Creflo Dollar is an American controversial televangelist, pastor, and author.
He is also the founder and head of World Changers Church International, Creflo Dollar Ministerial Association, Creflo Dollar Ministries, and Arrow Records record label.
Born on January 28, 1962, in College Park, Georgia, USA, Creflo grew up in a Christian-devout family, something that significantly influenced his early Christian faith.
However, what caught many people’s attention was his rise to a celebrity preacher and his tendency to change his name and that of his churches.
While most of his followers globally know him as Creflo Dollar, others believe that this is not his real name.
So, why did Creflo Dollar change his name?
Creflo Dollar’s Birth Name
First things first… what was creflo dollar real name?
Well, Creflo Dollar was the only son of Creflo Augustus Dollar Sr. and Emma Dollar.
Born Michael Smith, Creflo is believed to have a happy childhood life, living in a rich and working-class neighborhood in College Park, Georgia.
Although there is no information about his siblings, his father worked in a police department before he died in 1993 while his mother was a homemaker.
Before his teen years, Creflo’s name was changed from Michael Smith to Creflo Augustus Dollar Jr. His parents wanted him to have the same name as his father.
Also, Dollar is regarded as his family name, which explains why all of his children have Dollar as their last name.
His childhood friends also called him “Little Cref”
From Creflo Dollar to Moneybags McGee
After making his fortune through preaching his prosperity gospel, Creflo Dollar decided to change his name to Moneybags McGee.
According to him, his name “Dollar” had already brought him the fortune he desired; so, he wanted a name that could reflect his wealth and make people take him more seriously.
Consequently, he filed a successful petition to legally change his name to Moneybags McGee.
It is vital to remember that Creflo started his prosperity gospel business named World Changers Ministries Christian Center, now World Changers Church International (WCCI) during his university days.
His ministries are famous for prosperity-centered sermons, which explains his over $30-million net worth and expensive taste of properties such as two private jets and million-dollar homes.
To make his congregation believe in his teachings, Creflo wanted a name that spoke more about his gospel and wealth, like Moneybags McGee.
Creflo had also filed several petitions to Georgia’s Supreme Court seeking to change his name.
He desired to adopt names like Piles O’Cash, Rollin’ in Dough, Filthy Rich, and $.
However, all petitions were unsuccessful.
Creflo To Get A Highway Named After Him
In January 2016, Senator Donzella James and four other co-sponsors filed Senate Resolution 805 proposing the dedication of part of the Old Nation Highway in Fulton County in honor of Rev.
Creflo Dollar. Sen. James applauded Creflo for his great work, saying that his church had helped many needy people in the community through donations.
She proposed that, after 30 years of doing good things and already having a bridge named after him, it was a good idea to have signs bearing his name as Creflo Dollar Hwy erected between Hwy 138 and the bridge at Interstate 285.
The proposal, however, faced serious opposition, especially from one political blogger who sought it to be blocked immediately.
That is because, to most people, Creflo Dollar is a blasphemous preacher who gets money from his unsuspecting congregation to finance his lavish life.
Also check: Where is Creflo Dollar Now?
