In person, Paula White is disarmingly petite and polite. It's not until you see her strutting across the stage of a packed arena belting out a call and response sermon that you begin to grasp her powers. White is just as convincing speaking in tongues as she is delivering gentle, new-age sounding relationship advice. It makes you wonder if she's the love child of Dr. Joyce Brothers and James Brown.
As Pastor of the 22,000 member mega-church, Without Walls International, Paula White qualifies as a genuine Bay Area celebrity. Her personal story of abuse, poverty, redemption and riches inspire her local congregation and the millions who watch her television ministry around the world. That's why White's recently announced separation with husband and co-Pastor, Randy White made big news. It also revived concerns about the million dollar homes, luxury cars and other trappings of wealth both Paula and Randy display so openly.
Among the questions I pose on Flashpoint:
- How did you come to have such a large and loyal following among African Americans?
- Why do you live like a rock star?
- Why won't you reveal how much money you and Randy White take from the church?
- Does the end of your marriage with Randy White call into question your commitment to Biblical teachings?
It's what the promotional department would call "A Very Special Flashpoint" this Sunday Morning at 11:00. Come back to this space and leave a comment to let me know what you think.
Have a great weekend,
Brendan McLaughlin