The Effectiveness of Church-Based Prosperity Programs: Findings of an Exploratory Study

Data were collected from 50 free will volunteer clergy from a denomination that has traditionally offered prosperity education programs in its churches and centers. The questions were divided into four major categories: type and frequency of prosperity program; behaviors and attitudes; participation rates; and importance and impact of prosperity programs. Key findings were: 1. Wide disparities exist between how Prosperity Principles are defined, taught and applied. 2. Clergy are unclear what the Bible or the denomination's founder say about prosperity, money, wealth and related topics. 3. Clergy use Prosperity Programs to attract new people into the church but find the programs do not help to further integrate newcomers into the spiritual community. This paper concludes with a summary of respondents’ and author’s suggestions for going forward. BONUS! Includes a valuable red-letter reference chart straight from the gospels on what Jesus said about prosperity!!