Keith Butler
Word of Faith pastor who paid cash for a $1.3 million home while preaching to the poor
Biography
Keith A. Butler is the founding pastor of Word of Faith International Christian Center in Southfield, Michigan, with an estimated 22,000-member congregation. He is a former Detroit City councilman who preaches classic prosperity gospel — constantly encouraging followers to 'sow the seed of prosperity' by giving money to the church, promising hundred-fold returns.
He lives in a $1.3 million home paid for in cash, has owned some 20 properties over the years, and refuses to allow anyone to view his church's financial records. Ministry Watch has urged people to stop giving to his organization due to lack of transparency.
Biblical Assessment
Every preacher is tested against our 5-point biblical framework. Here's how Keith Butler measures up:
Title & Authority
Self-appointed pastor operating a large ministry empire. His church refuses financial transparency and has not complied with voluntary accountability groups like Ministry Watch or ECFA.
Scripture:
2 Corinthians 8:21, 1 Peter 5:2-3, Acts 20:33-35
Gospel Message
Teaches prosperity gospel — that giving to the church produces hundred-fold financial returns. This is 'seed faith' manipulation that replaces the gospel of grace with a financial transaction.
Scripture:
Galatians 1:6-9, Acts 8:18-23, 1 Timothy 6:5
Fruit & Lifestyle
Lives in a $1.3 million home (paid cash), has owned 20+ properties, while preaching to congregants that lack of wealth indicates weak faith. This stigmatizes the poor and contradicts Jesus's teaching.
Scripture:
Luke 6:20, James 2:5-6, 1 Timothy 6:9-10
Revelation vs. Scripture
Teaches Word of Faith theology — that God is powerless to act except what Christians allow through invoking His name in prayer. This blasphemously limits God's sovereignty.
Scripture:
Psalm 115:3, Daniel 4:35, Job 42:2
Finances & Transparency
Refuses to allow anyone to view financial records. Has founded 81 ministries, none compliant with transparency standards. Ministry Watch warns against giving to his organization.
Scripture:
2 Corinthians 8:21, Romans 13:8, 1 Peter 5:2
Key Quotes
These statements from Keith Butler reveal doctrinal error.
"Sow the seed of prosperity by giving money to the church, and it will be returned to you a hundred fold."— Keith Butler
"God is powerless to do anything in this earth except what Christians allow through invoking His Name in prayer."— Keith Butler
"Your words control your destiny. What you say is what you get. Speak wealth and you will have wealth."— Keith Butler
"Poverty is a curse. If you're poor, something is wrong with your faith."— Keith Butler
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & References
All assessments are based on verifiable, publicly available sources:
- •Word of Faith International Christian Center
- •Ministry Watch investigation
- •Real estate records documentation
- •Hank Hanegraaff (Christian Research Institute) criticism
See an error? We strive for complete accuracy. If you believe we've misrepresented Keith Butler's teaching, contact us with evidence and we'll review.
Assessment Summary
Keith Butler teaches doctrine or practices that deviate from Scripture. Exercise caution and discernment.
Affiliated Doctrines
Keith Butler teaches or promotes these doctrines:
Listen Instead To:
These teachers demonstrate biblical faithfulness:
- Paul WasherBold preacher of repentance and holiness
- John MacArthurExpositor and defender of biblical inerrancy
- RC SproulReformed theologian who taught the holiness of God to millions (1939-2017)
Our Method
Every assessment uses our 5-point biblical framework. Learn how to test any teacher against Scripture.
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