Rev. Ike, one of the original “prosperity preachers” has died at age 74. A family spokesman said Rev. Ike, real name Frederick J. Eikerenkoetter, died in a L.A. hospital of complications from a stroke which he suffered two years ago.
Rev. Ike preached prosperity (blessings of abundant wealth) through giving more than the expected small percentage of income (tithing). In his heyday, Rev. Ike raked in millions from his parishioners while living in opulence with a stable of women and Rolls Royce’s.
Rev. Ike was the predecessor to modern day prosperity preachers like Creflo Dollar, a College Park Televangelist who was recently slapped with a multimillion dollar lawsuit for fraud.