Rev Ike’s net worth was estimated to be $5 million at the time of his death in 2009. Frederick J. Eikerenkoetter II, better known as Reverend Ike, was an American minister and evangelist who preached a prosperity gospel message. He was known for his flamboyant style and teachings that emphasized material wealth as a sign of God’s blessing. Rev Ike built a large following through his church in New York City, radio and television broadcasts, and books promoting his “Science of Living” philosophy. Though controversial to some, Rev Ike was influential in popularizing prosperity theology and remained active in ministry until suffering a stroke in 2007, passing away two years later at age 74.
Rev Ike Biography Key Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Frederick Joseph Eikerenkoetter II |
| Net Worth 2024 | $5 million (at time of death in 2009) |
| Profession | Minister, Evangelist |
| Date of Birth | June 1, 1935 |
| Age of 2024 | Would have been 88 (deceased in 2009) |
| Birthplace | Ridgeland, South Carolina, USA |
| Gender | Male |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches (estimated) |
| Ethnicity | African American, Dutch-Indonesian |
| Nationality | American |
| Parents’ Names | Frederick Eikerenkoetter Sr. and Mamie Eikerenkoetter |
| Wife | Eula M. Dent |
Early Life
Frederick J. Eikerenkoetter II was born on June 1, 1935, in Ridgeland, South Carolina. He was raised in a Baptist family, with his father being a minister. From a young age, Eikerenkoetter showed an interest in preaching, delivering his first sermon at age 14. He attended the American Bible College in Chicago, earning a bachelor’s degree in theology in 1956. After college, he served two years in the Air Force as a chaplain’s assistant, an experience that would shape his future ministry approach.
Career
Rev Ike’s career in ministry began in earnest after his time in the Air Force. He founded his first church, the United Church of Jesus Christ for All People, in Beaufort, South Carolina. Later, he moved to Boston and established the Miracle Temple. In 1966, Rev Ike relocated to New York City, where he founded the United Church Science of Living Institute. His charismatic preaching style and prosperity message attracted a large following. Rev Ike became known for his radio and television broadcasts, reaching millions of listeners and viewers across the country. He was one of the first African American evangelists to reach a large multiracial audience.
Rev Ike Net Worth 2024
At the time of his death in 2009, Rev Ike’s net worth was estimated to be $5 million. He earned his wealth primarily through his ministry activities, including church donations, sales of books and audio recordings, and fees from his radio and television broadcasts. Rev Ike was known for his lavish lifestyle, which he saw as a demonstration of his prosperity teachings. He owned multiple properties, including a mansion in Los Angeles and his church’s headquarters in a former theater in New York City. While controversial, his financial success was seen by his followers as proof of his teachings’ effectiveness.
Awards and Achievements
While Rev Ike did not receive traditional awards in the sense of industry accolades, his achievements were significant in the realm of religious broadcasting and prosperity theology. He was one of the first African American ministers to reach a large, multiracial audience through television and radio. Rev Ike’s United Palace, formerly Loew’s 175th Street Theatre, was designated a New York City landmark in 2016, recognizing its architectural and cultural significance. His “Science of Living” philosophy influenced many later prosperity gospel preachers, cementing his legacy in American religious history.
Personal Life
Rev Ike was married to Eula M. Dent, and they had one son, Xavier F. Eikerenkoetter. Xavier later became involved in his father’s ministry and took over leadership after Rev Ike’s stroke in 2007. Rev Ike’s parents were Frederick Eikerenkoetter Sr., a Baptist minister of Dutch-Indonesian descent, and Mamie Eikerenkoetter, an elementary school teacher. His mixed heritage influenced his inclusive approach to ministry. Rev Ike was known for his flamboyant personal style, often wearing elaborate suits and jewelry, which he saw as a manifestation of his prosperity teachings.
Favorite Quotes from Rev Ike
- “The best thing you can do for the poor is not to be one of them.”
- “It is not the lack of money that is the root of all evil; it is the LOVE of money that is the root of all evil.”
- “Don’t wait for your ship to come in, swim out to it.”
- “This is the do-it-yourself church. The only savior in this philosophy is God in you.”
- “My garages runneth over.”
FAQs
What was Rev Ike’s main teaching?
Rev Ike’s main teaching was a form of prosperity theology, which he called the “Science of Living.” He taught that financial success and material wealth were signs of God’s blessing and could be achieved through positive thinking and faith.
How did Rev Ike build his wealth?
Rev Ike built his wealth through his ministry activities, including church donations, sales of books and audio recordings, and fees from his radio and television broadcasts.
What was controversial about Rev Ike’s teachings?
Rev Ike’s emphasis on material wealth and his lavish lifestyle were controversial, with critics arguing that he exploited his followers and distorted Christian teachings for personal gain.
Did Rev Ike have any formal theological training?
Yes, Rev Ike attended the American Bible College in Chicago, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in theology in 1956.
What happened to Rev Ike’s ministry after his death?
After Rev Ike’s death in 2009, his son Xavier took over leadership of the ministry and continues to promote his father’s teachings.
Conclusion
Rev Ike’s legacy as a pioneering prosperity gospel preacher continues to influence American religious culture. His net worth of $5 million at the time of his death in 2009 reflected the success of his ministry and teachings. While controversial, Rev Ike’s impact on the landscape of American evangelism is undeniable. He broke racial barriers in religious broadcasting and popularized ideas that would shape the prosperity gospel movement. Whether viewed as a spiritual leader or a savvy entrepreneur, Rev Ike’s life and career offer a unique window into the intersection of faith, wealth, and American culture in the late 20th century.
