Money wasn't a big part of his message then, James said. It was more about your life as a Christian and what God can do for you. When James returned to the Atlanta area in 1991, the church had swelled into the thousands. She called, hoping to meet with Dollar. The message As World Changers grew, so did Dollar's emphasis on prosperity.
Dollar has no degree in theology.
Much of his prosperity message, according to church and his family members, is based on the teachings of friend and spiritual mentor Kenneth Copeland. Copeland, a nationally known televangelist based in Fort Worth, Texas, also has provided Dollar with financial backing, according to J. Lee Grady, an editor with Charisma Magazine, one of the country's most prestigious Christian publications. It was popularized by Kenneth Hagin Sr., a pastor who stressed the power of affirmations spoken aloud to bring wealth and health to the faithful. In his sermons and books, Dollar says God wants people to prosper, but a person must tithe. A man of vision Dollar's supporters believe strongly in his message.