In 2017 the Philadelphia Church of God bought a Gulfstream Jet for the use of Gerald Flurry. It was supposed to be used to visit world leaders like Herbert Armstrong did back in the 1970/1980's. Flurry has never had an original thought in his brain and has to constantly find ways to imitate Herbert Armstrong. The main difference between Flurryand HWA and their jets is that he has never used it to visit world leaders. It is only a private luxury service for himself, Lil'Stevie, the grandkids that are into Irish dance, and certain Edmond HQ elite.
One of the reasons to justify the purchase of the jet was it will allow Flurry to travel in isolation instead of on a commercial aircraft where he would have to sit by unconverted heathens of the world, who might be unwashed, have body order, or carry some disease. God's true servants must be kept untainted from the world!
Gareth Fraser, who at the time wrote this was one of the elitist children of the HQ ministry, says:
"One of the birthright blessings that the descendants of Abraham received from God was the means by which to invent air travel. Wilbur and Orville Wright began the progression to today’s high-tech passenger jet airplanes in 1903 with their four short flights at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Because of this astounding invention, God’s Work was able to soar to new levels of effectiveness during the 20th century.
Jesus Himself prophesied, “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come” (Matthew 24:14). In the sixth era of the Church, the gospel was preached through Herbert W. Armstrong, and in order to most effectively preach the gospel to the world, God’s apostle was required to utilize this invention. Though he had to battle and overcome a fear of flying at first, Mr. Armstrong went on to fulfill this divinely-inspired commission through traveling around the world by plane."
"For the past 28 years, Mr. Flurry has trumpeted the royal vision of God’s “prophesy again” message. He also has walked by foot, driven by car, and flown around the world by aircraft preaching Christ’s gospel. Recently, the pcg acquired a Gulfstream G-450 to aid in fulfilling the commission—just as Mr. Armstrong did. The gospel is once again going around the world, and this time, the completion of the Church’s commission will lead directly to the event that this gospel is centered around: the return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of the Kingdom of God—the government that will finally bring world peace." How the Gospel Was Taken Around the World
“The Gulfstream G450 Jet is now paid off. We own it. God’s church is debt free. We don’t own anything to anybody–except to God. We own everything–Edstone, Edmond, all the equipment, the aircraft, the vehicles. We own God’s revelation, the most valuable gift of all.” More Craziness From PCG's Andrew Locher: "PCG is Debt Free, We Own Everything - Even God's Revelations, The Most Valuable Gift Of All!"
“All over the world, brethren continue to sacrifice at record-setting levels,
“ensuring we have the resources to expand God’s Work.
“The expanded projects in Israel have benefited from this increase. Most recently, the UK-Europe-Africa office sent $54,000 to Israel to promote the excavations, as well as full-time staff and students to excavate and renovate.
“…the Church continues to expand our educational efforts around the world.
“…we have had an increase in both income and expense. Our cost of operation continues to increase now that ministers are able to travel.
“As with family budgets, inflation has resulted in rising costs for the Work …
“We are carefully monitoring the budget,
“but with the excavation and new office in Israel, America Under Attack [booklet], replenishment of literature
“inventory all over the world and other projects, we have much to plan for.“During the upcoming ministerial conference, we will have the 16-year inspection/maintenance performed on the Church’s aircraft.
“If possible, please consider making donations to the aircraft fund (only if you are able)
“to help us prepare for this expensive event.
MinistryWatch had this little tidbit about Flurry's jet:
Regarding the Canadair Challenger CL-600-2B16 jet owned by the Rhema Bible Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma; the Tulsa County appraiser’s office told Trinity Foundation investigators that aircraft are not assessed property taxes in Oklahoma. This would include the Philadelphia Church of God’s Gulfstream G450 in Oklahoma City, which is apparently not assessed property taxes as well. Million Dollar Homes Become Status Symbols of Televangelists and Pastors
Twitter has a feed that focuses on the private jets of ministry leaders, including Gerald Flurry and the PCG:
Philadelphia Church of God owns a Gulfstream GIV-X which is also known as a Gulfstream G-450. On March 19th, the jet made a roundtrip flight from Oklahoma City to Birmingham, England with a stop in Bangor, Maine on the return trip. pic.twitter.com/MFpnczriRQ
— pastorplanes (@pastorplanes) July 15, 2021
The roundtrip international flights took 18.5 hours of flying time. According to Aircraft Cost Calculator, the Gulfstream G-450 has an hourly operating cost of approximately $4,363. Estimated travel costs are $80,716.
— pastorplanes (@pastorplanes) July 15, 2021
The Trinity Foundation also monitors Gerald Flurry's jet trips: Calculating the Cost of Ministry-Owned Aircraft Flights
Philadelphia Church of God members are bled dry sending on money to finance the extravagant lifestyles of Gerald, Lil'Stevie, the grandkids, and the PCG elite. None of these people suffer financially as they live in church-owned homes, and have all their repair bills, lawn work, etc paid for by the church. They drive church vehicles and receive huge ministerial allowances that allow for gas and other expenses. They are over in need of anything. Yet, the lower masses of the church are seen only as a cash machine to keep the money flowing in.
Gerald Flurry Follows in HWA's Steps and Buys Gulfstream G450 Jet