Preacher to Pay Whites to Attend His Church

S H R E V E P O R T, La., Aug. 1 -- Bishop Fred Caldwell says Jesus never intended for his Shreveport, La., church to be exclusively black, so he plans on paying whites to come to mass.

"There's a need for diversity in the body of Christ and especially on Sunday morning, we need to look like the kingdom of God. I don't think at this point we're there."

Caldwell says he will pay whites $5 per hour to attend Sunday services at Greenwood Acres Full Gospel Baptist Church and $10 an hour for the Thursday service.

"People get paid to go a lot of places, we might as well at church," Caldwell said.

Caldwell said the idea to encourage whites to attend his church in exchange for money came to him while he was looking out at his parishioners during his Sunday sermon.

He says the predominantly black community at Greenwood Acres is largely supportive of his unconventional attempt to expand the diversity of the congregation.

"We have a few that are not agreeing with it, don't necessarily see the vision. As they stick around they'll probably see the vision," Caldwell said. "We need to reach all people."

Since news of his plan got out, the calls started coming in from people interested in finding out more.

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Caldwell says some of the calls were from people who didn't want the money, but were just happy to be invited.

Caldwell says he expects those who come for the payoff to return for the word of God and not a five-spot in the future.

"When they get here, they will hear the word of God, which brings faith because faith comes by hearing, and hearing the word of God," Caldwell said. "It will get the audience I believe that really needs to hear the gospel and they will go out and in turn, tell others," he said

The white visitors who want to be paid will have to register when they attend Greenwood Acres. Caldwell says he will pay them from his pocket and enlist the help of the congregation if needed.

The preacher says he plans to put out more chairs in his church this Sunday.