Several men of God have been raked over the social media coals for treating themselves to extravagant items like Nike Air Yeezy 2 sneakers, which many church-goers would never be able to afford.
Several pastors have come under fire after an internet user, who identifies himself as an Evangelical Christian, created the Instagram account @preachersnsneakers which shows preachers wearing luxury clothes and shoes.
The Instagram page rapidly gained internet fame, amassing more than 80,000 followers in a little over two weeks.
Despite claiming the account was created just for fun, the founder acknowledged that it raises the question of “what religious leaders are doing with the money their followers give them.”
Among those spotlighted by @preachersnsneakers were notables such as Miami preacher Rich Wilkerson Jr, who officiated Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s wedding, and Hillsong Church NYC pastor Carl Lentz, who baptized Justin Bieber.
One of the pictures shared on the page features celebrity pastor John Gray, who leads Relentless Church in Greenville, wearing high-priced Air Yeezy 2 sneakers which cost nearly $4,000 (K48,439).
In December, he was criticized for buying his wife a Lamborghini Urus to celebrate their eighth anniversary.
Responding to the backlash his generous gift triggered, Gray stressed that he bought the car as a husband, not as a pastor, denying that he plundered church funds.
“First of all, it wasn’t a pastor that bought the car. It was a husband that bought the car. I’m a husband first. Don’t confuse what I do with who I am,” said Gray
A number of bombshell photos has been published by @preachersnsneakers, and many users have lashed out at the overindulgence of the carefree clergymen.
“I’m disgusted, what a hypocrite. I’m no longer supporting his ministry,” a user said, commenting on a photo showing Nathan Finochio, a teaching pastor at Hillsong Church NYC.
“Would be cool to see them give away these shoes at the end of the service to someone they see that needs some new kicks,” another user said.
“I’m sure all their parishioners will be happy to know what they are spending their money on! I wonder what Jesus would think… such humility!” another comment reads.
“Yeezus Christ!” another said.
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