the flock.
I am left to wonder just what kind of Shepherd he truly is?
His duty: 1 Peter 5:2 NASB95 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness;
I understand that he took off after the thiefs too, leaving his flock behind.
The action of a false or hired shepherd: John 10:12 NASB95 He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them.
This type of person is easily identified within the church.
How they are identified: Jude 1:10-13 NASB95 But these men revile the things which they do not understand; and the things which they know by instinct, like unreasoning animals, by these things they are destroyed. [11] Woe to them! For they have gone the way of Cain, and for pay they have rushed headlong into the error of Balaam, and perished in the rebellion of Korah. [12] These are the men who are hidden reefs in your love feasts when they feast with you without fear, caring for themselves; clouds without water, carried along by winds; autumn trees without fruit, doubly dead, uprooted; [13] wild waves of the sea, casting up their own shame like foam; wandering stars, for whom the black darkness has been reserved forever.
Finally, I am left only with a warning that was many times given to me. God knows the truth, but He waits.
Nothing is hidden that will not be exposed.
-
Jean
I have no idea how he accumulated so much wealth. He said it was his prerogative to spend his wages on whatever he chose, and he is correct. Lots of possibilities here, none of which we can confirm or negate. There are a couple of consistent principles that I have to acknowledge, though: First, we reap what we sow. If he was stealing from his parishioners, perhaps that is why his treasure was taken from him. Second, if he is taking from his parishioners to build up earthly treasure, then he has his earthly reward, and that's that. Does anyone know what his flock have to say about this? Other than to be grateful the gunmen didn't open fire on the entire church? I know that at times, a congregation will follow a misguided pastor down some very crooked paths, so they may have no problem with him wearing diamond rings and gold chains. Sometimes a congregation will dress the pastor and his wife like royalty in order to impress members of other churches... again, they might not have a problem with his wealthy accoutrements. But if they are on food stamps and living in government subsidized housing, they may not be so happy that he has taken their tithes and spent the money on frivolities. If that turns out to be the case, he may be out of a job once all the dust settles. That STILL doesn't give me permission to pass judgment and call him a sinner... so I've said as much as I have any business saying, maybe more...
-
Nicholas J Page
Serves him right as others say.Where did he get the money why flaunt it be it in church or public.Why show off with Rolex watches etc.You only need a watch that tells the time and date.He also drives a Rolls Royce.What for.You need a car to drive to work and back home.This wealth needs investigating Jesus Christ was poor He didn't have money.I reckon he's fleecing the church or his parishioners this stinks to me send in the IRS
-
Rev Frankie PG
Jesus toppled the places of worship where evil was prevailing. Many clergymen get rich by using their tax exempt status while exploiting the very people they claim to help. The old saying goes, 'look for the best car in the lot because that's the minister's car.' Hopefully, yet highly doubtful that these clergymen will finally take a true stand against the tyrants that run around the streets. A church is a soft target (a place where good people are not supposed to bring weapons) and all soft targets are these filth prey on for their next target. Then you combine that with being in New York, I'm not surprised it happens as often as the sermon.
-
Rev. MichaelRS
Pastors and other religious people are not required to live a life of squalor and deprivation just to prove their faith. My theology, and general way of thinking of things, tells me that such money as represented by his and his wife's jewelry could have been put to better uses.
But I'm left with the impression that he's preaching a form of Prosperity Gospel, in which one will be rewarded by God tenfold if they will simply donate to his church (meaning him), which I find rather repugnant because I don't think God is in the habit of taking bribes.
Although out here in California, decades ago, I did enjoy watching, for entertainment purposes, "Reverend Ike" (you can find him on YouTube if you don't know who that is).
Like I say I found the show a little entertaining but even while watching him I realized he was the epitome of everything that was wrong with many televangelist.
-
Ilmenheru Terikson
All who follow Christ are to live as humbly as they can and still survive. Your belly should be empty if there is someone else to be fed. Your body naked if another is in need of your robe against the cold.
Any who says otherwise a ally of the ancient enemy only worthy of the wrath of all who stand with the heavenly host.
So denounce what you said or be deemed a servant of Santana by those true to the faith.
-
Rev. MichaelRS
Citation of scripture please
-
Ilmenheru Terikson
Thanks for outing yourself as a bad faith troll. In formal debate you do not get to make demands of others when you have not already offered up similar. In this case I don't even need to, Dr. Bob already did exactly what you asked.
