Mike Murdock
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Michael Dean Murdock (born April 18, 1946 in Lake Charles, Louisiana,United States) is a televangelist and pastor of the Wisdom Center ministry based in Fort Worth, Texas. His father, J.E. Murdock, is also a pastor. Murdock was educated in LaGrange High School in Lake Charles, and in Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Waxahachie for three semesters. He received an honorary doctorate from International Seminary in Florida.
Mentored under Jimmy Swaggart, Murdock preaches around the world. He often preaches with Benny Hinn, and also preached with Tammy Faye Bakker. He also hosts the Wisdom Keys with Mike Murdock television program.
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[edit] Preaching style
[edit] Prosperity doctrine
Mike Murdock places a great emphasis on Prosperity Doctrine. This has drawn criticism from many. Mike Murdock's message focuses almost exclusively on viewers giving money, usually in precise dollar amounts, to his ministry (which he euphemistically calls "sowing seed"). He then explicitly claims that this giving of cash to his ministry will result in financial prosperity to those who give. In fact, he teaches that there is something special about giving at least $1,000 to him. He makes statements about the "thousand dollar seed" repeatedly during his program. He refers to these donations as "giving money to God." He frequently mentions that there are 1,189 chapters in the Bible, and that therefore an equal number of his viewers should send a sizeable donation to his ministry. He makes very few direct references to scripture, preferring instead to make statements about what Jesus wants believers to do. One passage of scripture that he constantly refers to is Luke 6:38, often used by Prosperity Doctrine preachers to back up their belief system.
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[edit] Prophetic claims
Murdock frequently claims to be directly speaking the words of God during his preaching. He frequently "decrees" things, claiming that this decree will certainly come true because the Spirit is speaking through him.
[edit] Written works
Murdock is the author of dozens of books and pamphlets, many self-published. The most recent is The Uncommon Leader, a book which he says reveals the keys to success in life.
