In a shocking and unexpected turn of events, Covenant Church pastor and renowned televangelist Jesse Duplantis has been hit with a $98,000 fine and a formal warning issued by the oversight committee of the Christian Evangelical Charismatic Movement (CECM) following what has been described as a “heated and deeply troubling incident” during a recent church service held at the sprawling Duplantis Ministries headquarters in Destrehan, Louisiana.
According to multiple eyewitnesses and confidential sources close to the incident, the controversial events unfolded during a high-profile midweek revival service on Wednesday night, which had drawn in thousands of attendees both in-person and via livestream around the world. The evening, which was originally intended to be a celebration of spiritual prosperity and divine breakthroughs, quickly spiraled out of control after Duplantis allegedly lashed out in an aggressive verbal tirade directed toward a small group of attendees who had questioned his use of church funds and the alleged acquisition of yet another private jet.
“He went from preaching about abundance to shouting about betrayal,” said one attendee who asked to remain anonymous. “The whole atmosphere shifted. People were stunned. Some started crying, others walked out. It was like something out of a courtroom drama rather than a worship service.”
Sources from within the church report that Duplantis took offense when a retired deacon from a Texas affiliate congregation politely asked for clarification regarding the church’s most recent financial report, specifically a $1.9 million line item marked “aviation enhancements.” The moment appeared to trigger a cascade of outbursts from the pulpit. Duplantis allegedly accused the man, and others who nodded in agreement, of being “tools of the enemy” and “faithless doubters standing in the way of God’s vision.”
The confrontation escalated to the point that security was called in to remove several members of the congregation, including elderly participants who had long-standing ties to the church. At least one individual required medical assistance after fainting during the ordeal, further prompting public outrage and concern for Duplantis’ conduct and pastoral responsibilities.
Following the incident, a rapid investigation was launched by the Christian Evangelical Charismatic Movement—a coalition of spiritual leaders, financial auditors, and theologians tasked with upholding ethical and doctrinal standards across affiliated ministries. Within 48 hours, the committee voted unanimously to impose a $98,000 fine on Duplantis for “inappropriate conduct unbecoming of a spiritual leader, misuse of church authority, and verbal misconduct within a sacred setting.”
In addition to the financial penalty, the CECM issued an official warning letter that outlined strict conditions for Duplantis to maintain his pastoral status. The letter, made public early this morning, reads in part:
“While Pastor Jesse Duplantis has inspired millions across the globe with his passionate messages of prosperity and divine favor, his recent actions fall far short of the compassion, humility, and spiritual integrity required of a servant-leader in Christ. We hereby issue a formal warning and require immediate compliance with corrective measures, including counseling, transparency audits, and public reconciliation with those harmed by his words.”
As of press time, Duplantis has yet to make a formal apology or comment publicly, but sources indicate that his inner circle is scrambling to control the fallout. A hastily arranged board meeting was held Friday morning at Covenant Church, with several longtime elders reportedly demanding clarity on the ministry’s direction and financial practices. One insider revealed that two board members have already tendered their resignations in protest, citing “a culture of unchecked authority and fiscal opacity.”
Reactions from the Christian community have been swift and polarized. While some remain ardent supporters of Duplantis—citing his decades of preaching, charitable work, and international ministry reach—others are calling for deeper accountability and a more thorough restructuring of the church’s leadership. Online platforms, including Christian forums and social media groups, have lit up with heated debates over the role of prosperity preachers in modern evangelicalism.
“It’s heartbreaking to see a man of God lose his temper in such a public and hurtful way,” said Dr. Miriam Allen, a theologian at Grace Evangelical Seminary. “This is not just about finances; it’s about pastoral care and the emotional safety of congregants. Shepherds are called to lead with love, not intimidation.”
Adding to the growing tension, a leaked email reportedly sent by one of Duplantis’ senior administrative staff suggests that church leaders were warned internally about growing dissatisfaction among members and concerns about “excessive luxury spending” as far back as February. The email, if verified, could raise further questions about whether the incident was truly spontaneous or the boiling point of a long-simmering internal crisis.
The story has also caught the attention of secular media, with several national outlets picking up the headline and reigniting the long-standing debate about the ethics of wealth accumulation in religious institutions. Critics argue that this episode epitomizes the darker side of the prosperity gospel movement, in which spiritual success is too often tied to material wealth and opulence.
As the dust settles, all eyes remain on Jesse Duplantis and the leadership team at Covenant Church. Whether he will rise from this controversy with humility and grace or dig in further remains to be seen. The Christian Evangelical Charismatic Movement has made clear, however, that this is not a matter to be swept under the sanctuary rug.
In the coming weeks, Duplantis is expected to appear before a panel of senior evangelical leaders to discuss his future in ministry. Until then, the $98,000 fine stands, the formal warning is on record, and the echoes of that fateful Wednesday night still linger within the walls of Covenant Church—and the hearts of its stunned congregation.
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