LWCC may have been paying for Pastor's stunt plane. (That would be in addition to the private jet.)
Following up on our IRS complaint against the Living Word Christian Center (LWCC), today, CREW provided newly discovered information suggesting LWCC may have also been paying for a stunt plane that Pastor James "Mac" Hammond currently owns. Yes, a stunt plane. Our press release and the key documents can be found here.
Federal Aviation Administration registration records, discovered yesterday by CREW, reveal that Mr. Hammond currently owns a 1995 Flugzeugbau EA-300L, a small two-seat stunt plane. The manufacturer describes the plane as, “[w]ithout a doubt… the premiere aerobatic, sport and professional aircraft on the market today.” It is unclear how long Mr. Hammond has owned this plane and whether LWCC paid for any of its related costs.
Here's what that model of stunt plane looks like:
Plane
As a former member of Mac's congregation, people SHOULD care. The plane is just one piece of the puzzle. Members are encouraged to give until it hurts, even if it means going into debt because of it. Yes, the church does some good things in the community with some of the money. But not only does Hammond benefit too much, so also do his associate pastors and staff. We're not talking about members of this church who are millionaires. Most members earn under $40K/year. Whether they have done anything illegal or not, I am not 100% sure. They watch their backs carefully. But without a doubt what they have done is unethical. By the way, if a member of LWCC leaves, all friendships they have had with people there cease to exsist. If people were to look into the Word/Faith movement in general (past the finances) they may see similarities to cults.
Plane
Im also a former member and the whole thing is like a big shell game. You are right that they cover their backs. I knew someone in the finance dept. and he said the congregation is only told "half" truths in the finance report that the church passes out during stewardship. A lot of shuffeling going on. And what is the deal with them saying the Hammond cabin gated "complex" is a retreat?? I was on staff for many years and I knew it as the Hammond family cabin. And you are right. If you question anything you are shunned. If you decide to go to another church all contact, even amoung friends cease to exisit. That sounds like a very controlling cult to me, not the gospel of Jesus Christ.
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Plane
Here is the association of this plane and Pastor Mac Hammond, and LWCC. He purchased the plane with his own money. How? He makes a great deal of money from speaking engagements - he is an in-demand speaker, so saved around 5 years for it. Around 3 years ago, at the start of the churches building campaign, he donated the plane to the church. A church member purchased the plane for around $250K and gave the plane back to Mac Hammond because he thought he should have it. Mac Hammond decided to give the plane back to the church again for the building campaign, and after the plane didn't sell, he got a loan and purchased the plane back again for another $250K. It's actually a very interesting story, but not one of bilking the church or of greed. He's told this story many times and it is easy to confirm if you wish to find out. I would be very surprised if the IRS would have any problems with this, so if you really want to, go ahead and report it.