Though to even show such behavior as would see you kicked out of any formal debate has now dehumanized you in my eyes. As such you have made it clear to all the secular ministers in good standing with the ulc that you are a christofascists apologist.
-
Rev. MichaelRS
Well, in case you have not noticed, we are not in a formal debate here. Sorry to break it to you, but this is the blog post comment section.
And as you mean nothing to me in my life it doesn't matter if in YOUR eyes I am exalted or, as you put it, dehumanized.
Interesting though how you talk about the ancient enemy and Heavenly Host and Satan in one post while exalting ULC SECULAR ministers in the next.
And you say that I am the troll 😄
But good to know that you are the official spokesperson for ALL ULC secular minister. Is that an elected or appointed position? Because I'm left with the impression that it's appointed, as in self-appointed. But if it's an elected position please let me know, because I certainly don't want to miss the next vote.
-
-
-
-
Douglas Robert Spindler
Or what about Peter Popoff Ministries? Then it was proven on the Johnny Carson show he was a scammer, and then came back from the "dead" and is scamming people again in the name of religion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEH_ua68SO8&ab_channel=AkilSharifBey
-
Rev. MichaelRS
Yes, some bad people do bad things in the name of Jesus/God. So what is your point there?
-
Douglas Robert Spindler
Some bad people? Are you joking it's fare more than just some. Just look at all of the people who rip people off in the name of the lord. From church offerings, Holy water, Jesus's face on a piece of toast or on a wall stained with water, claiming God can cure your illness and telling you what stocks God will make you a lot of money off of.
But Christians are the best at Fake News.
With so many dishonest Christians in the world, it's no wonder young people these days want nothing to do with the Christian religion.
-
-
-
-
Johnny Mac
Praying for the Church and the perps. Praying for Pastor and Wife. Amen
-
Alicia Szot
Why don't you send him some money. I'm sure they'd appreciate that much more than your prayers.
-
Douglas Robert Spindler
Instead of praying, as a Christian why not take action. This pastor was a victim of a violent crime, send him some money.
-
-
Rev Mark D
Why didn't one, or some, of those gun toting Christians just blow the robber away? More than likely the robbery was staged, the pastor and his helpers will meet later to split up the loot and then make a claim on insurance. The jewelry itself will be fenced in Asia soon enough.
-
Rev Mark D
King Joel and his Queen are worth far over 100 million.
-
Rev Mark D
"If he did not want them sheared he would not have made them sheep."
-
CB Cuff
Karma. Insurance investigators will have fun with that 'robbery'.
-
Jason LaBarre
I understand investing money in gold and silver has its benefits. But to have that much in jewelry on you person . And was the collection plate taken as well? This sounds more like it was staged. And the. Pastor upped the amount for instance purposes.
-
Rev Mark D
I like the insurance fraud theater angle.
-
Alicia Szot
This scam artist also owns a Rolls Royce.
-
-
Dawn
“There’s no reason for you to come inside a church and violate it.” 😂 but I’ll bet he’s good with forcing a woman to give birth after being violated. What a piece of garbage-probably one of Joel Osteen’s gang.
-
Rev. MichaelRS
And you base that assumption on what, a general hatred for all things Christian?
-
Alicia Szot
I'm sure it's based on a hatred for all scam artists like this "Pastor" and the likes of Olsteen and Copeland.
-
-
-
Allen Alexander
Or was the robbery staged for insurance purposes?
-
Lionheart
Not to worry, I'm sure his God will take revenge on those very naughty boys, just like he takes care of children dying of cancer in hospitals. Oh.....but wait.....he doesn't. Perhaps it's because he doesn't really exists after all 🤔
🦁♥️
-
Ilmenheru Terikson
Ask Mike pence😘
-
David Benrexi
Yes, Lionheart, God exists. The utter depravity of man is not valid proof that this world created itself out of nothing as you suppose. That God doesn't rule his world the way you would does not prove he "doesn't really exist after all." That there is much sickness in any world that turns from God is not something neither you or I warned about.
-
Lionheart
I understand your sentiment, David, but in reality, “no one” has any factual knowledge that any of the worlds gods exist. If any of them did, I am sure that at least one of them would be able to come forward to prove they are real.
By making a claim, as you just did, that “God exists”, you have to be able to back up your claim with some sort of demonstrable evidence. Perhaps what you meant to say was, you “believe” that your God exists, and that is OK, because most of the people on the face of the earth have similar belief systems about their own god. It’s totally OK if those belief systems cannot be proved, and if it helps people get through life, I’m fine with that.
