Moguldom Studios, known for their revolutionary style of documentaries called “docutainment,” is set to release Black Church, Inc., an eye-opening expose about controversial issues clouding the church including “love offerings” (cash payments given to ministers), financial abuse and the deification of the mega-church pastor, all while asking… “is prayer-for-profit moral?” The documentary will be released on June 30, 2014 and will be available for purchase on DVD, as well as digital download through online retailers.
Moguldom Studios is leading the way in producing non-theatrical films through digital networks by keeping at the pulse of trending topics that are relevant in today’s ever-evolving world. In Black Church, Inc., the hour-long feature investigates and examines the sensationalism of the black church and its present day relationship with serving the community. Dr. Anthony Pinn, Professor of Religious Studies at Rice University, discusses what he feels is a flaw in the “prosperity gospel,” or the idea that the Bible condones acquiring wealth. The shocking statistics and heart-wrenching stories are sure to raise questions that will have lasting changes in our churches from the inside out.
Viewers will learn about how the days of working class preachers, who didn’t expect financial gain in exchange for spiritual guidance, are gone. A new breed of pastors has emerged: the mega-pastor – one who aims to sell their religious brand and get rich off the gospel.
The film compares the black church’s origins to its modern day cultural relevance, and focuses on modern mega-churches, as well as asking hard-hitting questions about service vs. the extravagant lifestyles of its multi-million dollar ministers and ministries. As the nation attempts to bounce back from a recession, mega-churches continue to raise hundreds of millions of dollars to fund their pastors’ exorbitant lifestyles.
Through interviews with clergy members, politicians, community leaders and journalists, Black Church, Inc. explores whether the preachers, parishioners or communities are the benefactors of the millions of tax-free revenue generated by religious organizations.
Black Church, Inc. attempts to justify the dichotomy of the profits of prophets. It takes a look at pastors who are seen as activists including Rev. Taharka Robinson, Rev. Al Sharpton and Pastor Raphael Warnock, as well as other pastors such as Rev. Eddie Long, Rev. Creflo Dollar andRev. T.D. Jakes.
“The purpose of our films is to provoke thought…to spark debate. Here at Moguldom, we accept the challenge of initiating difficult conversations. Black Church, Inc. is another example of presenting a question that many people within our community have been wondering,” says Brett Dismuke, President of Moguldom Entertainment.
Production credits include Todd L. Williams as director, producer and writer, as well as Jamarlin Martin, Marve Frazier, Barion L. Grant as executive producers, and Gloria Camacho as executive in charge.