🦁❤️
-
-
-
Ealdormon Piparskeggr Robinson
I'm quite sure the Great Teacher would not smile on this person and their accumulation of wealth, more apt to a follower of Mammon.
-
Clay Serenbetz
Also, why was he wearing all that jewelry during a church service. It should be in a safe deposit box. Why would his flock give him so much money for personal assessories. It defies Jesus' teachings on which the the pastor claims to profess.
-
Douglas Robert Spindler
I guess you are saying people aren't safe in the house of the lord.
-
Clay Serenbetz
They never were safe anywhere.
-
Douglas Robert Spindler
Especially in the house of the lord.
-
-
-
William Albert Hart Jr.
Just think of what his church could look like if he invested that bling money into its structure.
-
-
James Mounts
I'm afraid I agree with the crowd. Any Christian clergy with $1 million worth of anything, anywhere gets no sympathy from me.
-
Douglas Robert Spindler
Guess you are not Catholic. Pope, bishops, cardinals all have millions in jewelry and art. Remember the Catholic church is a for profit business selling religion.
-
Lionheart
The Catholic Church has an estimated wealth of $30 billion.
Try explaining that to those children living in squalor, and dying of hunger in Third World countries, and elsewhere. 😢
🦁❤️
-
Douglas Robert Spindler
That's exactly what Martin Luther found just over 500 years ago with his trip to Rome. He could not believe the opulence, drinking, womanizing and homosexuality that was occurring with the bishops, can cardinals of the Catholic Church. He realized the Catholic church was scamming the poor/starving people in the German territories in the name of God and salvation.
Martin Luther exposed the Catholic Church for the fraud it was and committed the ultimate sin, translated the Bible into German so everyone, not just the priests could read it. The Catholic church is still into opulence, drinking, womanizing, homosexuality and we should add to the list pedophilia still to this day.
-
Paul Edward Nunis
So are the progeny of the Reformation. Perverts and thieves go where the victims are.
-
Douglas Robert Spindler
Would that be in Italy near Rome?
-
-
-
-
-
-
Colleen McAllister
No one, especially a pastor, needs that much jewelry. This is an obscene example of what not to do. This is a bad example of Christianity. I do not believe Jesus would approve.
-
Michael Hinkle
Yes I agree! Why a pastor need that money tied up in jewelry? The pastor must be still carring some of his/her sinful habits.
-
Douglas Robert Spindler
What about the pope?
-
Alicia Szot
This story was about a particular "Pastor" in Brooklyn. The Pope is another story. Besides, the Pope doesn't wear millions of dollars worth of jewelry to mass.
ALL churches should be taxed!
-
Douglas Robert Spindler
Pope may not wear millions of dollars of jewelry to mass, but's as he gives mass he's touching items worth millions of dollars and surrounded by billions of dollars of art. Is there much difference? The pastor got his jewelry thorough offerings. As did the Pope.
-
Alicia Szot
I'm not a fan of organized religion and think the Catholic church is one of the biggest rip-offs, but most of the treasure the church has....paintings, statues, etc.....is from hundreds of years ago.
Now, keep in mind the size of this Pastor's "flock" and then think of the Pope's "flock". There's no comparison!
-
-
-
Ilmenheru Terikson
Literally a whataboutism. You have just forsaken you status as a human and no longer are fit to enter a discussion among reasoned humans.
-
-
-
-
Helen Claire -Estelle Nance
TRUST ME ..!!..THIS WAS PERSONAL.......this so-called ..pastor robbed [ extracted -too-extreme-took-advantage-of ] somebody's little old granny and her grandson... went and recouped Grand ma's money and for -Good measure ...the 'thief'-gunman-----humiliated and neutralized this devil-in-the pulpit... ...the man can't show his face...why??
-
Douglas Robert Spindler
How many other pastors/preachers do the same? Just look at how many mufti-millionaire pastors there are in the US. Just look at Peter Popoff of Peter Popoff Ministries. He was worth millions until The Great Randi (James Randi) showed everyone he was a fraud and a conman. Peter Popoff Ministries was born again and is commenting the same cons and worth even more.
I would like to meet a Christian who can tell me what the difference is between Peter Popoff Ministries and the church they attend. Please tell me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEH_ua68SO8&ab_channel=AkilSharifBey
-
Alicia Szot
No difference at all. Organized religion is a scam just out to fleece those dumb enough to contribute.
-
-
Isn't it great to be an emissary of a profit pushing god. I try to always err on the side of real Christian principals.